Good morning parents!
It has been a very hectic week and students and teachers are about to go on a very well-deserved break. I wanted to let you know a few things going on in our classes as well as where we are headed when we return to school on February 26th.
IED: In IED, we have reviewed multiple things over the past two weeks. We started doing 3D modeling using the Autodesk Inventor software, and students are enjoying creating 3D models from sketches and seeing them in action both via 3D printing, laser cutting, and assembly. We also have gone over mathematical modeling as well as motion in one dimension. We returned to the shop for 1 class this week to begin making the crankshaft assembly for their Automata boxes, and yesterday students began brainstorming ideas for what they can put on their boxes that can move in conjunction with their crankshafts and cams that they will be designing.
After the break we are going to learn some more in-depth 3D modeling strategies as well as area, volume, and density topics. We will ultimately conclude the 3rd marking period with some more Shop time and hopefully we will share with you a video of all the students’ projects when they are complete (and yes they will be able to take them home when they are done next month!).
Figure 1: Working the Drill Press for the crankshaft assembly
POE: In our POE class, we have – after some fun assembling and constructing – been working with VEX Testbeds and some elementary programming topics. Students have had 3 to 4 class periods with these test beds and while some have finished the necessary programming, others have some work that needs to be done. Note that the programming pieces can be done in a regular text file so if students want to get those in over the break they can do so. After the break, we are going to have a quiz on Fluid Power and Robotics concepts and then dive headfirst into Statics, Mechanics, and some other very tricky concepts. We are hard at work supporting our POE students in this class and making it as entertaining and informative as we can.
CSP: In our CSP class, students have been studying the Internet and how web sites and web servers operate. Students created a Virtual machine that they use for 2 assignments (and will use for 3 more after the break) that went over concepts like IP addresses, packet transmission, and more. The past 2 classes we did an Encryption project that the students absolutely loved. It was fun to see the messages that students posted as well as those sent to each other. Ask your students about RSA encryption and quiz them on their understanding!
After the break we are going to study Javascript, PHP, and MySQL databases. We are heading towards another great project with our Capture the Flag tournament as well!
I hope that you have a refreshing break and that your child also has a chance to unwind and enjoy their time off. We will see you again February 26th!
Jeffrey Copperthite
Engineering Department
Mathematics Department
Engineering and Science University Magnet School
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