Create and Improve:

23 Feb 2022:

Things I did:

1. I collected the materials I need for the circuits

  • batteries–these two batteries are 1.2 volts each, the energy collected will be stored in the batteries
  • solar panel–the solar panel used to collect the energy, it is around 5 volts
  • breadboard–the breadboard is a perfect choice to test my circuits and check if they work quickly before finalizing my work
  • alligator clips–connect the components together
  • switches–so that I can control when the solar panel is charging the batteries and of course control the motor
  • motor–spins the Ferris wheel
  • LED lights–work as diodes

2. I tested the voltage and the positive pole & negative pole of the solar panel and the batteries with the multimeter

  • the voltage of the solar panel is around 5, the voltage of the batteries is 1.2
  • If the voltage of the solar panel is lower than the voltage of the batteries, the batteries will transfer energy back to the solar panel, which can break the circuit
    • to prevent this situation, I need to add diodes in my circuit, such as LED lights
  • Using the multimeter, I found out the positive and negative poles of the solar panel and the motor.

3. I tested some components of the whole circuit

  • I managed to power the motor and connect a switch to it

Things I need to work on:

  1. learn more about circuits, watch Youtube videos and ask the teachers
  2. Connect the components together by combining them using the breadboard by the next class
  3. start making the base of my Ferris wheel

25 Feb & 1 Mar 2022:

Things I did:

1. learned how to build the circuit with Mr. Michie

  • a LED light was placed in the middle
    • prevents current from flowing back
    • it tells us if the solar panels are charging the batteries
  • a switch is placed between the solar panel and the batteries
    • the batteries can be damaged once it is overcharged
    • the switch can control whether the solar panel is powering the batteries

2. Finalized measurements of the base and started collecting materials

Things I need to work on:

  1. the motor was spinning too fast, do research on how to slow down my motor
  2. transport the whole circuit onto a circuit board, ask Mr. Michie

 

3 & 7 Mar 2022:

   

 

Things I did:

1. soldering

  • diode
    • In my previous testing circuits, the LED lights worked as the diode, therefore, when the light is shining, I can interpret that the circuit is working. However, the diode can not light up, I am not able to figure out whether the circuit is working.
    • After asking Mr. Michie, I solved this problem by using the multimeter, Testing if there is electricity flowing through the wires can help us find out if the circuits are working.
  • electric tape
    • If the metal part of the wires touch, it can cause a short circuit
    • using electric tape can prevent the short circuit from happening

2. made a wheel for my model

Things I need to work on:

  • decorating my project
  • finish making the ferris wheel

Reflect and Share

Things that worked well:

  • The soldering process worked out quite well, it stables the wires very well and keeps my circuits organized
  • The Ferris wheel is a good choice to make, it has a simple shape and it is recognizable, the materials required to make it is also very easy to find

Takeaways:

  • In the process of this project, I developed a lot of new skills. I learned more about circuits and soldering. Before this project, I did not have any experience on circuits, but as I learned how to make my project by looking at YouTube videos and learning from teachers, I was able to make a toy that transfers energy by myself
  • My peers gave me a lot of help. They were very supportive and gave me a lot of suggestions. also, I was able to work on my project with others that are doing the same thing, so that we can learn from one another

Things to Improve:

  • Planning is the most important aspect that I need to work on. At the end of the project, I was not able to finish the Ferris wheel. In the first few lessons, I spent most of my time testing the circuit. Therefore, the time to do the artwork in my project decreased, and I was not able to make the gondolas. Next time, I need to make a timeline, to better track my work
  • There were also acre technical issues in my project. The motor was still too fast. There are many ways to slow down the motor; I chose the easiest one, by adding weight to the Ferris wheel. However, this is also the less efficient way. I was not able to make a system that can efficiently slow down my motor since I did not have enough time.

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