Blog

Posted on

Communication ECA Phase III Class 3: Pneumatics: Principal Model 20180131

The class of today is the principal model of pneumatic system. It’s also the first section of the following four pneumatic system study. The main purpose of the class is to learn the basic knowledge of the pneumatic systems. In this section, one complex pneumatic was built. The model consists components of cylinders, pumps, the air valve, the air tank, and the manometer. With the help of the model they built, the students learned the design philosophy and working principles of the cylinder, the pump, the air valve, the air tank, and the manometer, which built a solid ground for the next following advanced pneumatic application models.

The STEM information behind this section is the pneumatic systems including the cylinder, tubes, and the air pressure measurement instruments. All the students followed the tutor instructions and finished the designed model experiments.

Reflection to the Principal Model of Pneumatic: Different with the last semester, the students were required to build the most complex model only. It gave the tutor more time to teach the basic concept and skills of pneumatic system, which is the main purpose of the class.

Posted on

Communication ECA Phase II Class 4: Mechanism Principal Model 20180131

The class of today is the mechanism principal model, in which we covered several most important mechanical mechanisms in human’s history. In order to deliver the concept more intuitively, we first built the simple models and then we explain the knowledge behind all these models. We built three different kinds of levers, two wheel and axle models, three pulley models and one screw model. All models are simple but enough to explain the basic mechanical design rules behind them. The student got bored pretty quickly, but they finished all model building and more importantly, they learned some important concept.

Posted on

PBP Phase 2: Class 4: Simple Machines

Today we talked about simple machines, where they are found and the different types of machines. While some students didn’t enjoy the less hands on lesson they did enjoy the demonstration of the Class 2 Lever. Yuan in particular seems to have a very good grasp on mechanical principles thus far. Next week we will be talking about combinations of simple machines so please make sure they review the three types of levers, the screw, ramp, and the wedge.

Posted on

PBP Phase 1: Class 4: Sweeper

Today we Built the Sweeper and learned about gear ratios.  The students seemed to like playing with the sweeper but had a few technical difficulties regarding the construction of the machine. The topic for next week is the Flywheeler. Thank you for you continued help for a timely cleanup.

See you next week!

Posted on

ECA Phase I 20180131 The Sweeper

The kids really enjoyed playing with the Sweeper. The project was a moving vehicle with rotating axles at the bottom that cleared the way as it moved forward. The concepts were based on gear mechanics and velocity. The class assignment gave the kids an opportunity to experiment with different gears and learn which ones are more efficient. Next week we will be working on more fun projects that are also based on applied physical concepts. As great as it is to have a passionate class with curious students, we ask the children to please respect the allotted time of the class, and make sure their work is done before 7 pm.

Posted on

PBP Phase 1: Class 3: Power Hammer

This week we built the Power Hammer in order to understand the principles of Friction as well as Potential Energy. The students seemed to have enjoyed the activity despite a few mix ups.  In the next class we will be building a car that’s powered by a flywheel. All the students are well behaved.

Posted on

PBP Phase 2: Class 3: Walker

This week we built the Walker in order to understand the principles of Levers and learn a bit about why walking can be useful. The students seemed to have enjoyed the activity however not many of them were able to finish on time due to the complex nature of the walker itself, I advise certain students to do less talking and more building.  In the next class we will be building a pulley system that will move a cart up a ramp. I ask that the parents help with cleanup as a few pieces were found to be lying around after class.

Posted on

Communication ECA Phase II Class 3: The Walker 20170124

The topic of today is the Walker. The students built a big cricket (a legged robot) to learn the basic knowledge of mechanical balance and friction. The legged robot is comprised of four legs with a wheel at each end, it can walk power by the motor. The motor axis motions are transferred by a worm gear, and then to the legs. The STEM information behind this section is the basic mechanical mechanism and concepts including the worm gear, friction and balance. All students finished the model and conducted tests by changing the legs’ length to compare the walking speed and balance. They competed with each other and had a lot of fun.

Posted on

PBP Phase 2: Class 2: Windmill

I apologise for the late Classminutes as there were some technical difficulties on my end.

Last class the students built a Windmill in order to learn the principles of wind energy and the effect of surface area on the power output. The students were able to finish all the models on time, some did need help however, and help cleaning up was much appreciated. Avery is very adept at group work however some groups are a bit difficult to make work. Yuan appears to be very good with the kits and demonstrates an good understanding of the material. The students seemed to like the Windmill alot to the point where the fan providing the wind was overcrowded.

On friday the 26th we will be building the Walker.
Apologies for the late response.

Il Ho Cho

Posted on

PBP Phase 1: Class 2: Beam Balance

I apologise for the late Classminutes as there were some technical difficulties on my end.

Last class the students built a beam balance in order to measure and compare various loads. The students were able to finish all the models on time and help cleaning up was much appreciated. Lukas and Ryan are both fast builders and Selina has an eye for precision. The students seemed to like the balance alot and they found it fun to put various objects on the balance for their own experimentation.

On friday the 26th we will be building the Power Hammer.
Apologies for the late response.

Il Ho Cho

Play2Learn Education