Introduction:
For this project, we tried to create batteries using electric playdough and gatorade. The pictures of the results are below in the Content document. Our group chose to make an electric playdough battery and soda battery. Our theme for this project was to make a battery out of everyday items. After deciding on our batteries, we figured out the materials necessary to make them. Then, we got those materials and put the batteries together. Unfortunately, our first trial didn't yield any results. Because of this, we had to make revisions and try again.
For the next trial, we replaced the soda with gatorade and added more lemon juice and salt to the electric playdough. Additionally, we added magnesium conductors. These additions increased the charge, but did not light an LED. Due to time, we couldn't do a third trial; we had to make use of the data we had. After gathering results from both trials, we presented them to the class. The materials for all the batteries and revisions are shown in the content document.
For the next trial, we replaced the soda with gatorade and added more lemon juice and salt to the electric playdough. Additionally, we added magnesium conductors. These additions increased the charge, but did not light an LED. Due to time, we couldn't do a third trial; we had to make use of the data we had. After gathering results from both trials, we presented them to the class. The materials for all the batteries and revisions are shown in the content document.
Content:
Reflection:
Overall, this project went well. I was able to communicate well with my group and we finished our project on time. I would say that two things we did well were communication and execution. First, we could communicate well with each other. We made sure to choose ideas that everybody agreed on, and everyone understood what we were doing. Because of this, we were able to finish experiments on time with no tension. Another thing we did well was execution. We didn't only plan and communicate well, we also executed our ideas successfully. When we decided on a plan for an experiment, we made sure that we followed through with that plan. I would say the pit of the project was when we couldn't get either of our batteries to work. Because of this, it was hard to find motivation to continue and ways to analyze results. However, through persistence and collaboration, we created a presentation analyzing our results. The peak of this project was the last few days before presentation. We organized our data and delegated slides to everyone in our group. Because we did most of the dirty work in the beginning, the last few days were not stressful.
One thing I felt like I did well was communicate. Everyone in the group had different skills and wanted to participate so it was easy to delegate tasks. Even when our project went wrong, I feel like we all communicated well. Being that I usually feel unsatisfied for my communication skills during STEM group projects, I am surprised and proud of how I helped the group understand our plans and keep a calm environment. As a result, I did the right amount of work, which is collaboration. During group projects, I often end up doing too much or too little. However, I felt like I did just the right amount of work during this project because my group was willing to participate.
Although I did improve in communication, I felt like I could've done other things better. For example, I could've been more persistent on making our batteries work. This would count as character of education because the character of education is to persistent. During the experimental phase of the project, we couldn't get any of our batteries to light an LED. I feel like I could've tried more options to make the battery work. However, we did not have much time so it was hard to find time to make changes. Additionally, I feel like we should've created a more complex battery, be more creative with my battery. Because we chose simple batteries, we didn't test our ability to try something new. I feel like if we chose a more unique and complicated battery, we would've taken a step out of our comfort zone and improved our problem solving skills during the project. Because any difficult thing you get through makes you stronger.
One thing I felt like I did well was communicate. Everyone in the group had different skills and wanted to participate so it was easy to delegate tasks. Even when our project went wrong, I feel like we all communicated well. Being that I usually feel unsatisfied for my communication skills during STEM group projects, I am surprised and proud of how I helped the group understand our plans and keep a calm environment. As a result, I did the right amount of work, which is collaboration. During group projects, I often end up doing too much or too little. However, I felt like I did just the right amount of work during this project because my group was willing to participate.
Although I did improve in communication, I felt like I could've done other things better. For example, I could've been more persistent on making our batteries work. This would count as character of education because the character of education is to persistent. During the experimental phase of the project, we couldn't get any of our batteries to light an LED. I feel like I could've tried more options to make the battery work. However, we did not have much time so it was hard to find time to make changes. Additionally, I feel like we should've created a more complex battery, be more creative with my battery. Because we chose simple batteries, we didn't test our ability to try something new. I feel like if we chose a more unique and complicated battery, we would've taken a step out of our comfort zone and improved our problem solving skills during the project. Because any difficult thing you get through makes you stronger.