Brian's unique blog

This is the moment. Today was my group who is going to present and perform our presentation and experiment respectively with high school students.

I, along with my group members (Captain Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and David Misiaczuk) waited in Archer building. Another group, who was going to the same place (John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science) like us, did the same. When Doctor Shatz was also ready, we set off. While we were walking outside the building, we discovered David was missing. We believed he vanished or something. When we got into the cab, there was no sign of him. Feeling awkward, we just said good-bye to him.

We reached John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science at around 11:40a.m. We waited for the advisor in a room. Then, we switched to another room to wait. I guessed it was because the first room we waited for was a little small. The second one was bigger than the first one. After five minute, an advisor came and he brought us to the classroom, where the high school students were already waiting. Since our experiment required hot and cold water, we let other group to get their job done first so we could have time to prepare the two cups of water. Yoshi followed another advisor to grab the water while Rebecca, Patrick and I waited for our turn. All of a sudden, Rebecca received a text from David that he was on his way! He was in the train. We told Yoshi about that after he came back. When it was our turn, he was still not there, so we just entered the classroom.

There were a lot of students in that class and most of them were either juniors or seniors, I guessed. Even David was missing; we knew we still had to get our job done. Four of us just presented our own slides or introduced some equipment we were using. After we accomplished our job of presenting PowerPoint and performing experiment, it was the Q&A session. Suddenly, there was a familiar face coming towards us. IT WAS DAVID! OH MY GOODNESS ME! HE MADE IT! There were three students asked us a question for each and David solved each of them easily. After this session, it was also the end of our job today. We left the school at about 12:45 p.m.

With a satisfying smile on our faces, we knew today was a huge success. It was a great experience of going to a high school and present what we had discovered, observed, and researched. We went back to Suffolk University by T. When we arrived our destination, we got off and walked back. Walking to my dorm room, I also realized it was officially the end of this class. I will never forget the great experiences I had in this class.

(*) These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors.

Watching other people’s doing presentation is always a good idea because it can help me and my group members that how we should perform and present in front of the people.

Our goal today was to present our PowerPoint and lab to the other teams while we have to watch other groups too.

To be concise, other groups perform really well. They did excellently in their PowerPoint, with sufficient details and great pictures. Their labs were also interesting and thoughtful.

Our group was the last one to present. I, along with other four of members (Captain Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and David Misiaczuk) was ready to go. We divided our jobs. I was responsible for introducing our topic and lab briefly. The other four just talked about other materials. I was calm all the time, so did my group members. After our presentation, we got a lot of the clapping from some students and Doctor Shatz. We were sure we did a great job.

Before we left the class, Doctor Shatz reminded us once more which day we should go to the high schools. She also promised us she would do some editing of our PowerPoint in order to get impressive from the high school students and teachers. Our date to present will be December 6, 2012 in John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science and we were looking forward for it.

(*) These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors.

After Thanksgiving holiday, our group needs to work again. Today, with the absence of David Misiaczuk, four of us (Captain Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and I) performed our experiment again. This was just to make sure we could do it well, not being embarrassed in front of the high school students.

Since our captain was absent at the previous class before Thanksgiving, Patrick, Rebecca and I explained what we had discovered briefly. After explaining, we performed our experiment again. We began our experiment at 14:43: 28 according to my watch. Needless to say, both thermometers had temperature of 0 degrees before the experiment was running. Same as last time, the temperature of the hot water increases rapidly, while the temperature of the cold water increases slowly. Then, Patrick discovered an interesting fact that the temperature of the thermometer of the hot water drops quickly when we put it to the cold water with ice. We watched how it went and it was awesome. After about ten minutes, instead of using the Strobotac 1531 like last time, we used a NXT Vernier Temperature Probe, which was a device which we could detect the temperature of both hot and cold water with ice this time. Since the thermocouple started getting slowly after some time, the temperature of the hot water would decrease from high to low. Conversely, the temperature of the cold water would increase from low to high. Why was that? It was because equilibrium.

After fifteen minute of our experiment, another group came and joined us. We described what we had discovered, observed, and detected between two cups. They were amazed after our explanation. I also recorded the results after twenty minutes (15:03:28). The hot water had temperature of 120.011 and the cold water had temperature of 38.729. Next, it was our turn to be audiences. It was a soccer ball experiment. They put two wires (one is positive, one is negative) into the ball and the voltmeter. At first, without passing or spinning we discovered the voltage of it was 2.11V. Then, two of the members at that group started passing together with some spin. The voltage was shown as 2.15V. There was a difference.

After watching the another group performances, we started cleaning up even we still had about twenty five minutes left before class ended. I just relaxed. For the next class, we are going to present our PowerPoint to the whole class and I am looking forward for our great performances.

(*) These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors.

Today, because of the absence of our captain Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and David Misiaczuk and I worked out an awesome experiment. One of our friends, Rebecca, had to leave earlier so it was sad that she could not see what we had discovered.

We started our experiment by getting suitable equipments. We had two thermometers to measure the temperature of two cups of water (one is super hot while another is super cold with ice). Then, there was an equipment introduced to all of us. It was called thermocouple and it was a senor for measuring temperature. It consisted of two dissimilar metals, joined together at one end. We put it into the two cups and looked at the temperatures of the two cups. The temperatures are measured in Fahrenheit. It was our first experiment too. After about two minute, we observe the temperature of the cold water was lower while the hotter water was higher. Before we had our second experiment, we took out the thermometers and had another observation of temperature change. The temperature of the hot water changed from high to low (about 11 degrees). As for the cold water, there was no observable change. Then, a new equipment was introduced and it was called Strobotac 1531. The 1531 Strobotac electronic stroboscope included a strobotron lamp and reflector assembly, an electronic pulse generator that controlled the flashing rate, and a line-operated power supply. It was a small portable flashing-light source used to measure the speed of fast-moving devices or to produce the optical effect of stopping or slowing down high-speed motion for observation. When we turned the number to 3800 rpm (rotation per minute), the light was shining quickly. At that moment, the temperatures were discovered. We had 129 degrees for hot water and 34 degrees for cold water. We came up another observation was the light would shine slowly if we turned the number into a small value. Our last experiment in the day was turning the number into 350 rpm. What we had found out was the temperature of hot water became 150 degrees and 38 temperatures for cold water. Our conclusion was the smaller the number of rpm, the higher temperature of the hot or cold water would be.

Today, three or four of us got a great work done. We were looking forward for working this experiment successfully to the high school students we would visit on December 6. We named this experiment as the thermocouple experiment of an output. Before we left, we cleaned up our tables and stinky places. Last but not the least, we all wished together a great Happy Thanksgiving Holidays.

(*) These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors

Today, along four other friends (Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and David Misiaczuk), we had some work done. To concise, we divide today’s work into three sessions. Each of our session had about twenty five minute.

The first session was discussing.  As we already wrote an outline about how to make a Pointpoint on climate changes, I used the last two days to finish this Powerpoint job. I was quite proud of myself. When sharing to my friends, they all liked my work and I was glad. They told me to add and delete some details and I did so.

The second session was mainly about deciding experiment. As Dr. Shatz came over to our group, she had a quick look on our Powerpoint. She loved the pictures and the order of the slides. In terms of the experiment, she gave us some ideas by using thermometers and tested the temperature, which could probably include something relate to electricity.

The third, or last, session was not relating our project at all, to be honest. We just chilled and talked some other topics. I did not pay any attention at all except when they were talking about muscles of Arnold Schwarzenegger, my idol. When I was taking a break, Rebecca commented something on the discussion of the four questions of cleerhub. I was happy of her attitude.

When the class was over, we were free to go. As all the people almost left, I asked Dr. Shatz if we were going to have a final. Guess what? There was not going to have one. I smiled because I would have more time to prepare other exams especially Computer Science.

Today, did we have our job done? I would say 75% was working while 25% was relaxing. Well, it was great to get some work done; otherwise we would leave something at the last minute.

(*)These information can be seen in my Suffolk blogs.

), we had some work done. To concise, we divide today’s work into three sessions. Each of our session had about twenty five minute.

The first session was discussing.  As we already wrote an outline about how to make a Pointpoint on climate changes, I used the last two days to finish this Powerpoint job. I was quite proud of myself. When sharing to my friends, they all liked my work and I was glad. They told me to add and delete some details and I did so.

The second session was mainly about deciding experiment. As Dr. Shatz came over to our group, she had a quick look on our Powerpoint. She loved the pictures and the order of the slides. In terms of the experiment, she gave us some ideas by using thermometers and tested the temperature, which could probably include something relate to electricity.

The third, or last, session was not relating our project at all, to be honest. We just chilled and talked some other topics. I did not pay any attention at all except when they were talking about muscles of Arnold Schwarzenegger, my idol. When I was taking a break, Rebecca commented something on the discussion of the four questions of cleerhub. I was happy of her attitude.

When the class was over, we were free to go. As all the people almost left, I asked Dr. Shatz if we were going to have a final. Guess what? There was not going to have one. I smiled because I would have more time to prepare other exams especially Computer Science.

Today, did we have our job done? I would say 75% was working while 25% was relaxing. Well, it was great to get some work done; otherwise we would leave something at the last minute.

(*) These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors

With two of our friends or group members (Rebecca Merson and David Misiaczuk) absent today, Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Patrick Macellus, and I got some work done.

To begin with, three of us together and I shared some more information I found last week. One of them was the videos about generators. In the video, we conclude that it is a useful video but the equipment displayed is expensive.

Then we found another video about thermoelectric Generators. We will consider on making that because it is a lot easier and the equipment are fewer.

Video about thermoelectric Generators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6JH-GgLe1xs)

Afterwards, we search for amazon.com for finding equipment and the one we found was about thirty bucks. It worth.

Our next job or final job was making and preparing an outline of climate changes. We are going to discuss its definition, causes, effects or problems, solutions, and experiment about it.

Time flew, it was the end of the class and three of us satisfied our progress because we were in a good shape!

(*)These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors

Solyndra was a manufacturer of cylindrical panels of Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells based in Fremont, California. The falling prices of silicon meant that it had to close its business. It filed for bankruptcy.

Solyndra also received a $25.1 million tax

break from California’s Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority. As this happened during election time, it immediately became a political football. Romney quickly tried to make political capital out of it by using it to accuse the Obama administration of wastefulness and f favoritism while promoting saving energy and money.

The whole issue has become politicized. Each political party is using the case to accuse the other of ‘cronyism’ (favoring one’s friends with special financial gifts and offers). But if we look closely at the case, we can see that it is not a simple case of one side is wrong and the other is r

ight. Democrats for example have pointed out that Solyandra’s loan in the first place was initiated by the Bush administration and many key investors were Republicans. A Clinton energy aide also said that using these loans as job guarantees is dangerous and insecure. Energy industry needs ‘calmer, steadier sources of funding.’

Another argument is that some people claim that solar energy is not going to be successful in the future. The Energy Department’s loan-guarantee program, enacted in 2005 with bipartisan support, has backed nearly $38 billion in loans for 40 projects around the country. Sol

yndra represents just 1.3 percent of that. So it seems that solar power is not a failure, nor is it on the way out.

There is some opinion that R&D (research and development) should be in the private sector. The figures suggest otherwise. The electricity sector is heavily regulated and capital intensive. That means it does not focus so much in innovation. Given global energy concerns, the energy sector badly needs innovation to cope with future demands and shortages of traditional fossil fuels.

China is investing heavily in alternative energy sources. A lot of other countries are doing so too, including Germany. At the heart of the argument there seems to be some anger stemming from the fact that America is supposed to be the leading technological country in the world yet it is seriously lagging behind in innovative development of alternative energy sources. Therefore it’s a very sensitive subject that can easily become political.

 

Today was the first day of brainstorming.

I, along with my group leader and members (Tsuyoshi Henry Nakajima, Rebecca Merson, Patrick Macellus, and David Misiaczuk) had the following ideas.

In terms of making a Powerpoint or handout, we will include:

(i) Global warming

(ii)Climate changes (e.g. greenhouse gases)

(iii) importance of new generation of engineers.

If climate changes is our main topic, we will have several subtopics as follows:

-differences between long time ago and nowadays (or past and now)

->Change in way of thinking (going green)

-why do we have have to do so?

-what engineers have been doing

->new projects-Future

->Future plans

As for the experiment, we decide to make a generator

-(Video sample about hydroelectric generator project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4eZJJbkABs)

-Materials: copper wire, magnet, metal/plastic, light bulb

Professor suggestions:

-Everything last for 25 to 30 minute

-Powerpoint is optional

(*)These information can be seen in cleerhub.com by Team 3 members and Professors

‘Demand Response’ , in two words, is ‘energy management.’ It means calculating the amount of energy a society needs based on projection, predictions and needs, and then arranging to make sure everyone has enough. For example when everyone goes home at 6 o’clock and turns on the air conditioners and cookers, there is going to be a sudden increase in electricity demand.

Demand Response manages peak electrical demand providing incentives to utility to customers to reduce load on demand.

Demand response has it origins in rather simple minded programs of the late 70’s, such as receiving a discount to let the power company turn off your home water heater each afternoon when more electricity is regularly required than the grid can provide. Today, such static programs are being replaced with dynamic systems to request such a response only when needed. DR programs range from providing the compliant customer a reduced rate at all times to support automated DR others allowing opt-in and providing direct payments tied to the size of the response.

A) Overview

Today, Doctor Shatz brought me and others to Museum of Science.

B) Weather

-Sunny, nice, comfortable

C) Brief summary about the visit

-Meeted together at Archer building, where we always had class

-Walked to MOS about fifteen minute

-Free time from 2:15 p.m – 3:30 p.m with my friends (Yoshi, Colin, and David)

D) Journal Entry

On the first day of November, or just two days after my birthday, I visited Museum of Science with Doctor Shatz and other of my friends, who had the same class with me.

At first, I did not know what so special this museum was. U thought it was just normal as other museums did. But I was wrong after visiting.

We starting walking from Suffolk University Archer building for about fifteen minute in a sunny, nice, comfortable weather. When we entered,  Yoshi, Colin, David, and I had the same feeling that we thought we entered into the airport because of how the museum designed and the facilities all around us.

I took a map with me so I would have the basic idea how the museum look liked. The museum was divided into three different colors of wings which were blue, green, and red and there were three levels in total.

Our first stop was New England Habitats, where it was located in Green Wing. In there, there were different animals who lived in different habitats. There was also a machine that could experience how the smell of these habitats like.

When moving on, we arrived Gordon Current Science & Technology Science. There was a gentleman who got ready to have his presentation at half past two punctually. The topic was called Behind the Headlines: My other body is a robot. The presenter whose name was Sean told us there was a tele-presence robot could serve as our proxy in another location. He used a boy who was having severe allergies for an example. The boy used this robot to attend school and explore the implications of this technology through an encounter with a real tele-presence robot! It was incredible. I regret I did not have a photo on it.

The next stop was called Math Moves in the blue wing. In there, there were a number of theories from different famous and well-known physicians, chemists, and mathematicians. I had a high impression on one of the exhibitions named Probability. In there, there were lots of balls dropping continuously. They dropped in different columns. When looking closely, they actually dropped with the same number as other columns did. Here was one of the links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=wUgQtXEodf0&NR=1

Our final stop, or the stop we stayed in the longest, was called Theater of Electricity. When entering, there was something familiar that I could compare to one of the museums in China. In China, we had a similar name which was called Science Museum. The below picture was one of the device I played with. I also tried to talk with a robot by putting my left hand and spreading its finger inside the place it provided. Four of us went to a house to experience the feeling of lightning before we left. The scene looked real.

Four of us left the museum at around half past three. I really wanted to stay longer because this museum was truly spectacular and impressive, but I could not unfortunately, otherwise I was unlikely to go home myself. I am looking forward for the second time.