In anticipation of a quick semester (really a trimester), I reduced the amount of required projects to two, the circuit block and the hummingbird project. I had hoped this would allow more time for students to complete their personal projects during the remainder of the semester. In the end, I think they gained one day, as we lost a few days to graduation rehearsal, special schedules, and the like.
Nonetheless, it was a wonderful semester. Project ideas were creative and unique, many challenging students to reach into areas with which they were not familiar. While some students built upon concepts learned in earlier projects (i.e., building a simple circuit, using hummingbird) others involved the integration of Arduino, 3D design and printing, and laser cutting. While most students completed their projects, a couple are using recess, lunch, and any other break to make final revisions and enhancements. Here is a sampling of projects:
In the second video, another student demonstrates her Hummingbird controlled, light-sensing, servo driven nail-polisher. As she describes, it's not quite perfect, but does indeed show what can be done using these components and a bit of code.
I continue to be impressed by the ideas and creations of my students. As I always say, "Open the door, then get out of the way!"
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