Callie+Jaycox

Learning Journal #5- 10/28 The brake light has officially been named as our project instead of just being our top contender. Parth has suggested to us that we should not ever look back at the ideas that did not make the cut, and focus all of our energy on the brake light. He also asked a few questions in an effort to determine if we had emotional ties to the project, which he decided we did not. we need to determine who can play the role of a leader in the group, and which people have which strengths and weaknesses. From there, we will assign different topics for research and compile it all for our use.

What did you think of Parth's suggestion? What criteria are you using to evaluate the various projects? Please elaborate a little more on this part of the process. While I agree that the group can lose focus a little too easily, I think you are at a good point. After Friday's meeting and your idea has been finalized you all can begin the R and D process. I feel like the group could use a motivator... you perhaps. Not one member has emerged as a strong leader quite yet. You have many of the traits and characteristics of someone who can motivate and lead. Can you fill this role? What would you do or say to help the group focus?

Learning Journal #4- 10/16 We have met with our mentor, Parth Mehta, in an after school meeting this week. We introduced ourselves and then discussed with himself our ideas. By his suggestion, we began creating a matrix that allowed us to rank our ideas based on different aspects of the project. We created this during lunches as a group. During the last few lunch sessions, our focus has gone down hill. Many times, we get little to nothing done. It is very frustrating to move at such a slow pace, and I think we need to start really getting into the design process of our device, which I believe will be the brake light.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to watching the project develop.

Learning Journal #3- 10/5 Just today, we have received confirmation that we have a mentor. An employee at Herr's, Parth Mehta, will be assisting us with our project. He is a mechancial and industrial engineer for the company and will be meeting with us both after school and during classes. Our brainstorming has brought us to a great idea that could improve the safety of drivers on the streets. It is hard to tell whether or not a person is applying their brakes with an intention to stop quickly or slow down a small amount. Our device would have a separate light that would turn on after the pedal becomes depreseed to a certain point to indicate the rapid stoping of the vehicle. This would help to avoid collisions on the road due to sudden stopping.

I like your idea Callie of asking the companies what problems they see as well.

Learning Journal #2- 9/23 The team has met as a whole on two A day lunch periods. We brainstormed a few ideas, but none of them really stuck. I feel like that could be because of our lack of time as a group. We spend the first 5-10 minutes eating and then by the time we really get into brainstorming, it's time for Jake and Mike to go. We are having a team building activity after school on Monday so we will see how that goes. Once we really start to mesh as a team, maybe we can decide on a problem and come up with a solution. We have also been brainstorming some businesses that can help to mentor us. Mrs. Mavrelos has called Herrs, John Deere, and Excelon in an effort to see who is available for this. It might be a good idea for us to ask these companies what some small problems they have seen and see if that gives us any ideas.

I look forward to watching you and the group progress through the project! This is exciting. I contacted Herr's yesterday... will tell you more in class.

Learning Journal #1- 9/11 In the first two weeks of independent study, we have created our team for the PA Jobs1st competition. With the three people on the team and also in the class (including myself) we have started to brainstorm ideas. Many of our ideas are not feasible to complete within the time allotted and keeping within budget. We have discussed some ideas that are feasible and would improve Pennsylvania but they habe already been created in one way or another. I believe that forming the team and coming up with an idea will be the hardest part of the project but with two new team members, they may bring some helpful diversity to our ideas.