Project Description:
For this project we focused on a couple of different topics. We first started with learning what electrical circuits are. We did this by first doing some simple circuits using batteries, wires, and light bulbs. To continue with the circuits we moved onto breadboards which we made circuits using led lights.
The second part of the project we worked with arduinos to make our art show. We used the arduinos by programming code using a C++ format. This told the arduino what we wanted it to do from turning on lights to writing words on a LCD. For our robot are show we played the lyrics to Help by the Beatles.
The second part of the project we worked with arduinos to make our art show. We used the arduinos by programming code using a C++ format. This told the arduino what we wanted it to do from turning on lights to writing words on a LCD. For our robot are show we played the lyrics to Help by the Beatles.
Electronic terms:
Arduino - A simple computer chip that can be programmed to do simple task
Circuit - A complete loop of conductive material from one side of a power source to the other
Voltage - PE difference from 1 side of a component to the other.
Current - Flow of charge through a circuit
Resistance- amount the current is slowed through an obstacle
Resistor - a device that resist the current
Series Circuit - resistance/components are one after another
Parrell Circuit - resistance on different paths then the other
Power - rate at which electrical energy is transferred
Electricity - a form of energy
Circuit - A complete loop of conductive material from one side of a power source to the other
Voltage - PE difference from 1 side of a component to the other.
Current - Flow of charge through a circuit
Resistance- amount the current is slowed through an obstacle
Resistor - a device that resist the current
Series Circuit - resistance/components are one after another
Parrell Circuit - resistance on different paths then the other
Power - rate at which electrical energy is transferred
Electricity - a form of energy
Robot art show final product
Code of Project
Power Novato
Project Overview:
The Power Novato project started off with learning how electricity is made. The first lab we did to solve this was by doing a mini wind turbine lab. In this lab the group would make a propeller design using a variety of different wing shapes and sizes. For my group we made 6 inch long curved blades. With these propellers we would test on mini electric generators to find how many volts they made.
The next part of the project then shifted into how electricity is made. To find this we disassembled an electric generator to see how they worked. We found that when the axle moves it turns a magnet around three copper coils this then makes electrical current run through the wire.
Finally after gaining background knowledge we moved into designing our own electrical grid for Novato. We had total freedom for designing the grid. For example my group decided to be powered by 100% renewable energy. One of the ways we did this was by using solar panels that then would charge batteries to be used during peak hours.
The next part of the project then shifted into how electricity is made. To find this we disassembled an electric generator to see how they worked. We found that when the axle moves it turns a magnet around three copper coils this then makes electrical current run through the wire.
Finally after gaining background knowledge we moved into designing our own electrical grid for Novato. We had total freedom for designing the grid. For example my group decided to be powered by 100% renewable energy. One of the ways we did this was by using solar panels that then would charge batteries to be used during peak hours.
Reflection
I enjoyed doing this project. I got to design things which is fun. During this project I really improved on two things, Leadership and presenting. For leadership I really learned that I can’t do everything and that I have to use the team. In the past on group projects when I took the lead I would usually do the whole project and not let anyone else do anything. But this project I learned to use the team to work towards our end goal and if someone was unsure on what to do I would tell them what needs to be done and let them work on that. Also I improved on presenting more. Usually during presentation I would not speak up and tell everyone things about the project but this time our group divided in different parts so I was pressured in a good way to present. During this project I also suffered on two things. The first thing was being to controlling and not letting people share their ideas. As the days came to near and more pressure to finish I would often tell people what to do. Another thing I need to improve on for next project is having steps for simple and not trying to over complicate things. After doing everything in this project I am really happy with out end result.