Week of Oct 21

This week in class
We will finish up the unit on engineering drawings and begin the Puzzle cube this week.  Students will apply the design process and different sketching techniques to create a child's puzzle toy that is made of 5 different pieces that, when put together correctly, make a 2.25" x 2.25" x 2.25" cube.  You will get to take your final product home when finished, and then you will start making the cube in Inventor.

When we get to Inventor, I will make a link available that allows you to download the program at home for use in your class work.  Inventor is a 3d solid modelling program used by engineers to model, test, and communicate their designs.  The school licenses allows students in our engineering classes to download and install the software at home for educational use.

This week at RRHS
There are no special schedules this week (no late start, pep rally, etc.). However, Friday is the last day for the progress reporting period.  Make sure that your grades are all up to date before Friday so that your report is accurate.  If I graded an assignment and you had your journal at home, make sure to show it to me the next class day so that I can update that grade.

College Rep Visits This Week
Tuesday - U.S. Army
Next week:
Monday (Oct 28) - The University of Texas
Tuesday (Oct 29) - Texas A&M University


Opportunities for Aspiring Engineers
HAS/WISH
Each year, NASA hosts the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program.  High school students can apply to NASA on the link provided, but applications must be in by November 15.  If selected, you will get to participate in a series of on-line training sessions and discussions with NASA engineers and other selected students. A select group from that will be selected in the spring to attend a week long camp at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) next summer.  Student teams will work alongside NASA engineers on a space design project and present their solution to JSC engineers and executives.  Best of all, the cost is completely free, including lodging and transportation to JSC in Houston.

If you are interested in the above, and are one of our female students, then consider the WISH program (Women in STEM High School). It is very much the same thing except for being limited to girls only, and the deadline to apply is December 1.  Consider applying to both to increase your chances.

If you are interested in visiting the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State in San Marcos, be sure that you sign up and then get two permission forms from me: one for Texas State and the other for RRISD.  The visit will be Friday, November 8, which is an A day.  The bus will leave from the 700 bldg bus loop at 7:30 a.m. and return to RRHS around 3:45.  If you are interested, let me know right away since the event date is near.  You will also need to fill out a survey for Texas State on your interests in engineering.

Finally, make sure that you have signed up on my information form if you are attending FAME at A&M on November 16-17, even if you are providing your own transportation.  I would like to know which of our students are attending. If you want to ride a bus over there, then you definitely need to fill out that form and get a permission form from me.