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    Skill Lab: Mechanisms

    Mechanisms

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    CamAndLinkage_PrintTemplate.pdf
    Spur Gears.pdf

    Prompt

    Today, we'll dive into the fascinating world of mechanical engineering by exploring various mechanisms made entirely from cardboard. From cams and linkages to pulleys and gears, we'll learn how these mechanisms work and how they can be applied in real-world applications.

    Duration: ~3 hrs

    Materials: Cardboard (various thicknesses), Scissors, Craft knives, Rulers, Glue, or tape Markers or pens

    Instructions

    1. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the different mechanisms we'll be exploring: cam & linkage, scissor lift, gears, pulley, lever, fan/expanding, waving/bending, curving, grabbing, and tentacle motion. 
    2. Take some time to research and understand how each mechanism functions. 
    3. Choose two mechanisms that you find most intriguing or relevant to your interests. Using the provided cardboard and craft tools, start prototyping each chosen mechanism. You may want to sketch out your designs first to visualize how each mechanism will work. 
    4. Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and configurations to optimize the performance of your cardboard mechanisms. 
    5. Test your prototypes to see how well they function. Make adjustments as needed to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

    Deliverables

    Take photos of your prototypes and post on the Response Tab.

    History of Transportation

    Jiyoo Jye

    History of Transportation

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    Prompt 

    Your task is to explore a selected transportation vessel in-depth, understanding its historical context, mechanical principles, and unique features.

    Duration: ~2-3 hrs

    Materials: Computer

    Instructions

    1. Read through the selection of transportation vessels throughout the centuries and select one. Conduct thorough research on your chosen vessel, delving into its historical background, mechanical workings, and notable features. Explore how the vessel has evolved over time and its significance in the context of transportation history.
    2. Analyze the relationship between the selected transportation vessel and its environment or setting. Consider how factors such as geography, culture, and technology have influenced its design and operation.
    3. Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation vessel. Identify what makes it remarkable and areas where improvements could be made.

    Deliverables

    • Slides: Present your findings in a visually engaging format, incorporating images, diagrams, and descriptive text.

    Example Post: Vampire Squid

    Jiyoo Jye
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    The Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a mesmerizing and enigmatic deep-sea dweller, captivating the imaginations of scientists, marine enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. Don't let its name fool you; this extraordinary creature is not a bloodthirsty predator like its legendary namesake, but a peaceful marvel that embodies both beauty and resilience.

    Residing in the murky and shadowy waters of the mesopelagic zone, the Vampire Squid occupies a realm seldom explored by humans. Its unique appearance immediately catches the eye – it boasts large, luminous blue eyes that can peer through the darkness of the deep ocean, evoking a sense of wonder and intrigue. Its reddish-brown skin is adorned with a striking pattern of photophores, bioluminescent cells that create a spectacular light show, enabling it to communicate and navigate through its dark habitat.

    One of the most extraordinary features of the Vampire Squid is its cloak-like webbing, connecting its eight arms. When threatened, this mysterious cephalopod has a remarkable defense mechanism – it wraps itself in this veil of arms, resembling a vampire's cape, to confuse and discourage predators.


    Make Your First Post - Using the Media Hub

    Jiyoo Jye

    How to use the Media Hub

    Combine Video, Gifs, and Images and text, all in one post!

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    Dive into the mysterious depths of the ocean and discover the captivating world of aquatic animals! In this intro assignment, you will learn how to create your first post while sharing images, videos, and descriptions about a cool aquatic animal of your choice.  Unravel the secrets of extraordinary creatures as we embark on an adventurous journey through the realm of marine wonders.

    Instructions

    For this assignment, you will make your first post using the NuVu Studio Platform. After reviewing the tutorial, go to the Responses tab at the top of this page and make your first post. Make sure to include images, videos, and writing to complete the assignment.

    Deliverable

    1. Using the Media editor, add 2 or more images of your sea animal. 
    2. Embed a video URL to show how the animal moves and behaves underwater.
    3. In the text field, write a description of the animal you found. Be sure to list at least three specific facts.
    4. Bonus points! Add caption texts to provide a description for each of your images.

    Tip: Take a look at the Example Post of the Vampire Squid below

    Logging on to the platform for the first time

    Joselyn McDonald

    When you are logging into the platform for the first time (and don't know or haven't been given your password), you have two options: 

    1. Use Google login (anyone can use, regardless of whether you have a Google email or not)

    2. Use the password reset option. 

    Both options are detailed below. 

    Option 1: Using Google Authentication to Log In

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    Logging in with Google Authentication 

    1. Head to the top right and click on Log In
    2. Click on Log in with Google Authentication and you'll be brought to the Google Log in page
    3. Choose an account that is registered on our website. This should be your school email or whatever email you signed up to our site with. If you use an email that is not registered in our system, you will encounter an error.


    Option 2: Using Password Reset

    STEP 1: In the top-right corner, click the word "login." 

    STEP 2: When the black menu appears, click "reset password," enter your email address, and then click "Send Password Reset Link."


    STEP 3: Check your email account for an email from NuVu. Be sure to check your junk email folder as well if you don't see the email in your inbox. Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.

    STEP 4: You should now see your name in the top right corner. Success! (your screen will look slightly different than mine). 

    Diagramming Workshop

    Kate James

    INFORMATIONAL

    STORY

    USE

    DIAGRAMMING WORKSHOP

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    Prompt

    You have learned about diagramming in a previous activity and you created a Technical Diagram. Now, you will have a chance to create an informational, story, or use diagram, depending on what your project needs.

    Duration: ~1-2 hrs

    Instructions

    Draw an Informational, Story, or Use Diagram

    1. Talk with the person next to you to decide what diagram is most beneficial for your project.
    2. Look back at examples of your type of diagram in the slides above. 
    3. After you have chose which diagram to do, follow the examples in the slides to create your own.

    Deliverables

    Submit your Diagram/s in the Responses tab above.

    Diagramming Workshop

    Kate James

    TECHNICAL

    DIAGRAMMING WORKSHOP

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    Prompt

    Designers represent their ideas through many different means: drawings, photographs, renderings, scale models, prototypes, and more. Each method presents specific advantages for highlighting different aspects of the concept and proposed execution.

    In this assignment, we will learn about different types of diagrams, and how we can use each one to further communicate the ideas of your project. 

    Review the presentation above to learn about the types of diagrams used by designers to communicate their ideas. Then you will create a Technical Diagram. As you create your diagram, consider how each one will highlight a different aspect of your idea. These diagrams should be useful tools for others to understand your idea.

    Keep in mind that these diagrams will be shared in your final presentation, so take care to make them clean and easily understandable. 

    Duration: ~2 hrs

    Instructions

    Part 1: Project Direction

    1. Choose one project idea to move forwards with. Discuss with the people next to your puzzle piece and choose one project concept.

    Part 2: Draw a Technical Diagram

    1. Look back at examples in the slides above. Notice how these examples deconstruct the object to show the individual elements.
    2. Deconstruct or take apart your final project into multiple components. Try to highlight visually, how the project is put together to perform its functions.

    Deliverables

    Submit your Technical Diagram/s in the Responses tab above.

    Brainstorming

    Brainstorming

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    Prompt

    The goal of brainstorming is to create a generative list of ideas for potential projects you can continue exploring. Our mission in this studio is to construct an innovative form of transport that functions with neighboring pieces to forge a cohesive urban tapestry. Think specifically about what kind of mechanisms you want to deploy in your piece of the puzzle and what is inspiring your transportation device.

    You will imagine the systems and infrastructure that will change the way people move and then design new modes of transportation based on your wildest imagination. 

    Duration: ~2 hrs

    Instructions

    Review the Brainstorming deck below to get started with the brainstorming process, and think back to all of your discussions, precedent analysis, and field research thus far. 

    Part 1:  Individual Brainstorm

    Individually, come up with 10 (or more!) ideas for futuristic methods of transit. Explore the precedent research you've done to inspire ideas. Consider transportation for individuals (or animals!). Think outside of the box. This is the time to engage in wild ideas!

    Try to think of 3 ideas for each of the following categories: 

    • Nature/Plants
    • Animals
    • A game/playful idea 
    • Nature

    Part 2: Partner Brainstorm

    The initial list from Part 1 is going to seed the rest of your brainstorming process and facilitate the idea-generation process. 

    Your task is to narrow your list down to 5 project ideas to share with a partner. Let your partner know which of their ideas you think are particularly exciting. Feel free to come up with a few new ideas once you hear about your partner's ideas. Maybe something new occurs to you now. Run with it! 

    After you rapidly share with one another,  sketch 2-3 of your favorite ideas. Remember to add which mechanisms you would like to add to your designs and how you wish to connect your transportation puzzle to someone else's.

    Part 3: Whiteboard Brainstorm!

    Now it's your time to shine. Share 2-3 of your favorite ideas with the class. Your teacher will facilitate a group discussion around ideas using the whiteboard. They will help to categorize ideas in clusters based on similarity. 

    Note: At this stage of the design process, brainstorming project ideas are shared amongst everyone - no matter who had the idea initially. 

    Deliverable

    At the end of the Collective Brainstorming exercise, you will inform your teacher of three ideas you would be most excited to pursue. 

    Note: Your teachers will create the puzzle of which student fits next to who. Moving forward, you will be working alongside those who are building their transportation puzzle piece next to yours. Even though your piece is yours, remember to always consult with those that will surround you so that the environment works cohesively.