For the first learning module, Disha partnered with Yuliana to learn about Arduino. Together, they learned about the parts of an Arduino and what they do, and were able to play around with some LEDs using the Arduino and Arduino IDE. At the end of the learning module, both Disha and Yuliana had a basic understanding of how the Arduino worked.
Disha and Yuliana worked together for the second learning module again. They took on working on the digital lending library. Disha and Yuliana collectively researched different products that could teach elementary school kids computational thinking. They decided what products to purchase with the budget they had and also planned out what products would work best to teach each grade. They were able to purchase a few products, but there was still lots to be done and plan to continue working on this even after the learning module is over.
For the third learning module, Disha and Yuliana learned how to solder. First, they went over safety tips before beginning to work with the soldering. Then they began to learn the basics of soldering with a soldering kit that was provided to them by Mr. Detrick. Although they found it a bit difficult at first, they eventually got the hang of it and were glad that they could now use their new skill in future learning modules.
For learning module number 4, Disha paired up with Anu and together they created a 3x3x3 LED cube. Anu did most of the soldering and Disha did the coding, although they both helped each other out with both parts. Overall, this was a very fun learning module for the both of them and it strengthened their soldering skills, and they got to understand Arduino code a bit better.
For the fifth learning module, Disha and Isaac attempted to build a self navigating car. The car was intended to sense objects in front and on the sides of it, and turn right or left depending on which way was clear. Some things new things Disha learned how to use were ultrasonic sensors and DC motors. Although they were not able to make their car do everything they wanted, Disha and Isaac still learned a lot and had a fun time building the car from scratch!
LEARNING MODULE #6 : WEBSITE
Disha and Reilyn decided to learn some HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to make a website about environmental issues for learning module number 6. They used websites like Khan Academy and W3Schools to learning how to create their own website, and used Replit to actually code their website. Disha and Reilyn believe that this was a valuable learning module and the skills they learned will be useful in the futures.
Disha and Anu worked with Taryn and Nate to set up the CS library showcase. There hadn't been a CS showcase since 2019 because of the pandemic, so they were excited to be able to have one again! They spent most of their time creating the slides presentation for the showcase, but when they weren't, they helped Mr. Detrick get some Chromebooks ready so he could donate them to low-income families.
Disha and Walter got inspiration from a learning module Sophie Martin did in a previous year and made a lego color sorter. There goal was to create a prototype of a color sorter using a color sensor and servo motors. This was one of Disha's favorite learning modules because although she likes the coding aspect of things, she really enjoys building them.
Link to Final Write-Up
Disha and Walter decided to work together again and make a piano/keyboard using arduino. They found a lot of similar projects online, all with their own twists. They figured this project would take them less than the 25 days allotted to them for the learning module, so they split the module in half and decided to build a sturdier, neater version of the color sorter from the last learning module, and fix some of the code that was an issue towards the end. This learning module definitely could've had a better outcome, but it was still an interesting experience.