9/29/10

I read this article, it is short sweet simple andto the point i hope others enjoy it too

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/40292/

9/15/10

AUVSI Meeting Day 2

Today will went more into depth on the subjects brought up on the previous days

• Quad Core mini computer
• Manta Video Camera (factory cam.) $250 ea.
• Tether will be Ethernet Cable
  
• Keep in Mind weight!
• Give Isabel mother board to take to John Harris
  
• Water tight casing in acrylic
• Lipo Batteries (connected in parallel)
• Hydrophones (3) will be reviewed in ''Reson'' Website
• Syntactic foam
• Find Charger
  
• Clear PVC
• Find Depth Gage

We also showed a video from Connect a Million Minds to motivate students as well as let them know what is going on in the really world.

9/14/10

AUVSI meeting:

Today the group that will take on the endeavor in participating in the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International competition will go further into depth about their knowledge on specific matters.

Topics to be discussed:

• Computer memory systems
  
• Viewing (camera) system Called the Manta
  
• Mechanical
• -Seabotics motors
• -Square frame (weight)
  
• may have tether
• Electrical
• -housing for electrical (PADT /Aluminum/ or/ Acrylic)
  
• -two battery packs (ABS contained)
  
• -Underwater Hydrophones form "Reson"
  
• Programming
• Places Being Visited UCSD and Seabotics

We also discussed about the dedication needed to be a part of this team because this is the first time we will be attacking this challenge. We will continue to do research as well as review the information given to us so we can study it on the way to San Diego.

9/10/10

For this past week I have not really done much robotics related beside planning the celebration for Oscar and Cindy. I have been vigorously studying for a mid-term this Saturday for our advanced math class. The test will be on our chapter three notes from one of the days that I was absent. Even thought the work is not hard there is much work to be done before we go back into class. I know that even if i do comprehend the material presented to me applying it into other problems may bring up some difficulties during a test.

The purpose of this math class is so that the more mathematically advanced students on campus have the opportunity to be in a fast pace learning environment. We will be learning half of the Algebra 2 math book in a period of 8 weeks, meeting once a week on Saturdays for about 5 hours. Myself, along with other fabulous math teachers and staff on campus, fought long and hard to make this class possible. There are many benefits both long and short for taking this class. One of the main reasons I personally advocated for this class was so that when the time comes for me to take the PSAT/SAT or ACT test my scores will improve, thus making me a more competitive candidate when applying for scholarships and to colleges. On the short term side, this allows me to receive credit for two math classes in the period of one year and will allow me to take calculus my senior year.

Every since I was in middles school I knew that I would be applying to Stanford University and since then I made that decision I have done everything in my power to better prepare myself for such a prestigious education. And one day I know that my dreams of walking down the aisle to receive my Masters Degree in mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering from Stanford University will become a reality sooner than I can imagine.

8/30/10

This has been a very emotional past couple of days. As part of the Falcon Robotics team, we went to Payson, AZ to a retreat so the new members as well as the returning members bond and learn the history of the team. We were scheduled to depart from Carl Hayden at six in the morning but due to some mix up we were unable to because our methods of transportation were not accessible. After finally getting on the road, close to an hour before reaching our destination traffic stopped. There had been a fatal motor vehicle accident that caused us to delayed another hour. When we finally arrived we went grocery shopping; We spent around $640 on food and drinks for the weekend. Once we settled down at the cabin we went for a hike on Mugalon Rim. The view was fantastic, the hike was exhausting, but spending time with each other was priceless.

8/27/10

Yesterday in the evening a group of 4 student, myself included, and our teacher, Mr. Lajvardi, went to a convention called Microchip Masters. This is a convention were Microchip invites there employees from different locations all over the world and they go to workshops during the day. In the evening the are exposed to some entertainment that has some Microchip features. Microchip is one of the many generous FIRST sponsor and they invite FRC teams from around the state to come and demonstrate and explain what FIRST is all about. We were asked to have a display of our robotics program along with participating in a "Robotics World Cup". Every team present was assigned a country to represent, we were Spain, we came to think it was a sort of omen and that we would end up winning the games. Unfortunately our robot began to malfunction, we believe it was due to some electrical components that were not in operating in a proper manner. Even though we were unable to win the World Cup, we met many people from around the world who work for Microchip. I myself, met people from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Holland, Germany, and other who were more local. After speaking with most of them I was intrigued by the differences in our school systems, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle. The man from UK said, "We would never be able to find a groups of students who would be willing to give up so much, or work so hard just for a simple robot competition." It is then that I explained that FIRST is not all about the robot, that it is everything that you learn, people you meet, and things you discover in the process that is valuable. Every one that I spoke to had the same expression of awe on the face. When we were able to have some free time we also visited some of the exhibits out side. One of the exhibits that caught my attention the most we a machine that would receive and decode information right before your eyes. It was fascinating to see something so complex yet so simple work its magic. One of the more thrilling moments of the evening was when we saw the Energizer Bunny mascot. We took a team picture with him and with our robot. Overall the event was very enjoyable, not only did we entertain others but we had fun in the process too.

8/25/10

The past couple of weeks of school have flown by very quickly. Since the first day of school I have been working with the other officers to better organize this years team. I have very high expectations for the following year. What we are trying to accomplish by the end of this semester is to further educate both new and returning students on robotics team. We want that everyone be more efficient and prepared so when it comes to the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Competition we will be stronger as a whole.

One of the other approaches we have taken to better our team is to inspire them as well as enlightening them by showing the great, inspiring movies. The first time we saw was "October Sky"; This film showed us how no matter where you, or where you come from you can do anything if you set your mind to it. "Contact", by Carl Sagan, was the following movie we saw. It was a moving story about a woman who lost her mother at birth, and her father at the age of 9. She overcame the judgment of her peers to strive for what she believed in and was able to reach her goals along with the help of some extraordinary people. Today we are featuring the movie "The Road". From viewing the trailers, its suppose to be a film about how the world could in a moment change for ever and how a father and his son attempt to over come all the obstacles presented.

8/02/10

Yesterday was the first day of school. The day went by fast and at the end I attended a meeting regarding a block class for algebra 3/4 Honors and Pre-Calc. After wards we had a reading a Runner's World article about two Track coaches from Alhambra HS here in Phoenix. It was a strong story that affected us all on the team in a different way.

Today we will have another meeting regarding the block class. Another thing we need to take care of is completing the new tax credit form, as well as finish paper work for trips.

7/18/10

I am here with the team watching and taking notes of the AUVSI Competition in CA. Getting ready for competition next year.

Stanford Trip 6/16-18/10

These past couple of days at Stanford University have truly inspired me and motivated me into following my life long pursuit of a higher, more prestigious education. Before this trip, attending such a school was only a distant dream, now it has become a well premeditated plan. Being on campus allowed us to feel the magnificent atmosphere of the school both academically and socially. The curriculum at Stanford here is something that I would enjoy being a part of. All the various activities and social groups on campus seem to be welcoming. I feel that they would help me build a better self confidence and sense of communication. Although I know there are highly established requirements I do believe that, not only myself, but other students on this trip will take this information and strive vigorously for success. I am very anxious to be visiting the Stanford campus once again, but next time as an active student.

5/28/10

Worked on letter for a Stanford Tour in June and on LEGIT Tech. report

5/18/10

Just got back from supporting the DREAM Act. I've been working on Schematics all day. I'm Making Two; a regular one and one with the actual picture of the parts

5/17/10

Working on LEGIT Tech Roport. Aiming to have a complete rough draft by Friday.

5/13/10

I'm trying to get a new block class started here at CHHS so more student will be able to take Calculus during there senior year. Hopefully it goes through.

Later today After school we will have a LEGIT Meeting to keep everyone updated...

5/10/10

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

Today I ran around school trying to get things straightened out for the marine banquet tomorrow. Finally Got to sit down.

Today I will Cover our motors for the ROV in plumbers glue.

5/7/10

I have been working with Team LEGIT (Leading and Empowering Girls Into Technology) we have started a design for our ROV and we will be getting our controlors and claw next week. In the next couple of days we will start building and we expect to have the ROV building done in the next week or so. After that we can start the electrical process.

Today we will be having elections for the Falcon Robotics Team after school and may the best person win.

5/6/10

today is my first day blogging