Introduced the field of robotics and the role that engineers play in the design and use of robots. This lesson focused on 2 types or robots; industial and mobile. Industrial robots for processes such as welding and painting. Mobile robots for military uses.
Assignment
Think of a type of robot that could be used to better your life (or others). Thursday we will discuss how an Engineer would go about designing such a robot.
Session Minutes
90
Minutes Student Attended
90
Lesson Comments
Charlie shows a great interest in robotics and was asking for a hands-on experiment. An experiment in this topic is difficult in the classroom setting. However, there are robotic competitions presently being held at local middle schools. I will research these and provide Charlie with info. He could possibly persue these outside of school.
Review homework and summarize this week's topic, levers, gears, and pullies.
Begin construction of a wooden model trebuchet whilte reinforcing the principle of levers.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Charlie completed his homework assignment. The construction of a model trebuchet got off to a good start. The model kit is good quality and the correct skill level for Charlie.
Presented various classes of levers and found many everyday examples of levers we use. Discussed the way a pully works and reviewed various types of gears such as internal, external, worm, and rack & pinion. Together we found examples of each.
Assignment
4 problems related to levers, pullies, and gears. Due on Friday
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Charlie had an interest in these very simplistic machines. The construction of the trebuchet will give him a hands on opportunity to demonstrate these.
Final review of kinetic and potential energy concepts. Quiz covering the last 2 weeks of material. Construction of a a model aircraft.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Charlie got 9 out of 10 correct on the quiz. He has a good handle on the concepts of kinetic and potential energy and their relationship to one another.
Defined Kinetic Energy and discussed examples. Did an experiment with a marble rolling on ramps to domenstrate kinetic energy. Worked thru an example to calculate the kinetic energy of a car in motion.
Assignment
4 related questions. We did the first one together in class.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
The experiment seemed to reinforce the concept of Kinetic Energy for Charlie.
Presented the concepts of Gravitational and Elastic Potential Energy. Discussed many examples of each, such as pendulums and springs. Reviewed the equations for determining potential energy and solved examples together.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
90
Minutes Student Attended
90
Lesson Comments
Charlie was first introduced to the concept of potential energy in his prior Intro to Engineering class. This class was a refresher for him. We discussed doing an experiment to demonstrate potential and/or kinetic energy.
Reviewed the field of Naval Architecture and how it used in the design of submarines. Examined the different components of a submarine and their functions.
Assignment
Homework - 5 questions pertaining to Naval Architecture, Aircraft Carriers, and Submarines.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Charlie showed an interest in submarines, especially their historical aspect. He grasped the functions of the major components of a submarine.
