Journal Entry Week 9

Michael Ryan 

11/17/13

What are you doing?

I am making a wall clock made out of hockey sticks, hockey pucks, and clock parts. The clock is going to be 20 inches wide by 20 inches high. The frame will be composed of four hockey sticks all interlocking with their adjacent sides. There will be 4 pucks to represent the 12,3,6,9 numbers that are on a regular clock. The actual clock will be in the middle of the pucks so you will be able to tell what time it is. I have already developed a design process for the clock. Furthermore, I have collected my sticks, pucks, and I am working on collecting the rest of the materials and tools. I am very excited to work on this project and eventually reach the finished product. 

Why are you doing it?

I picked this project for many reasons. First of all, I enjoy the game of hockey and I thought it would be nice to connect a project that I will be making to something that I have a passion for. I have also seen these clocks in restaurants, stores, arenas, and such and I have always thought they were very cool and I was always interested in how to make one. Lastly I wanted to make something that I could use and be proud of. 

What does this help you do that’s important? 

This clock helps me in various ways. First off,and most obvious, it tells the time which is helpful. The project in whole helps me develop problem solving techniques and learn how to research a topic and put the research to use. It also helps me learn how to use resources and tools to make objects that I can use instead of buying them. The failure and success will help me mature and learn to persevere when things do not go my way. 

This week I gathered 4 hockey shafts. The lengths add up to 200 inches. My next step is to cut them so I can make the frame. I have also researched clocks and have concluded that I'm going to order one in the upcoming week. I gathered pucks and talked and exchanged ideas with my peers who are using hockey sticks. I am very happy with my project so far and I believe I am making progress!