Embedded Files
Learning Module #1
Ultrasonic Tape Measure with Nate Arteaga
For the first learning module, Taryn Faccenda and Nate Arteaga decided to make an ultrasonic tape measure using an arduino, LCD (liquid crystal display) screen equipped with an i2c, and an ultrasonic sensor. The LCD screen makes it possible to read the data the sensor is collecting without reading it off the computer monitor. LCD screens work by using liquid crystals to produce an image. The liquid crystals are embedded into the display screen, and when the backlight is activated, it produces light that is obstructed by the liquid crystals, creating the image.The ultrasonic sensor works by sending out a burst of ultrasound and listening for the echo when it bounces off of an object. For this project, Taryn and Nate used the Arduino Editor to program the tape measure, when the tape measure read a distance greater than 5 inches, the LCD screen would print the data the sensor collected in inches, igniting a green light. When the sensor had a reading less than 5 inches, the LCD screen would print "Too Close!", igniting a red light.
Below is a video example of the tape measure.
Learning Module #2
GirlsCodingWithGirls Planning with Gabby Fama and Jenna Weldon
GirlsCodingWithGirls Planning with Gabby Fama and Jenna Weldon
For the second learning module, Taryn, Gabby, and Jenna decided to start planning and working on the upcoming GirlsCodingWithGirls event. This event has been a Warren Hills staple for the past several years. In GCWG, high school CS students hold lessons at the high school to teach elementary and middle school aged girls about Computer Science and programming. This program was nationally recognized back in 2018 for outstanding achievement in the world of computer science education. For this module, Taryn was given the task of creating the lessons for the Maqueen robot, as well as the BBC Micro:bit. For this module, the three girls split up into different sections of the planning, tasked with assigning roles, registration, creating lessons, etc. The sessions are starting on October 18th, 2021 and end November 15th, 2021
Learning Module #3
Soldering Practice Board with Jenna Weldon and Gabby Fama
For the third learning module, Taryn, Gabby, and Jenna learned how to solder using a soldering practice kit provided by Mr. Detrick. She learned how to solder circuit boards, while also learning how to desolder something if it got soldered in the wrong place. Initially, she was confused as to why some of the solder wasn't transferring onto the board, but she learned that the solder has to be on a specific temperature for it to melt the solder. Getting the solder correct took a lot of work, it took her a long time to get it right. She also learned the correct way to solder the resistors into their ports on the board. It took her a while to get everything soldered in the correct place, as well as soldered neatly, without severing the connections and ruining/burning the board. After a long struggle, she got everything to work first try, after a little issues trying to desolder a capacitor soldered in the wrong place. Her circuit board works correctly and perfectly now, lighting up and buzzing when a battery is attached to it.
Below is a video example of the soldering board
Learning Module #4
Amazon Alexa with Gabby Fama
Amazon Alexa with Gabby Fama
For this learning module, Taryn tackled the Amazon Alexa with her partner Gabby. This was a fairly difficult learning module compared to the other ones she had taken part in. Following the tutorial for the code took a long time, with a lot of errors and mistakes. This code seemed easy above the surface, but became more difficult as they dove into it. Through this learning module, Taryn learned how to create simple Amazon Alexa skills, where the Alexa code will collect the user's birthday, returning how many days it is until their next birthday. To create this code, Taryn and Gabby had to learn how to create intents, slots, and utterances. Much like in java, a coding language Taryn was more used to, intents are similar to classes. Intents, in her case the SpeakToDetrickIntent, held data called slots and utterances. Utterances are phrases the user can respond with when asked the question by the Alexa program, these cover all of the possible responses the user can give. Slots are repeated words and phrases, making creating the utterances easier.
Examples of the code along the side
Learning Module #5
Virtual Reality using Unity with Nate Arteaga
Virtual Reality using Unity with Nate Arteaga
For this learning module, Taryn and Nate learned how to code in Unity, creating games and virtual reality software to be used on an Oculus. For this module they used the 2020 version of Unity from the Unity Hub, a tutorial from Unity Learn, and the Oculus Go. They learned how to build projects, create Android versions of the projects to download onto Oculus Developer, how to even put the Oculus into Developer Mode, and how to import a Unity Project onto the Oculus Go. Originally, they had tried to create a 3D interactive Escape Room using a tutorial provided by Unity Learn. Over the course of the module, they realized that the project would be too difficult using one of the tutorials they had tried to use because the tutorial was for a different Oculus, a newer one rather than the older one. For this, they had to retry another project. Eventually, they got the project to work, but the controls weren't entirely working correctly. Although it didn't work 100%, they were able to get the game onto the screen in the Oculus, they just couldn't get the game to run. They were able to overcome internet and software issues to get the image to appear on the 3D plane, which they both saw as a major success.
Learning Module #6
Morse Code Detection/Translator with Dominic Bush
Morse Code Detection/Translator with Dominic Bush
For this learning module, Taryn and Dom tried to create a morse code translator and reader for someone who is unable to use a keyboard. For this module, they used the XBox 360 kinect, Kinect for Windows SDK and Toolkit, Pycharm for python, Tensorflow, and labelling software on the laptop. Taryn also had to learn how to code in HTML and CSS in order to try and complete the keyboard. Originally, they tried to create a website using HTML, but due to the time constraints they decided against it. In the end, they had run out of time, they were only able to get the photo collector program, images labelled, and kinect working, but they were not able to upload the images into tensorflow. All in all, it was a successful module because they learned how to code in new languages, run new applications, and bugfix in new coding languages they have never used before. They were unable to complete the project in its entirety, but see it as the module of little victories.
Video of image capturing program on the right
Learning Module #7
CS@WH showcase and automatic breaking rc car with nate Arteaga
CS@WH showcase and automatic breaking rc car with nate Arteaga
For this module, Taryn and Nate helped create the powerpoint and schedule for the annual CS@WH showcase. For this, they had to arrange all of the projects for the Honors Adv. Topics class into a certain order so they can present their projects. They also had to gather statistics and salaries for the career slides. Once they finished the presentation, they started working on a side project to fill the time. They were able to create an RC car with automatic breaking using an Arduino Uno, motorshield, and an ultrasonic sensor. After a lot of issues with the motorshield they were able to get it to work, along with the bluetooth, in time for the showcase.
Learning Module #8
RFID and NFC tags with Dhruv Dave
RFID and NFC tags with Dhruv Dave
For this module, Taryn and Dhruv decided to work with NFC tags and coding on an RFID module. RFID and NFc work hand in hand with scanning embedded code on cards and tags. For this project, they created 3 separate projects. The first project was the light up scanner, video on the left, the second was a scanner using text on the Arduino monitor, and the third was a working RFID safe. With time left over, Taryn created a working google sheet attendance system, and was able to scan in and out using an ethernet port on the arduino. They both enjoyed this module and would like to work with RFID and NFC tags again.
Learning Module #9
3D unity with Nate Arteaga
3D unity with Nate Arteaga
For the final learning module, Taryn worked with Nate on 3D unity. They wanted to see if they would have better luck this time than the last time. The two decided to split up and work on separate projects at the same time. Taryn worked on character movement and user interfaces, while Nate worked on Ragdolls and unity animation, with the goal of putting the two projects together at the end to make a game. This didn't work though, since they were not able to finish the project, but all in all it was an enriching experience.
Report abuse