In many ways, this project step showed the core of applied sciences within STEM. Prior to doing this project step, we researched the different components of our project, specifically dividing it into the algorithm side and the wearable side. Our team conducted research on the particulars of these parts while also adding them to padelt and other brainstorming tools, and using this information, we did in depth research on how to apply these concepts and test them in lab experiments. For example, we looked into the different aspects of software testing, and then ran tests to make sure that our product was efficient.
Once the preliminary research took place and the groundwork was laid, we designed different experiments to test the efficacy of each component of our product. For our project, we decided to test the sturdiness of the screen and outer shell, as well as the efficiency of the algorithm. Once we finished researching how we would go about doing this, we ran a series of tests in order to test our hypotheses. This made it so that we were eventually able to make the best product for the customer.
After creating our labs, our group created reports showing our findings. Concurrently, we also worked on more OnShape tutorials and learned about circuitry through Tinkercad.
Once the preliminary research took place and the groundwork was laid, we designed different experiments to test the efficacy of each component of our product. For our project, we decided to test the sturdiness of the screen and outer shell, as well as the efficiency of the algorithm. Once we finished researching how we would go about doing this, we ran a series of tests in order to test our hypotheses. This made it so that we were eventually able to make the best product for the customer.
After creating our labs, our group created reports showing our findings. Concurrently, we also worked on more OnShape tutorials and learned about circuitry through Tinkercad.
Tinkerad Work
Onshape Examples
Lab Report
Tested Objects
Reflection
The amount of real world research involved in this step of the project made it extremely enjoyable, and I was heavily invested in coming up with solutions based on the lab results throughout the entire duration of the work. The different applications of STEM that were shown to me via this step were astounding, and it truly opened my eyes to what STEM thinking is capable of accomplishing.
With all that took place during the project, there are definitely improvements that I was able to make as a student that I believe will serve me well in the future. First and foremost, I found myself to be more on task than usual on this project. On other project sections, I sometimes have a tendency to lose focus and float around to other groups, greatly hindering my progress. However, because I was so interested in what my group was doing, I found myself wandering much less. This helped me create a more finished product that I would have otherwise, and is something that I would most definitely like to emulate in future STEM projects by finding new ways to become invested in the work that I am doing.
In addition to staying on task, I believe that I truly stepped up my research skills during this project.The creation of our own numerical scale for scratch testing meant that we had to find ways to focus our research to find points of comparison, and further delve into nuggets of information that we ended up finding. From there, I did even more research on how the materials are used and how they work. In the future, I can use these same tactics to efficiently discover new information on other STEM project steps.
While there were many things that I did rather well on this STEM project step, there are other areas that I noticed are in great need of improvement. First and foremost, I need to improve my communication skills when writing, specifically putting emphasis in making the information I am presenting more concise while also being detailed. While we were able to turn in the lab report, there was not enough detail on it and Ii am still trying to fix those issues. In the future in order to solve this issue, I would like to push myself to write in a detailed and scientific tone.
In addition to better writing, another area that I can improve on is making sure that my other group members have adequate opportunities to showcase their abilities as well. During the labs, I took control often, making it so that Kiki and Chapin would often not have things to do. In order to fix this in the future, I will make sure that the amount I am doing during the project is proportional to the work of the group members present.
With all that took place during the project, there are definitely improvements that I was able to make as a student that I believe will serve me well in the future. First and foremost, I found myself to be more on task than usual on this project. On other project sections, I sometimes have a tendency to lose focus and float around to other groups, greatly hindering my progress. However, because I was so interested in what my group was doing, I found myself wandering much less. This helped me create a more finished product that I would have otherwise, and is something that I would most definitely like to emulate in future STEM projects by finding new ways to become invested in the work that I am doing.
In addition to staying on task, I believe that I truly stepped up my research skills during this project.The creation of our own numerical scale for scratch testing meant that we had to find ways to focus our research to find points of comparison, and further delve into nuggets of information that we ended up finding. From there, I did even more research on how the materials are used and how they work. In the future, I can use these same tactics to efficiently discover new information on other STEM project steps.
While there were many things that I did rather well on this STEM project step, there are other areas that I noticed are in great need of improvement. First and foremost, I need to improve my communication skills when writing, specifically putting emphasis in making the information I am presenting more concise while also being detailed. While we were able to turn in the lab report, there was not enough detail on it and Ii am still trying to fix those issues. In the future in order to solve this issue, I would like to push myself to write in a detailed and scientific tone.
In addition to better writing, another area that I can improve on is making sure that my other group members have adequate opportunities to showcase their abilities as well. During the labs, I took control often, making it so that Kiki and Chapin would often not have things to do. In order to fix this in the future, I will make sure that the amount I am doing during the project is proportional to the work of the group members present.