Current Projects

Project List and Descriptions

Our Engineering Explorer Post offers many different types of projects to students interested in exploring electrical, computer, software, and industrial engineering. This year, we will do the following projects:

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Hovercraft Engineering Workshop

Explorers will design and build a hovercraft that actually works! Nothing more needs to be said about this hands-on project that teaches Explorers about design, teamwork, and the inherent coolness of things that float on air.

Considerations:

Explorers on this project will be required to think hovercrafts are cool.

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Java

This beginner course is designed to introduce the novice programmer to the basics of programming through the use of the Java language. Topics include basic programming techniques that are common to all programming languages and basic Java syntax. Each student will receive classroom instruction as well as lab time. Also materials will be handed out to each student that describe topics discussed in class and can be brought home for further exploration.

Considerations:

Basic Knowledge of Windows OS and a strong desire to learn programming.

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Electronic Construction

Explorers in this project will gain hands on experience in the assembly of electronic circuits. This project includes an introduction to electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, LED’s, transistors) and circuits, and an introduction to soldering including practice soldering components on printed circuit boards. Finally each explorer will construct 3 kits involving light, sound and a simple robotics kit.

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Introduction to Digital Electronics

Explorers will learn introductory digital electronic theory to include boolean expressions, combinational logic and other electrical / electronic principles via hands-on experiments using digital logic lab equipment.

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Great American Engineering Challenge

Explorers in this project will compete in teams with one another in a series of hands-on engineering contests that involve skills that engineers use every. Contests include an egg-drop, a scavenger hunt with a twist, foil boat floats and many others. Overall team grand prizes will be awarded at the end of the program.

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Mindstorm Robotics

The world of robots awaits you! By using the Lego Mindstorm Inventor kits, you will design and construct robots that will compete in weekly competitions. Scores will be tallied and winners will be rewarded. This project lets your creative juices flow as well as hone your team working skills.

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Advanced Robotics

Did you ever stop to think about how robots work? Have you ever wanted to learn how to build one? Advanced Robotics is all new this year! Join us as we learn how to build a robot from scratch. You’ll do things you never thought were possible. Be prepared for some creative problem solving, head scratches, a little hard work and an excellent reward.

Considerations:

Should have Beginning Robotics or Electronic Construction.

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Photoshop I

An introductory class in Digital Imaging techniques using Adobe Photoshop software as a learning tool. Class topics include introduction to basic imaging terminology and concepts, Photoshop tools, layers & layer masks, selection techniques, and channels. The class will also discuss different ways that imaging science is used in science and engineering.

Considerations:

Class prerequisites include strong general computer skills and computer literacy. No previous Photoshop or digital imaging experience is required as this is an introductory class.

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Design It, Build It, Ship It

Do you ever wonder how things are made? Do you want to know the fundamentals of manufacturing used to build everything from Legos to cutting edge jets? If so, Design it, Build it, Ship it is for you. This project will consist of sessions that show what the Manufacturing Operation organization does. Topics covered include Quality, Sourcing, Negotiations, Engineering, and Manufacturing. Explorers will take part in a variety of hands-on projects including a lean manufacturing exercise with Legos and a unique project involving the design, build and test of a catapult.

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Rube Goldberg

The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest brings the ideas of Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rube Goldberg's "Invention" cartoons to life. Named after, and inspired by the cartoonist Reuben Lucius Goldberg, this Olympics of Complexity is designed to pull students away from conventional problem-solving and push them into the endless chaos of imagination and intuitive thought.

To be specific, groups are given an elementary challenge: something as simple as peeling an apple, sharpening a pencil, or putting toothpaste on a toothbrush. But instead of just "solving" the problem, students have to make the solution as complicated and as convoluted as possible. In fact, the more steps - there's a minimum of twenty - the better the Rube Goldberg Machine. And what a machine! An assemblage of ordinary objects, mechanical gadgets, and the oddest odds and ends are linked together and somehow get to the desired goal.

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Programming in Python

Python is a scripting language that is used to develop a variety of software programs, from games to websites. In fact, companies like Google use Python throughout their website to create, organize, and display information. Explorers on this project will use open-source software development tools as well as the Python language. Then, the entire group will choose a new application they will develop using Python.

Considerations:

No previous programming experience required, but each Explorer is expected to have a computer with internet access at home. This project will require significant time outside of the weekly meetings to complete projects and reading. Strong computer skills are also necessary (installing software, configuring operating systems, installing programming libraries, etc.). GNU/Linux experience a plus.

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Last Updated Wednesday, September 16 2009 @ 01:01 AM EDT|2,772 Hits