Summary Post

Popsicle Bridge / Seismograph

In this assignment, we had to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks. The requirements for the assignment were:

1. The bridge can only be made out of 120 popsicle sticks and white glue
2. The bridge can't be any longer than 20 inches
3. The bridge must use trusses to give support and rigidity
4. The bridge must have a top and a bottom
5. The bridge must be at least 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide
6. Popsicle sticks can overlap up to 2.25 inches

Popsicle bridge in progress

The bridge was kind of a long process, as you could only do so much in a day until it dried. However, we eventually finished the bridge. I think it could have turned out a little better, but it was good enough.

Completed bridge

Technological Concepts
Some technological concepts during this assignment were putting things together and making something strong out of things that are weak.

Technological Resources
Some technological resources we used were pretty basic materials. They were popsicle sticks, glue, and paper.

Redesign Paragraph
If I had to redesign this project, I would add trusses to the bottom of the bridge as well. I think doing that would maybe help the bridge hold more weight.

Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge was honestly probably just waiting overnight for the glue to dry. I feel if it didn't take so long the building and gluing could've been done in a day.
What I Learned
What I learned from this assignment was that it takes a long time for things to stick together using regular white glue. I also learned that just because something is small, if you build it right it can hold a lot of weight.

Mousetrap Powered Vehicle

Assignment
For this project we had to make a vehicle that was powered by a mousetrap that would travel at least 40 feet.

What I did
I had a previous design that ended up not working correctly. So I started a new simpler design where I lined up two boards of the same length together, and drilled holes in the same spots on both of them. I then stuck an axle through the holes, and glued wheels onto them. I then cut a small piece of wood and glued in on top of both pieces of wood. Then on that piece of wood, I glued the mousetrap on. Then I attached a rod to the mouse trap, and tied string from that to the back axle. That way when I wind up the string, the mouse trap lever will go back, and when it releases the string will pull on the axle and make the vehicle move.

Technological Concepts
Technological concepts that were used during this experiment included friction, momentum, inertia, and energy. Trying to balance everything out so it would all work together was challenging, but beneficial towards the cars victory.

Technological Resources 
The technological resources I had was anything in the room. The materials I used included: Wood, CD's, Bottle Caps, Zip-ties, and a Mouse Trap.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge I think was getting the wheels to be glued on evenly and making sure everything was symmetrical.

Redesign Paragraph
If I had to redesign the mousetrap, I would try to measure everything better and make sure everything was symmetrical, such as the placement of the wheels.

What I learned
What I learned from this experiment was that patience is needed and that I shouldn't try to rush anything.

Egg Drop

Project Explanation: For this challenge we had to make a system that would allow an egg to safely hit the ground without cracking. There were two different drops, one was a mini-egg drop & the other was a big egg drop.

Pictures:

Some technological concepts during this assignment had to do with Newton's laws and motion. Once we understood them we got to work.

If I had to redesign my egg protection system, I would try to add something to make it not fall down so hard, like a parachute. Or try something that would balance it out so it wouldn't land upside down.

Technological resources first was just using stuff like paper, string, and popsicle sticks. On the bigger drop we were allowed to use almost anything within the weight and height limits.

What I learned from this challenge is that I should try to plan things out more, and use my resources more efficiently. If I did this at the start of this assignment, I think it could've turned out better.

Rocket Launch

For this project we had to make a rocket with the given materials; a film container, alka-seltzer, paper, and tape. construction paper & tape. We had to learn & understand Newton's Laws of Motion to create a good rocket.



Picture of the rocket

What Is Technology?

Technology is defined as human made products and processes that extend the human potential and satisfy human needs. The three branches of technology from this definition would be the following:

• Physical - Transportation, Manufacturing, and Construction
• Information/Communication - Sending & receiving of information (Human or Machine)
• Bio Related - Prosthetics, Human safety devices, cloning, environment protection, etc.

A system is a group of parts that work together to achieve a goal.

System Resources 

• Tools/Machines/Processes
• Materials
• People
• Capital/Money
• Energy
• Time
• Information

Problem Solving Process:

1. Identify the problem
2. Set Goals
3. Research
4. Create ideas
5. Select the best idea
6. Build
7. Test
8. Feedback

About Me

My name is Christian Haydt, I'm 16, and I am currently a Sophomore at Saline High School and will be graduating in 2017. When I'm not in school I'm probably listening to music, playing guitar, or reading.

A fun technology I like to use and think is fun is the electric guitar and amp. Without them, a lot of the music today wouldn't exist.

An important technology I think is crucial today would be ultrasound. Ultrasounds uses super fast sound waves that are usually used to create images. Ultrasound can also break kidney stones.

"Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do, doesn't mean it's useless." - Thomas Edison