Python

Non essential trivia - Why was this language named Python? A clue is that the command line shell (not quite an actual IDE (Integrated Development Environment)) is named IDLE.


In my opinion, the language was named Python because pythons just lay around IDLE until their prey comes along.  Also, the language is hard to understand until you have an epiphany that clears up all of the confusing tidbits, just like it's hard to see a snake because of its camouflage until you know that it's there.  Once that happens, it's actually quite hard to lose the snake after finding it.  Likewise, once you understand the Python, it becomes very straightforward and easy to decipher.  

Photo of a python

Glider Challenge: Design Phase

1) What's the challenge?

• The challenge was to construct a glider using balsa wood sticks, tissue paper, and glue.

2) Brainstorm solutions:
-What are the rules of brainstorming? (oxymoron)
-List your ideas
-Sketch at least two of them

• Write down everything, don't dismiss anything.

1. Use the thick stick as the body, the thin sticks as the wings and tail, and tissue paper panels in a classic airplane design.
2. Attach struts to strengthen the wings so that they won't break in strong winds.
3. Glue a wad of tissue paper to the front to weigh down the front end to prevent the glider from stalling.

3) Specify:
-Criteria
-Constraints (be specific about materials available)

• The glider needs to be able to last at least one second in the air after launch.
• Materials:
• One thick piece of balsa wood.
• Six thin pieces of balsa wood.
• Two square feet of tissue paper.

4) Develop Solutions:
-Sketch (with labels)
-Model in CAD

Solution sketch of glider

Egg Drop Challenge - Iteration #1

# of achievements attained: 3

Photo not acquired.

Achievements:

• Materials weighed less than 25 grams.
• Total mass = 17.4 grams
• Materials would fit in a shoe box.
• 4-inch long cylinder of pool tube, cotton, tape, parachute w/ strings
• Egg Resilience: Egg didn't break in any way. (Achieved three times!)

Engineering Program Investigation

College/University of interest:

• UCLA

Why does this institution appeal to you?:

• UCLA is closer to San Diego than most other colleges and universities.  Also, it is a very nice facility.  

Which engineering program is most interesting to you and why?:

• Electrical engineering because computers are completely fascinating, what with the way that computers can do so much, yet be so small.  Since, I know how complicated a simple electronic circuit is, I also can imagine how utterly confusing the inside of a modern computer is.  

Which undergraduate engineering elective is most interesting? Describe the course and its appeal to you:

• Integrated Circuits involves the study of the electrical circuits that go into computers.  It appeals to me because I want to learn about how the insides of computers work.

Machine Control: Activity 3.1.4 Branch Functions

1. Describe why it is important to include branches in programs.


In a program, branch functions allow the program to make decisions about the situation the program is designed for.  Otherwise, the program will complete its task only if certain conditions are met.  
2. Describe an everyday application of a normally open switch that has not been given as an example.


The buttons on a microwave are normally open switches because they do not activate unless pressed which closes the switch.  
3. Describe an everyday application of a normally closed switch that has not been given as an example.


In a refrigerator, the light comes on when the door is open because of a normally closed switch.  The switch is closed when the door is open.