Past projects 6
Physical Computing for the Next Generation of Innovators
Funded Jun 7, 2022Through your generous donation, students are getting a preview into the world of programming and physical computing. For most students, programming only exists on a computer through traditional applications and perhaps web development. The microbits microprocessor enables students to control LEDs and sounds based on interactions with inputs such as buttons and accelerometers.
As simple as the code is, students were amazed by the ability to turn on LEDs when they pressed a button or sound a beep if the microbit was tilted in a certain direction. The smart home and cutebot kits expand student appreciation and possible innovations that can be created through physical computing.
As students move forward in our curriculum, we look forward to integrating web interfaces, databases, and Internet of Things applications.
Thank you again for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro
From Virtual Reality to Internet of Things
Funded Sep 28, 2020We never thought the world would change so much when we first envisioned the possibilities the Innovation Lab would provide our students. We had an ambitious goal of creating a space that would foster creativity, collaboration and inspiration in the areas of Virtual Reality and Physical Computing. Though we were not able to follow our original vision completely, we found success in the area of Virtual Reality.
During this historic period of social distancing, virtual reality seem to provide a medium by which students could escape the isolation brought on by the pandemic. The immersive worlds students produced were heartwarming and amazing! One student created a virtual world where he and his dad would be fishing if we weren't socially isolated. The hardware provided by this project allowed me to effectively demonstrate, inspire and teach the concepts behind virtual reality.
Next year promises to bring normalcy back to students' lives. We look forward to proceeding with creating the space where students can further explore virtual reality and experience the joy of physical computing. Thank you so much again for the generous donation which will help fuel future innovators.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro
This classroom project was brought to life by PwC Charitable Foundation.Envision a New World Through Virtual Reality
Funded Jun 17, 2019Virtual reality (VR) is an exciting new medium of expression unlike any other. Oculus Rift S is a virtual reality headset that immerses the user into an environment where they can explore, learn and experience. Through various career fairs, students have witnessed uses of VR beyond just gaming, from a financial company that views live feeds of banking information to medical professionals learning to train in a new technique.
For most students the Oculus Rift S is inaccessible because of the high cost of the headset coupled with the necessity of having a powerful computer capable of rendering virtual environments. Over the course of a day, I had an opportunity to share this wonderful resource with not just students from the computer science program but also students from the engineering program. Students were amazed by the experience as they interacted with a robot in a science lab to viewing a dinosaur as it runs through a museum directly at you. Faculty members also had an opportunity to experience this exciting technology.
Being able to experience virtual reality gave many of our seniors who are interested in exploring virtual reality for their capstone project the confidence and motivation to do so. As with past donations students are amazed that this opportunity was made possible through a donation. We all thank you for your generosity in helping us broaden the horizon of our future innovators.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro
Computing for the Creative Minds
Funded May 26, 2015As with past donations students are amazed by the generosity of others. This particular project holds special significance because it was as a direct result of students completing the Intro to JS course on Khan Academy proving to students that hard work does pay.
The ASUS ROG Laptop was the highlight of the donations as students working on Unity 3D projects could now demonstrate their work to classmates and continue working on their projects while in school. Leap motion sensor offered a unique perspective on human interaction similar to scenes from movies such as Minority Report. The Samsung Tablet provides me an excellent tool to document and share students accomplishments. The Samsung Tablet also allows students to explore mobile app development on an attractive platform.
Empowering students with the resources to complete their ideas has a way of inspiring them to explore new ideas. I consider it a great success when students take ownership of their education. It is our job to support them in their journey of discovery.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro
Code the World!
Funded Aug 11, 2014As with other projects I've had funded through DonorsChoose.org, my students first reaction was, "Wow! Someone donated this to us." They couldn't wait to explore the XBox 360, Kinect and Raspberry PI. Your generous donations in conjunction with a recent trip to 2014 Expand by Engadget has motivated students to explore programming projects that go beyond the traditional computer.
Freshmen are using the Kinect to explore how input can be gathered by means other than a mouse and keyboard. A couple of sophomores decided, on their own, to learn Unity 3D and create a game to deploy to the XBox by the end of the school year. One student is submitting Windows version of his Unity 3D game to the National STEM Video Game Challenge. Several juniors are using the Java certification resources in conjunction with their AP Computer Science course. They plan to take the certification exam at the end of the school year. One group of seniors as their capstone project are developing a low cost real time online attendance system using the Scanner and Raspberry Pi. I plan to us their system to take attendance in my classroom.
I have found it a lot easier to motivate students to explore projects on their own. The number of interests has increased well beyond my capabilities but that's okay because they have the confidence that there is support out there for them. Resources such as these make programming exciting and offer relevance to their education and future.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro
Gears That Turn the Mind
Funded Jun 30, 2014My students first reaction was, "Wow! Someone donated these parts." Beyond the robotics this selfless act has taught them that there are generous people in the world willing to invest in their success. My hopes are that in their future they will remember this experience and pay it forward.
This year's competition is extremely challenging in terms of height. Some of the highest scoring goals are located at heights up to 120 cm. The larger sized channels and gears have allowed the students to build arms that reach the 60 and 90 cm scoring goals. We previously had only one battery and were at risk of not being able to compete if that battery failed. The extra batteries have given the students the reassurance that power source will not be a show stopper.
Students are creative and full of ideas. The resources have encouraged the students to continue designing and building their ideas. They are full of confidence going into this year's competition.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Castro