Journal Entry Week 9

• What are you doing?

For my 15% time project, I am making a houseboat that will be powered using solar cells. I am going to make the boat look nice as well as fully functional. The boat will have lights on the outside and the inside of the boat, all powered using solar power. The boat will have a motor as well as many propellors.

• Why are you doing it?

I am doing this project because it will expand my knowledge in many aspects. I will learn to design and construct a model boat. This project will expand my knowledge of wiring and solar power. I will learn the organization of making my own product. This experiment will help my engineering skills because not only will my boat have to work, it has to look nice and be durable.

• What does this help you do that’s important?

This will help me become a better problem solver.  will learn to work around and fix any problems that will occur while designing, constructing, and testing my boat. Along with become a better problem solver, this project will set a basis of solar energy, wiring, and design for future experiments.

Journal Entry Week 8

This week I have started to gather materials. I have gathered engines and propellers, although I expect to get more propellers. I am also trying to figure out what I am going to make a boat out of. I also considered using a bendable wood and making it waterproof by staining and protecting it with a sealant. I have not made any changes or improvement to my design, because I like how it is and that is the design I am choosing to pursue. This week I will continue to acquire materials and ideas. I will talk to my teacher and my dad to see what wood and protectant could be used for my project. I will also discuss how to waterproof my engines. 

Journal Entry Week 6

This week I made a few modifications to the design of my boat. I now have estimations of the dimensions of the boat. I made a few adjustments to one of my previous designs and that is the design that I am choosing to pursue.

This boat will be about 7 inches in height and roughly 1.5 feet long. I am estimating the width to be 4-6 inches.

Another thing I did was research the cost of solar cells, because they are the only thing that I will really be needing to pay for. On eBay, I found them to be from $1-5. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18pcs-untabbed-3x6-solar-cells-USA-factory-made-solar-cell-for-solar-panel-/350911082708?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51b3ee30d4

This is a link to solar cells on eBay listen for $3.85.

As for the rest of the materials, I expect to find everything else for free or at a very low cost. The only other thing that I cant link of possibly having to pay for is an engine. I have looked into model boat engines and I haven't yet found anything that is cheap or is what I am looking for. That is one of my nest steps, to figure out what I am going to use for an engine. I also need to do some research on RC systems, how they work and how to install them.

Journal Entry Week 4

Since I missed class on the day that research was done, I don't have any information available right now. I will catch up when I have a chance. So far all the information I have is the sketches I have for my solar powered boat that I have attached in previous entries, I haven't updated my design or made any yet.

Journal Entry Week 3

I have chosen to pursue making a solar powered boat.

These are my goals for the project; 

~Learn how to use and understand RC systems

~Make the boat look nice as well as functional

~Find examples of similar  ideas to give myself a better understanding of what will work best.

~Figure out which materials would work best for this project.

~Come up with at least a few more designs for the boat.

I have looked at 2 websites and 1 YouTube Video that I think will help me with my project.

~http://www.aischool.org/uploaded/Library%2FSecondary_School%2F50_Personal_Projects/PDF/Human_ingenuity/Human_ingenuity_05/written_report/Human_ingenuity_05_report.pdf

~http://www.solarnavigator.net/barbie_doll_solar_model_boats_mexico_modelismo_naval_de_reciclado_mexicano.htm

~YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxeEZFJwUoo

I like the look of this boat and how the solar panels are raised. The design is simple, yet it is still slightly  appealing to the eye. 

This is another rough sketch of the design I may pursue. I like how the panels are raised and that also functions as a cover for the deck below.

Week 2

Journal Entry Week 2

I have decided to make a mini solar powered boat. I will use solar cells and wires to transfer the solar energy to the propellers and the motor. The boat will be remote controlled and will be tested in the pond.

Here are the sketches I have made so far, as a rough draft and first ideas: 

The materials that I have in mind right now are:

• wires
• solar cells
• 2 small soda bottles
• propellers (2)
• motor
• remote control system
• Styrofoam or plastic
• paint

Here is a example similar to what I am planning to achieve:

http://www.envirogadget.com/solar-powered/solar-powered-bottle-boat-kit/

Websites that may be useful:

http://makezine.com/projects/solar-powered-boat-prototype/

Journal Entry Week 1

I'm passionate about making models and technology.

My top five ideas:

     1.) Make a website

     2.) Build a model robot

     3.) Make something that obtains energy

     4.) Build a water filtration

     5.) Make a fountain from scratch

                                                  Solar Panels ~ citation