Design and Modeling 1/19

Currently, in Design and Modeling the students have just started their Rube Goldberg projects! This year’s theme for the Rube Goldberg project is music. The outcome of the machine should have something to do with music, whether that is strumming a guitar, hitting “play” to start music, or any other creative idea the students can come up with!

Right now in class, the students are designing their Rube Goldberg ideas. This will continue for a few more classes, and after that, students will begin to build their machines! We do ask that if you have any recyclable materials (extra cardboard, toilet paper rolls, old toys, dominoes, etc.), that the students bring them in for supplies. This will help expand the variety of supplies their group can work with. Students should NOT be buying supplies for this project—it is all about creativity, and finding solutions to unique problems!

Automation and Robotics 1/14

Currently in Automation and Robotics, the students are half way through their basic mechanisms. 

The students have been working hard to complete these mechanisms and learn about the benefits of each one. In about two weeks, the students will have 10 mechanisms they have learned and have experience with. The mechanism to the right shows a lead screw, one of the main mechanisms in many car jacks!

These mechanisms will help the students out immensely, as the students are asked to build more challenging and complex machines when they enter our apocalypse scenario!

Flight and Space 1/8

One group's first design idea.

Currently in flight and space, the students are beginning their biggest project of the year so far—their commercial project! The students are using the design cycle to invent or improve an aerospace vehicle of futuristic proportions! 

Once the students research the plausibility of their invention, they will be constructing a commercial built around their new idea. Once the project is finished, the students will have the option (and I will strongly encourage them) to pick a company such as Space X, Boeing, etc., and submit their idea to that company, looking for design feedback. We’ve just started brainstorming ideas in class, and they have been spectacular so far. I can’t wait to see the finished product!