During our class, we practiced an experiment using Lego robots. This activity consisted of launching a computer software together with the used of the robot and experimenting with three different settings for the motors.  For this experiment, my teammate, Xiaofeng Sheng and I, performed three different trials per power setting in order to obtain different results and evaluate the possible % of errors between each trial. In order to perform the experiment the right way we followed a series of steps to get ready the Lego robot. First with a ruler, we measured the diameter of the wheel and computed the circumference of the wheel in meters then we connected the robot to the computer and played changing the power and recording different numbers provided by the computer software as well as measurements we got by measuring the distance completed in each trial with a ruler.

The following chart shows the results obtained in each trial:

Wheel Diameter= 5.5 cm    Circumference: 0.1728 m

Calculation: C=2 πr

Calculation to obtain % of error = [dm – dc] / (dm+dc/2) * 100%

In conclusion to this experiment by looking at the results, we can appreciate that when the power is lower the distance gets shorter and a full rotation is not completed by the car’s wheels. When the power is higher than 50 a full rotation starts to happen in some trials performed by us in the class. As shown in the set where the power reached 60 it shows how the rotation goes over a full turn of 360 degrees. Each trial showed a different margin of error displaying a wide variety of numbers between each trial and each set shows a wide range between each of its trials. Utilizing this method to understand the calculations explained in the class were very helpful to visualize it and understand it while practicing it with the robots. I found the experiment to be a good and different way to understand formulas and utilized then.

 A self-filling water bottle

It is not a secret that global warming has become an issue for everyone. We as the world population have to take action in this problem that affects all of us, but in reality in order for this planet to work the way we want it to work and to last as long as we wish we all have to work together. Kristof Retezár, an industrial designer based in Vienna, Austria, knows that we all have to add a little bit of our part to have a better planet, and that’s what he did. Retezár, created a “self-filling water” bottle that attaches to your bicycle. This incredible device, as simple as it sounds collects the moisture contained in the air, condenses it and stores it as safe drinking water for the user.

His inspiration for this project was his concerned about water scarcity around the world. This issue is among the main problems for many societies; a big number of regions and places are facing water shortage. According to the United Nations, “water scarcity already affects every continent. Around 1.2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world’s population, live in areas of physical scarcity, and 500 million people are approaching this situation. Another 1.6 billion people, or almost one-quarter of the world’s population, face economic water shortage.” If we continued using our water resources as we have up until now future generations will encounter strong challenges.

Using a method that has been mastered in past generations, Retezár goal was to “create a small, compact and self-sufficient device able to absorb humid air, separate water molecules from air molecules and store water in liquid form in a bottle.” This unique water bottle, not only functions as a sporty accessory but this can highly serve on long bike rides or can be even be utilized in a place where obtaining freshwater is a struggle.

How does it work?

The solar-powered device consists of a condensator (which functions like a cooler) that is connected to a series of hydrophobic surfaces that repel water. As the bike-mounted gadget takes in the air, and these surfaces get cold, you’re left with condensation, Retezár said.

Fontus, the bottle name, can produce 0.5 liters of water in one (1) hour under the right climate conditions which will be considered between 86 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and according to its creator, Retezár, the water produced will be clean unless the air it’s really contaminated. Fontus, also includes a filter to keep dust and bugs out of the water since its original purposed was to be used in nature where highly contaminated air would not be an issue, however, Retezár said he is working on a future version that could be used in regions of the world where humidity is high, but water is scarce.

Check out this video and see how Fontus works:

http://www.livescience.com/53398-new-bike-attachment-generates-water-as-you-ride-video.html#ooid=l5NXU3MDE65NF7z29smvNQCpI9v2Nbwr

References:

1. http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/es/projects/fontus-2/
2.  http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml
3. http://www.livescience.com/53401-fontus-converts-humidity-into-water.html
4. Images credit: Kristof Retezár

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