These past couple of weeks have flown by. With our Spring Musical taking place last week, finding times to meet has been challenging. Rehearsals and special schedules left few openings. However, we were back at it this week for a couple of days.

We've added the Kinect into the project, and began testing calibration. Because of the sensitivity, and need for accuracy in the readings, we stationed the sandbox in PIRL, which may end up as its regular home. The open floor space and smooth, level surface make for an ideal location.

We didn't have time to do a full calibration of the Kinect, using the Raw Viewer application, but did a test run of the sandbox software anyway. I think for both Charlie and me, getting to this point in the project was a milestone. It became real for the first time, as we worked our hands through the sand and witnessed the change in topography as the data was read by the Kinect. There is more work to be done, but this was a huge step forward.

Below is a photo slideshow of the week, and at the very bottom, a short video clip.

The framing of the sandbox is done. We have fastened the support structure for the projector and Kinect, and now need to adjust projector settings precisely before finalizing its position. The sand product that we chose is called Sandtastik, a synthetic material that is safe, non-toxic, and free of silica or quartz. We have 100 lbs. in, with another 50 ready to top off. As suggested by the UC Davis project, we added a bit of water to allow for better sand shaping and holding.

This part of the construction has been challenging and fun. There are no detailed plans for how the framing is to be built, so exact measurements and design are left to each maker. I believe we have a build that is stable and yet flexible enough to allow for minor adjustments. Since we chose to use an older short throw projector (made available after a recent SMART Board upgrade), it is likely that the projector itself will be replaced in a few years. Our design must allow for modification of the support structure as necessary to accommodate different projector models.

With the framing complete, it is time to test out the Kinect. Next week, the plan is to fine tune the projector's position, then mount the Kinect and computer for testing. Everything that I have read about calibration of the software is that this is the most time consuming part of the project. Wish us luck!

We've done quite a bit of work to advance our mobile sandbox structure. During the measuring, cutting, sanding, and fastening of our component parts, Charlie has enhanced his woodcraft and tool use over the past few days. There is only so much you can learn from reading about or watching someone else work with hand tools and machine tools. Ultimately, you just have to dive in and do it. I can see his skills in this area increase by the day, it's all a part of experiencing things first hand.

This week we have measured out, cut and assembled most of our sandbox, including the bottom shelf and casters. We decided to model it similar to a shopping cart, two front wheels that remain straight, two rear wheels that rotate and in our case, also lock. This should provide the most flexible, yet stable, build.

Charlie had the idea of creating a bottom shelf so that we might store sand castle "tools" for the smaller kids to use during their exploration of the sandbox. It will also serve as the location for the PC, keyboard, and any other equipment.

Next week, we plan to work on the support structure for projector and XBOX Kinect. We may also benefit from some type of handle(s) to push the cart when moving from class to class, so that's on the shopping list.

You've seen one online by now I am sure. You may have even tried one out. These are amazing, and seem feasible enough to actually make. What I am referring to is the Interactive Topographic Map Project which originated out of a U.C. Davis project. I first experienced one at the Discovery Cube here in Los Angeles, and was most recently inspired by a colleague at another school whose team built one for their campus. Here's a sample of what this interactive sandbox can do, from the East Carolinian Geology Department:

I am collaborating on this project with an 8th grade student, Charlie. Charlie and I will take the next few weeks to build one for the school. Our objective is to create a sandbox that is mobile, so that it can be used by the upper school science department, primarily, but also by other students and teachers across campus.

The main components for this project are:

• Sandbox and sand
• PC running Linux
• XBOX Kinect
• Projector
• AR Sandbox software and supporting software

During week one, we began building out the frame for the sandbox and setting up the PC with Linux and AR Sandbox software. We were able to get much of the materials for free or very low cost, but I did purchase the PC new in order to have the faster graphics card.

Pictured above, Charlie is measuring out, cutting and sanding the framing. Once set, wood glue was applied to the frame, and the base was screwed into place.

As recommended by the originators of this project, we are using the Linux Mint distro for this project. Interestingly, the Linux Mint site was hacked into during this same week, so the site was down temporarily until they could ensure a safe new version. This was the first attack of this scale that the organization had experienced.

Next week, we will continue work on the mobile part of our sandbox and hopefully have time to test the Kinect.