Week of Sep 22

This Week in IED
We will continue a study of different drawing techniques for 3-dimensional drawings by finishing isometric sketching first and then learning to draw one and two point perspective drawings.  Also, be sure that you are keeping your engineering journals up to date (table of contents; sign, date & number each page; put all notes and work in your journal, including any handouts that I give you.)  I will be checking journals this week.

Every year, we send teams to the Texas A&M University Engineering Expo, this year named the Sparc Conference.  Students will form teams and compete against each other and teams from other high schools around the state in two of six competitions.  The conference is held this year on Saturday, November 22.  If you are interested, talk to your friends and start forming a team of at least 6 but not more than 8 students.  If you can't build a team of 6 on your own, I can add you to one of our other teams or combine smaller teams.  Fill out this interest form so that I can register the teams.  There is no cost to you to enter the contest or even transportation.  We will provide a bus to take the teams to the A&M campus.

You can choose to compete in one of the following 6 competitoins:

• ReservWars - Challenge competitors to understand the structure and function of petroleum reservoirs, as well as how to “clean up” when the war is over (after an oil spill).
• The Boat Float - Have you ever wondered how huge ships made of steel float in the water? Explore the principles of buoyancy and density by designing a boat that will float! 
• Galaxy Glider - Do you want to put your knowledge of airplanes and physics to the test? Then come and join the Galaxy Glider Contest. 
• Bottle Rocket Cars - Propel your way to the top of the bottle rocket car racing circuit! Design a car that is propelled by a fizzy reaction and watch it beat the clock!
• Code to Survive - Survival is an unforgiving game, and it's your job to keep your organism alive. You must program a brain to gain competitive edge! 
• The Egg Express - Can you deliver the goods? Your engineering team must construct a casing for an egg that will withstand free fall to a hard surface from various heights, as well as have the capability to float. 

See me if you have any additional questions, but I need to register teams this week before registration fills up.

This Week at RRHS
No special schedules this week; just the normal routine.  However, be aware that this is the fifth week of our six weeks, which ends next Friday (October 3).  Make sure that you are on top of all assignments.

Monday - RRISD College & Career Fair at the RRHS cafeteria
                 Boise State University
Wednesday - University of Arkansas
                       Birmingham-Southern University
Thursday - Louisiana State Univeristy
                   University of New Hampshire
Friday - American University    

Check with the counselors' office to sign up if you are interested in speaking with representatives of one of these universities.