What are your initial three ideas for the Capstone Project?

  Before beginning on my Capstone Project, I had already brainstormed many ideas for what I could do. I was dead-set on incorporating physics and music into my creation, as they were my 'main strengths'. The first idea consists of resonating metal bars, similar to those in a wind chime, tuned to match the frequency of instrumental strings. My second idea was something intended for a similar purpose, but done using tubular pipes, which create the desired sound by definition of its length and cross-sectional radius. My Third idea, quite frankly still a concept which has not been conceptualized yet, is a window screen extension mounted through a cut out section. A small box representing a hallway for felines or other indoor pets to enjoy the sun and outside air without requiring the attention of a human. Granted many cats do already run in and out of the house unaccompanied, but it would make an interesting experience for those who are more interior inclined.

  The first idea was grand because it would solve a big problem all non-electronic instruments have: they warp to thermal expansion/shrinkage. This includes common woodwinds and strings, and to an extent brass ones as well. Picking a good metallic material which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion would help preserve the desired sound for those not gifted with perfect pitch. Problem is, how would I acquire this desired material, and how would I shape it accordingly without the proper tools. The same concerns were heard when I asked people their opinions for this idea.

  Thus I decided to develop plan B. By utilizing pipes, obtaining the material is greatly simplified. Plastic tubing from Home Depot suffices; It's cheap, easily altered with an X-acto, and fairly resilient to moisture or temperature changes. As of right now, I'm personally pretty sold on this concept. Potential problems could include durability from wear as it is a piece of plastic after all, but it shouldn't be that much of an issue.

  My third 'concept' is still constructed from very rudimentary ideas, but it would be a protruding caged box that you could reliably attach to window frames. This concept has been done before but I could spice it up by marketing it attached to the screen. Not very set on this idea however because it does not really relate to my interested subjects.

  And there we have it. Currently heavily leaning towards number two, but we'll see.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Project Summary

For my capstone project, I aimed to combine my two interests/strengths: STEM and music. My first idea was a tuning tool, but it proved too difficult of a product to make unique. The second option, which I have now committed to, is an LED circuit featuring a Piezo Vibration Sensor that lights up when I play my instrument: The violin. Taking up the capstone project certainly was not easy. In the winter term, I opted to join the capstone project, knowing that I had a multitude of other academia waiting in the junior year. It would be unfair to call this decision an act of confidence in ability, because I knew that if I could complete it with relative success, it could stand out on my college application. By the spring trimester, despite the fact that I had completed my prototype and had achieved fair progress towards the end goal, the burden of work afflicted me intensely. By April, the stresses of standardized testing and the start of the Tennis season gripped me. The goal now is to
Read more

Is your Capstone project helping you think about your future?

  So far, my Capstone Project has taught me many quintessential lessons and struck me with difficult questions. On one-side, the case of an independent workload forces you to take responsibility in time management and diligence. But the application of a subject of interest in the real world may reveal to you of challenges and questions previously unseen. Is this really the path of career I want to choose? Is this process really the 'right one'? Doing this Capstone has opened my eyes to the previously tossed-aside possibilities. I was so committed to maths and physics due to various influences, that I never bothered with the humanities and social sciences.   While this realization is scary, it is also an opportunity. Through this project I may be able to identify myself in the way that I can faithfully commit to STEM major in college and career. Or it would allow me to find my way in other fields that suit me better.
Read more

What is the one trait that you believe to be the most crucial to your success? How has failure been part of your learning?

Before the beginning of my junior year, I never felt like I had significant success, be it socially, academically, or other areas. But right now I feel like I have become more aligned with my path to success, primarily because of 'Push', Richard St. Johnson's way of saying motivation. Life was very much similar to a carefree balloon, floating and wandering without direction until one day the helium no longer sustains its linkage downwards. That was me for a long time, but this year with the influences of my friends, teachers, and renewed self-confidence, it became clear to me that if I wanted to achieve success, it was time to start pushing. The capstone project is largely uncharted territory for me as well as many students. It may be the first time that we get to utilize the skill-sets we've acquired during class in creating something of our own, and that is why it is ever so pertinent to push, work, and persist. When it comes to failures, it actually may be possibl
Read more