Problem Statement

According to the CDC, there are up to 13 diseases and 3 parasites that are directly transmitted by mosquitos and their bites. Of up to the 500 million people affected by these diseases each year, over a million of these cases are fatal. Because of the nature of their size, and how widespread they are, this is a worldwide issue.

Introduction

Here, we can breakdown the process so far into our four STEM principles, to analyze the extent of the project. In doing so, we can not only understand what has been done thus far, but how everything interacts and where it comes from. It will be helpful to take a moment ant reflect upon the basic foundations of where the project’s basis of development and design comes from.

Science

Documentation of design and development process- Each step toward the completion of my prototype, I had to document everything I had done or planned to do. I had created “elements” or documents that highlighted specific topics throughout my design and development process. It was helpful to have an organized and well-detailed document folder where I could easily review my information.

Material Research- To make sure I could maximize my purchases and the efficiency of my prototype, I had to the conduct research of which materials will be the best suited for my project. Wood seemed to be the clear winner, but because of the time and tool constraints, constructing with this material would be overly difficult. This research was vital to the progression of my project, without the proper materials, my prototype would be left uncomplete while I ordered new components.

Scientific Method- The scientific method was used in the testing portion on my project and was able to guide me through the necessary step to take when conducting this research. Even though I never clearly stated that I would be using this method, it was heavily implied throughout that section of development.

Develop testing and construction procedures- To have safe and effective testing, I had to design a list of procedures, materials, and precautions to ensure that I will get the desired results without risking my own safety. It was nice to see how after taking the time to develop a thought-out document, I was able to reap the rewards with a smooth testing process with clear and concise results.

Technology

AUTODESK TINKERCAD- I used the Autodesk software, Tinker CAD, to design 3D models and to test the code I created on virtual simulation of my electronics. It was a phenomenal help to have a digital platform that I could edit my code with and to design my electronic components before constructing my prototype.

Microsoft Office 365- I used Microsoft’s Office 365 software to create word documents and power points. Most of my documentation process and organization of concepts were done using Office 365 applications. It was extremely useful when all my Microsoft documents synced up and I could easily manage all my documents into simple and organized files. I love organization, and this helped meet my standards.

Arduino- When deciding how I was to create a motion-activated mosquito trap, I needed to use something I was familiar with, and I knew would succeed. Remembering the electronics class, I had taken my sophomore year, I figured I could re-learn the basics of Arduino coding and electronics to make a functioning prototype. Despite the challenges, the Arduino components worked exactly how I needed them to.

Google Forms- To test the viability of any project I could have thought to do, I first had to start with seeing how the customers would feel about it. I used Google forms to create a survey in which I could conjure my peers’ opinions into a single form to justify and improve my project. This was extremely helpful in developing on further my project. Especially when I had little idea the necessity for my prototype’s creation.

Google Sites- With the well-detailed and organized documents I had developed throughout the duration of this year, it came time to organize them into a public website where the information and data I had gathered throughout the year could be easily accessed. This was and optimal move to make when I needed to display my information in a cohesive and online platform.

Engineering

Problem Statements- The problem statement is where the entirety of the project stems from. Essentially, because there is an issue, I need to make a solution. The one problem statement I created is found on each of my “element” documents because it is the same problem I aim to fix as each element comes and goes.

Drawing sketches to develop concepts for a design and plans to create a prototype- Early in the design process, before I had a set concept, I made a set of 15 drawings in which I was able to choose those that could serve as a candidate to be expanded upon. Even in the finalization of design process, I needed to sketch drawings with accurate measurements that I could use to solidify and finalize my design.

Constructing a prototype with all its components- The actual construction phases is when the extend of my engineering knowledge needed to be used. I had to create a prototype all by myself and use the material I had selected to do so. The entire function was a compilation of problem-solving and making unplanned, last minute decisions.

Similar Solutions Matrix- After conducting research on previous solutions to my issue, I had created a Similar Solutions Matrix. This Matrix consisted of the solutions I had found, graded by the specifications it met. Some of these specifications were negative as some were positive. The goal was to see where the market had already aimed its products, and where I could aim mine next.

Decision Matrix- Once I had completed sketching all 15 of my concept designs, I needed to decide which of them would be efficient and viable. I tallied their points with the use of a rubric. Each tally a concept made, the more points it would get. I decided to select the top three winners of the concept creation and figure out how to move forward with one or all the designs.

Mathematics

Calculating the size of my shell and where and how my contents will fit- Before I could construct my prototype, I needed to plan everything out to ensure everything would have a place within the confines of the prototypes shell. After reviewing the size of all my materials, I found a cardboard shell that worked perfectly with the items I was working with.

Measuring the dimensions of all my materials- Once I found the components, I would be using for thins prototype, I needed to measure each and further evaluate how I can make a feasible prototype. It was not too difficult considering most of my items were small and easy to manage, however it was still necessary to measure and document the dimension of each and all my materials. This helped to maximize the space I was using and gave me the freedoms I needed to have an aesthetically appealing prototype.

Conclusions

Taking apart the project, it was interesting to see where my basis of development and design had come from. Most, if not all the elements listed had a dedicated purpose and served to interact with the others listed along with it. It was nice to feel confident in each of these branches of STEM. Not only was I confident, but I was able to see how I was able to grow with these concepts throughout the year. For example, I was more comfortable working with computer software and electronics, because learning was virtual. Not only that, but because I was to construct my own prototype, I had gained a more comfortable stance in independence for these concepts. I was able to create something without having total reliance on a teacher or instructor, especially when it involved all branches of STEM.