Programing and Electronics
In the many weeks provided, three projects were simultaneously on the works of being accomplished and finalized. Two of the three were programing using Python, and conducting several electronic experiments using breadboards. It was a requirement for all students in STEM to take an online course which taught how to program in Python. We learned many different concepts from printing strings to creating a full game of battleship. Although the 13 hour process was long and tedious, a lot of knowledge was gained as a result. In the midst of coding, many groups like mine, managed to complete the electronic experiments packet which held several difficult problems, which was beneficial because it made you think.
Python:
Concepts:
Variable - a value given a specific name that can store and change different information
Function - you can define multiple codes by using functions
String - a lists of character is order
Boolean - a data type that can only have two values
Comment - are placed in quotations that the computer can no read
Print - is a tool to have whatever is in your editor show up
List - an ordered sequence of items or other elements
Examples:
Variable
brian = "Hello life!" age = animals = |
Strings
caesar = "Graham" praline = "John" viking = "Teresa" |
Comments
def cube(number): def tax(bill): def square(n): |
Lists
zoo_animals = ["pangolin", "cassowary", "sloth", "walrus"] suitcase = ["sunglasses", "hat", "passport", "laptop", "suit", "shoes"] |
Electronic Experiments:
We started our full lesson of electricity with basic materials such as tiny light bulbs, multiple wires, alligator clips, and a battery. After mastering the simple experiments with a generalization on how simple electricty works, we moved on to using breadboards and other advanced equipment. These elements included resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, small wires, LED lights, while keeping the battery as our energy source. In addition to the advancement of breadboards, our class also enhanced our skills in reading and interpreting drawn out diagrams.
Concepts:
Circuit - complete loop of conductive material with a power source
Current - the amount of electrical flow through a circuit
Voltage - the power that the electricity gives off/pressure difference in electricity/the potential energy difference
Parallel Circuits - the amount of bulbs increases, the resistance decreases, brightness increases. Voltage stays the same, current splits
Series Circuits - more resistance so less amount of energy being drawn in. Voltage splits, current stays the same.
Ohens's Law - V=IR [voltage = (current)(resistance)]
Resistor Coding:
We started our full lesson of electricity with basic materials such as tiny light bulbs, multiple wires, alligator clips, and a battery. After mastering the simple experiments with a generalization on how simple electricty works, we moved on to using breadboards and other advanced equipment. These elements included resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, small wires, LED lights, while keeping the battery as our energy source. In addition to the advancement of breadboards, our class also enhanced our skills in reading and interpreting drawn out diagrams.
Concepts:
Circuit - complete loop of conductive material with a power source
Current - the amount of electrical flow through a circuit
Voltage - the power that the electricity gives off/pressure difference in electricity/the potential energy difference
Parallel Circuits - the amount of bulbs increases, the resistance decreases, brightness increases. Voltage stays the same, current splits
Series Circuits - more resistance so less amount of energy being drawn in. Voltage splits, current stays the same.
Ohens's Law - V=IR [voltage = (current)(resistance)]
Resistor Coding:
Reflection:
Even though these projects were not my favorite or most enjoyable, I received a great learning experience. Because programming was an individual activity, it is easier to point out what went well and what didn't. For instance, I was very proud of my tenacity and wanting to finish because in many other cases I would push it off to the side not wanting to accomplish it. However, what I thought was unsuccessful, was how quickly I became frustrated. I should've dealt the situation with more patience and acceptance. On the other hand, during the electronic experiments my group and I learned and understood the concepts well together as a group, which made the process to completion a lot smoother. However, we all at one point got a little bored by the experiments which slowed us down a little behind schedule, but we still managed to finish within the deadline.
I learned so much during theses two projects. In programing, the whole experience was new to me, so all of the concepts covered within coding was information I had never known before. With the electronic experiments, I gained the most critical skill involved with the project, how to set up a breadboard. Another skill I gained was how to solder the breadboard. Because of all this information I knew so little about, made listing only two things I learned impossible to write down.
I do admit I could of done better on a few aspects of the projects. For one, I could have stayed focused better to complete the programing course a few days before the deadline to provide more time for our cardboard chair. Secondly, I need to improve my ability to pay attention to detail because that was ppart of the reason why coding took longer than it should have.
Recap:
Peaks - completing everything on time and being open to try new things
Pits - not being entirely focused and getting frustrated easily
Even though these projects were not my favorite or most enjoyable, I received a great learning experience. Because programming was an individual activity, it is easier to point out what went well and what didn't. For instance, I was very proud of my tenacity and wanting to finish because in many other cases I would push it off to the side not wanting to accomplish it. However, what I thought was unsuccessful, was how quickly I became frustrated. I should've dealt the situation with more patience and acceptance. On the other hand, during the electronic experiments my group and I learned and understood the concepts well together as a group, which made the process to completion a lot smoother. However, we all at one point got a little bored by the experiments which slowed us down a little behind schedule, but we still managed to finish within the deadline.
I learned so much during theses two projects. In programing, the whole experience was new to me, so all of the concepts covered within coding was information I had never known before. With the electronic experiments, I gained the most critical skill involved with the project, how to set up a breadboard. Another skill I gained was how to solder the breadboard. Because of all this information I knew so little about, made listing only two things I learned impossible to write down.
I do admit I could of done better on a few aspects of the projects. For one, I could have stayed focused better to complete the programing course a few days before the deadline to provide more time for our cardboard chair. Secondly, I need to improve my ability to pay attention to detail because that was ppart of the reason why coding took longer than it should have.
Recap:
Peaks - completing everything on time and being open to try new things
Pits - not being entirely focused and getting frustrated easily