Notecard Challenge

      The Note Card Challenge

 

In this project, we were given one notecard and four inches of tape.  Our only direction was to build a structure to hold weight.  At first, we only had to hold 100 pounds, and as our structures became more advanced, we tried to hold more weight. Our first structure failed by crushing, and our group came up with many solutions to this problem.  The solution that we chose was the best.  This solution was to create columns that were more rigid on the outside that wouldn't crush.  After we tested this theory, we were able to hold 194 pounds of weight.  After we tested, we improved our design by making the columns by wrapping them around a pen to make sure we had a very rigid outside.  After we redesigned and improved on our design, we were able to hold 245 pounds of weight!  With our same solution of rolling columns around a pen, we were able to receive the "Atkins A" because Mr. Atkins was able to stand on our structure for over 10 seconds.

 

Another problem we experienced in the notecard challenged was from our columns turning over.  We avoided crushing by making the outside very rigid, and we avoided buckling by placing tape on both sides of the columns.  However, overturning was a constant problem.  If we were given paper and more tape in this experiment, we could make an outer layer for our columns.  After we made this outer layer, we could spread out our columns, equal distant, around the edges of whatever was being put on top of them.  This would create and wide center of gravity, limiting the possibility of overturning.

 

Invention: The Refrigerator

The Refrigerator

Monitor top style refrigerator introduced in 1927

 

In 1876, Carl Paul Gottfried von Linde, invented the refrigerator.  This invention helped to remove heat from an enclosed space to lower the temperature.  It uses evaporation to absorb heat of the enclosed area.  This created freezing temperatures inside the refrigerator.  Once the temperature was low enough, food was able to be preserved.

 

The refrigerator was very important to history.  Before this invention people would use ice and snow to try and preserve food.  Bacteria in food multiplied much slowly or even not at all when it was in a refrigerator.  This invention was positive because food had much less bacteria when it was put in a refrigerator which decreased the amount of food related illness.  This invention also allowed foods to stay fresh for a longer period of time.  The refrigerator limited food borne illness, and saved people money because food would last longer.

Innovation: "Tooth Tattoo"

The Tooth Tattoo 

 

A "Tooth Tattoo" tested on a cows tooth

 

A graduate student at Princeton University, Manu Mannoor, in 2012, created a decal that goes on a tooth that detects bacteria and passes it to a nearby reciever.  Before the invention of this, "Tooth Tattoo," dentists and orthodontists used x-rays to detect damage to teeth.  If x-rays did not detect any flaw, dentists would go off of their sight and intuition alone.  This innovation was created using silk strands from cocoons and gold wires thinner than a spider's web.  Now only can the tooth decal detect bacteria in teeth, it can also detect bacteria in the body.

 

This innovation is going to historically impact society in a positive way.  Not only can dentists and doctors detect harmful bacteria in the body without x-rays or examinations, they can detect it fast.  These fast results are recorded for very small amounts of bacteria that are traced. Scientists at Princeton University were able to detect bacteria that caused tooth decay, and even bacteria that caused stomache ulcers.  This new technology can help dentist and doctors treat illness quicker, giving patients a higher chance of recovery. This small decal on the enamel of teeth can change the medical field for the better.

Maker Faire 2013

 

Have you ever created something?  From a block tower to a robot, creating is in human nature.  Come to this years Maker Faire and see engineering creations in action.  If you want to become and engineer in the future, or if you just like to see something fascinating, the Maker Faire is right for you.  At the Maker Faire, watch the world of imagination come to life. 

On September 21 and 22, New York will be holding its 4^th annual Maker Faire.  This years Maker Faire is located at the New York Hall of Science 47-01 111^th St, Queens in Flushing Meadows, New York.  On Saturday, September 21, the hours are from 10am to 7pm, and on Sunday, September 22, the hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, RAIN OR SHINE!  Ticket prices are as follow:

Adults $35 (18-61)

Seniors $30 (62+)

Students $25 (with ID)

Youth $20 (ages 2-17)

Kids Free (under 2)