Process Reflection

We had two distinct projects, the lantern project and the sharp container group project. Both of which were due on the same day. In order to adhere to the schedule, I started to search the recycle bin for items that may be useful for the projects in the very same day that we got those assignments. Filling a plastic bag with two metal cans, wire twists I removed from leafy vegetable in the fridge, and other items made me satisfied. The next day I draw the lantern project in detail. I also met with my group that week to continue the group project that we discussed during class. It was great and efficient. We completed the group project the following Sunday. That day I also worked hard until I was satisfied with the switch for the lantern. The lantern was almost completed. The only things that I still missed were a handle for the flashlight and a lining of foil to intensify the reflection. On Monday, I prepared the blogs for the projects. On Tuesday I arrived at 11am two and a half hours prior to class time to get help uploading the photos and the blogs. I also attached the handle (from a paper towel roll) to the flashlight and lined the flashlight with foil. I was so glad that I worked on the Lantern on Sunday because Monday was a busy day for me. But I did not worry because the work was 99 percent done and was completed on time on Tuesday

Lantern

Materials used for this project:

Metal can (originally used to store coffee)

LED lamp 3.6 v

9 v battery (lab)

270 or 470 resistor (lab)

Twist ties (originally used to bind leafy greens)

A piece of 1” X 2” corrugated carton

A 1” x 1” chicken wire

Aluminum foil

Since the first day we were given the assignment, I started to look for anything around me that could be used for this project. Checking the recycled bin, I had a few options but decided to go with a metal can which was originally used as a storage for ground coffee. My selection was influenced by the Poor People Energy Outlook 2014 reading. My main point was to use a material that will be reflective and add some source of heat. This coffee can includes a reflective lining. Additionally, being metal, the can may provide a little heat when the light is on. I also added a small empty anchovies can that would serve as a tray to hold the battery—I ended up not using that can.

I did some calculations to select the right resistor:

I first did a basic calculation without deducting the 3.6 v from the 9 v. and was looking for a 450 Ohms resistor. Since there was no 450 I settled on 470 Ohms.  The resistor was not in the right drawer, therefor I ended up using a resistor color code to calculate various resistors until I found the 470 Ohms resistor.   Later, I did the original calculation but subtracted the 3.6 V from the 9 V and divided by 20 mA. This gave me a resistor size of 270 Ohms. Trying both, I realized there was no much difference in the intensity of the lights. Therefore, I decided to build the circuit with the 470 resistor, figuring that my battery will last longer if less current goes through it.

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 Next, I draw the circuit diagram and the idea.   I envisioned the on/off switch on the side of the container. See below

 Creating the circuit, I first checked that the 9 V battery and my LED were working properly. I created a circuit by attaching the resistor to the plus sign; then I attached to the free side of the resistor the long leg of the LED, and attached the short leg of the LED to the negative side of the battery. All looked good. The light was bright enough. I decided to stay with that resistor. However I needed a longer circuit so that I could position the LED properly and have room for the on/off switch. I first pulled the plastic off of the edges of a used twist tie. Next, I attached the resistor to the plus side by creating a loop around the plus of the battery. I attached the end of one wire to the resistor and then the long leg of the LED lamp to the other end of the wire, on the plus side.  I then extended the short leg of the LED with another piece of twist tie and checked the circuit. 

All looked good. Next, I created the switch. I used scraps of chicken wire for this purpose. I attached one end to the plus side of the circuit and one side to the minus. I wrapped the part that would extend through the slit with electric tape so that it would not come in contact with the metal. I used a piece of corrugated carton as the external part of the on/off switch. The lantern worked properly. I envisioned it as a handy flashlight that can be assembled everywhere when needed.

Sharp Container

My group and I used a metal can for this purpose. We focused on safety, ease of use, and recycling. We decided on an all metal design that would include a slit on the top. The slit will be used for breaking off used sharps without the need for a tool. We created an inner, metal tongue,   from a metal scrap and glued it inside the container just under the slit so that it would prevent sharps from falling out through the slit if the can is turned upside down. The container and its contents can be fully recycled with other metal without the need to reopen it or expose its contents. It was a joyful teamwork!

                              Final product.

Keychain and safety rules - reflection

Through this hands-on project we enjoyed our creativity and practiced safety using two types of machines at the engineering lab.  The keychain was made out of aluminum. Each one of us had to cut a small piece of aluminum that was about 1/3 of an inch thick, shape it, and drill a hole for the chain to go through. This project required the use of a band saw and a drill press. Any machinery for cutting and drilling has the potential to injure the user if the user does not follow certain safety rules. These rules include the following:

When using a machine, always wear safety goggles and make sure that everyone in the room wears one as pieces may fly long distance. Additionally, wearing closed shoes in the lab is a must, whether you use a machine or not.  Loose clothing and long hair might be trapped in the machine and cause severe injury or even death. Therefore, both should be avoided in the lab and hair should be tied back. Additionally, one should never use a machine if one is alone in the lab.

When using the band saw, we need to remember that the thickness of the piece we intend to cut should be at least three teeth. The height of the base should be adjusted by switching the yellow knob in the back first then the inner black knob. We need to make sure that prior to turning the machine on, the piece should flash with the base and face the saw but not touch it. Additionally, we do not want our fingers to be near the saw, and at all times they should be away from the yellow circle under the saw. Therefore, when feeding the piece toward the saw, we need to use the gliding guide on the right side and a wood scrap (sacrificial piece) on the left side. By using guides or clamps, we prevent two things: a serious injury to our fingers, and a possible burn due to the fast accumulation of heat in the metal we cut. When turning off the machine, the piece should not touch the saw. To remove the piece from the base, use a piece of wood to drop it into a jar filled with cold water. In case of emergency turn the machine off. The benefit of the band saw include the ability to cut metal and plastic. However, the band saw can only be used to cut straight lines and cannot be used to cut thin surfaces such as sheet metals.  

Drill Press requires similar precautions above. To fasten the screw, use the chuck and make sure to tighten the screw until you feel resistance—but not more than that. When drilling make sure to peck in order to avoid the accumulation of fibers. In case of emergency turn the machine off. If the piece that we need to drill is too small such as in the case of the keychain, use the vice, clamp.

The design of my keychain reflected my major – psychology. I sketched a profile of a person’s head. Using the band saw, I realized it was not that easy to cut exactly along the little zigzag lines of the profile that I drew on the metal. Using the Drill press to mark the eye and create the hole for the chain seemed much easier than using the band saw. Next, I used the sander to smooth the edges. I was pleased with the outcome and am grateful for the instructions and help I got during the project. 

Response to Poor People Energy Outlook 2014

  Reading the report Poor People Energy Outlook 2014, I consider it a mind opening.  For example, according to the United Nations, 830 million people were undernourished in 2010” (p.14). Furthermore, it is shocking to realize that we need to increase agriculture productivity by 70 percent in order to be able to “feed 9 million people by 2050.” (p. 18).  I agree with the report that energy solutions are important for our existence and development, and that information and communication technology is vital even for successful agriculture. For example, weather forecasting can save farmers from losses.  Lack of proper technology can leave many humans behind.  Prior to reading this article, I never thought of a stove as a household item that can impact the economy. In the Western world we take stoves for granted as every house has one. However, those households around the world that do not have one, or a one that is efficient, are affected financially. The time individuals need to invest in collecting wood, consumes time from mastering knowledge that can alleviate poverty (p. 29). This gets worse when there is no electricity and the need to sleep early deprives students from investing extra hours that can advance their knowledge that could be translated into income in the future. Additionally, it is alarming that in the year 2015, many people in the world cannot protect themselves from extreme weather and end up suffering the consequences. According to the report, “energy access ecosystem” can offer a solution to the current problem. However, it was troubling to realize that even when funds and energy access may be available for addressing the issue, some governments may not disburse the money that was invested for this purpose (p. 54). I agree that short and long term solutions should be implemented so that people will not continue to perish at the present time. I also agree with the “holistic” approach--the joining of forces which the report recommends. I found the report stimulating and evoking the need to put efforts toward finding solutions to combat poverty through technology. It is vital that we all join forces, brainstorm, and unleash our creativity to ensure that humans in every part of the world would live a decent life –leaving no one behind.

About Me

Hi my name is Diana. I am a Davis Scholar at Wellesley College. I major in Psychology and intend to become a clinical social worker who will make a difference in the lives of others. I believe in a holistic approach that addresses the body, mind and the human being in the context of his/her environment. Becoming aware of the forces that can affect wellbeing is vital for our species. Part of these forces include access to resources that can improve one’s life, such as access to clean water, clean air, healthy noise level, inexpensive energy sources, and affordable education. Prior to coming to Wellesley College, I took classes in biology, anatomy, and physiology. Additionally, I took classes in architecture, which included sustainability and building materials. The Making a Difference through Engineering course at Wellesley College is an exciting continuation of this journey towards awareness. I look forward to leaning more how we, currently students, can contribute – even on a very small scale -- to the technology that will ease the suffering encountered by human beings in the US and in other parts of the word.