The big project for our STEM Senior Engineering class is called the Capstone. We have until the end of the school year to create a working prototype of a new or improved product idea. The product must fulfill a need and be different from what is currently out there. Throughout the class we have been learning and honing skills to improve our engineering capability and support us for the Capstone. 

In this unit we completed Step 3 of the design process for our Capstone. We aggregated all of the work we hitherto completed on the Capstone, and we performed an in-depth analysis. We then used that information to present our work to some representatives from the STEM board and had the opportunity to request more funding if needed.  We also evaluated our alternative concepts and analyzed the life cycle of our product. The unit culminated in this Digital Portfolio Update where we compiled our work from the unit.

In this Step, I believe I did a good job collaborating and communicating with my group. I have been helping out as much as I can from home, and have created a scale model of our shelf on Onshape using the dimensions of our shelf from a diagram I found on Amazon—where we bought it. Our shelf is a 3-tier Furinno Pasir shelf that I helped my group pick out earlier in the Capstone prototyping process. I also found an existing model of an Arduino Uno, which I uploaded to save time.

I could have done a better job sharing my thoughts and ideas with my group, as I did not really help them in a creative way. I also could have done a better job critically thinking, as I was not able to figure out how to make a functioning model. I will try to continue helping out as much as I can; first, I will continue working on the 3D model of our prototype—the next steps would be to look for existing models for our LCD screens, other circuit boards, and connective wiring. I couldn't find a model for the weight sensors, so I will have to make one myself. Luckily, I found many diagrams online and can import the 3D model for the brackets that we 3D-printed to secure them in place. I would like to make a functioning 3D model, but, due to time constraints, I don't think this will be a possibilty, especially considering that I have to model our weight sensors—the cornerstone of our prototype—myself. I will be sure to continue to communicate and collaborate with my group on the Capstone for the duration of our work time.