The Mechanical Technology Course is designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities focusing on topics including robotics, alternative fuels, waste management, ergonomics, hydrology, and environmental issues. Through problem-based learning strategies, students will learn to collect data, collaborate, and debate ideas before drawing conclusions on a variety of energy conversion systems and other renewable energy sources. Students will apply critical thinking strategies to solve a variety of environmental as well as ergonomic issues impacting the transportation field. Process skills such as decision making, problem solving, and creative thinking are combined with direct application of math, science, and writing skills to challenge students who have career interest in industry. Real world application of skills learned in this course provide students with a solid understanding of the opportunities that exists. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.
Class Projects
Boe-Bot Programming and Navigation: (2013-2014)
In my senior year, Jann Gabriel Valeza and I were assigned to construct and program two boe-bots for Community Night at NWCTA. This event features tours of the school and the opportunity to meet with teachers and students and program areas.
In my senior year, Jann Gabriel Valeza and I were assigned to construct and program two boe-bots for Community Night at NWCTA. This event features tours of the school and the opportunity to meet with teachers and students and program areas.
- My partner and I decided to use infrared sensors on the first boe-bot and tactile navigation on the second boe-bot. The infrared sensor boe-bot navigates by detecting a drop off in temperature and shifts direction. The tactile navigation boe-bot navigates by whiskers. This gives the boe-bot the ability to sense the world around it through touch, much like the antennae on an ant or the whiskers on a cat.
Constructing a Hovercraft (2012-2013) : In our junior year, our instructor, Mr. Roy Kight, allowed our class to assemble in groups and create a invention.
My group consisted of Patrick Buangan, Armandt Sacramento, and Tanadon Ruangrung. We chose to build a working hovercraft to operate on several types of terrain.
My group consisted of Patrick Buangan, Armandt Sacramento, and Tanadon Ruangrung. We chose to build a working hovercraft to operate on several types of terrain.
- In the initial stage of sketches, we focused solely on the distribution of air flow under the carriage so weight can distributed evenly as the hovercraft raises up. Our overall design allowed carry capacity of 600 lbs +
- The hovercraft works by floating on a cushion of air that has been forced under the craft by the two leaf blowers. This causes the craft to rise or lift. First part of hovercraft was to hover over the ground. Second part of hovercraft was steering. Due to time constraints, our team was unable to complete the steering mechanism of the hovercraft.
Solar Powered Car (2011-2012)
In the first stages of constructing a solar powered car, each student was allowed to create and build their own solar car to perform in the Solar Car Challenge. When designing, each student had to consider weight distribution and aerodynamics.
Each student was given:
In the first stages of constructing a solar powered car, each student was allowed to create and build their own solar car to perform in the Solar Car Challenge. When designing, each student had to consider weight distribution and aerodynamics.
Each student was given:
- Solar panel (.45 V, 400 mA) 1-3/4" x 2-15/16"
- DC motor
- Plastic body tube
- Pitsco plastic gear font
- Two axles
- Four Pitsco wheels
- Four 1/8" brass washers
- Instruction guide
Constructing a Bottle Rocket
(2010-2011) : In our final project for the remainder of freshman year, our instructor, Anthony Chapple assigned us to build a bottle rocket. The lesson was to
introduce the theory of flight, rocket design, and construction of a bottle rocket.
Materials used:
(2010-2011) : In our final project for the remainder of freshman year, our instructor, Anthony Chapple assigned us to build a bottle rocket. The lesson was to
introduce the theory of flight, rocket design, and construction of a bottle rocket.
- As a class, we were allowed to do anything to enhance the performance of our bottle rocket. The key to building a efficient bottle rocket was to consider the aerodynamics and the weight distribution of the bottle rocket. The main objective of this build was to see who's bottle rocket can go the highest and land within the same vicinity of the launch pad.
Materials used:
- 1 complete liter soda bottle
- 1 half cut liter soda bottle
- 1 paper cone
- 1 roll of electrical tape
- 4 triangular cut cardboard fins
Random Number Generator (2011-2012) : In our sophomore year, our instructor, Mr. Anthony Chapple, assigned our class to build a random number generator.
Materials used:
Materials used:
- Board Game Counter kit
- Soldering equipment
- Vise
- Safety glasses
- Solder sucker
- Solder tool
- Diagonal cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Solder
- Solder wick
- Damp sponge
- Soldering iron
- 3 AA batteries
- Double stick tape