Getting ready for presenting

So far, I can only get my presentation up to my research portion, which my teachers are fine with, as long as I am all caught up by the formal progress update. I will use this chance in order to practice general presenting skills and using the web log as a presentation tool. It will be very important to incorporate many pictures in order to get points across, so those pictures must be uploaded to the blog. My has been made, and is unsurprisingly much shorter than that of my classmates.

Getting to experimental research . . .

By now, the wave tank has been brought from Mr. V's room to the systems lab at school. I have yet to be able to experiment with this tank, however, because I need to learn to use the power supply that runs the motor to the existing wave tank. Another problem I have is that the side panel on tank is cracked - I fear that if I try to use the tank, the panel may rupture.


Note: My post is on today and not Friday because I will not be in school tomorrow. Tonight, I am leaving to go visit colleges for the weekend.

Research Materials May Pose a Problem

There are many available research materials on the properties of waves and sediment transportation. However, the research materials on wave mechanics are written in esoteric language that I yet have the background to understand. Also, any web sites that are exclusively about wave tanks usually discuss the effect the wave tank has, and not the actual wave tank construction process. I think that the best solution in order to obtain suitable research in order to get started on creating alternative solutions is to experiment with the wave tank and use my observations in order to brainstorm and develop a solution.

Progress to date

Design brief, Specifications, and Limitations have been created. Background Information section is almost complete; I need to acquire more research materials in order to create a more complete background information report (teacher interviews, hydrodynamic principles, etc.). Tuesday's post will list research materials that I have acquired thus far.

Working my way towards catching up . . .

I have recently changed my senior year focus from oceanography to systems in order to pursue my interest in physics. To fulfill my desire for a heavily mathematically based project, I have decided to create a visual representation of ocean tides and sediment transport. The physic's teacher's wave tank is broken, and now it will me my job to improve the existing design. Because I am behind most of the class, I have to move fast. I have created a plan of action for this marking period - this week, I will complete my background information essay, design brief, and specification and limitation list. I also must acquire resources that will provide necessary information about mathematical wave principles and aquatic housing construction. I also must interview my teacher in order to find out the appropriate specifications this wave tank shall entail. At the end of the week, I will post again to log the progress I have made.
-EG

MP1 Calendar

Week 1: September 17-21

• Finish introductory portfolio elements:
• background information
• design brief
• specification
• Compile research materials and start reading

Week 2: September 24-28

• Complete research page
• Brainstorm and find 3 alternative solutions (rough)

Week 3: October 1-5

• Prepare for presentation on the 3^rd with work done thus far
• Develop alternative solutions

Week 4: October 8-12

• Create idea matrix and choose solution
• Create selection-rejection report

Week 5: October 15-19

• Begin work on model
• Create testing procedures

Week 6: October 22-26

• Continue and complete work on model
• Prepare for formal presentation

Week 7: October 29-November 3

• Complete presentation outline
• Practice and perform formal presentation