Tech 7: How Drum Crushers are Made

To make drum crushers a machine starts by cutting the base and top from metal sheets, then the metal is buffed and grinded. Metal tubes are cut to a specific length – they will be attached to the crusher so a forklift can pick it up. Next, the base and top are clamped sideways so supports can be welded between. A plate is then welded along the supports outline providing a back to the semi- circular shape. Reinforcements are welded and bolted to all sides of the crusher a door is installed and it’s painted. Now, a motor, pump and valves are fitted to another plate, the power unit is attached to the back of the crusher. Finally, crusher’s actual beam and crushing plate are bolted inside the machne.

Tech post 9: toothpicks and marshmallows.

Today in e-tech we learned about how different metals change under pressure and we were challenged to build a truss out of marshmallows and toothpicks that could hold up a book.  I made mine out of sets of triangles to make it stronger and it worked!  Previously I had thought triangles were only a little stronger than squares but the distance in strength is substantial.

Though everything broke in the end…

Tech post 8: Bond breaker.

At the end of one of our e learning tech sessions Mr. Calvert recommended a game called Bond Breaker to us. I found It really fun to guide an atom around and seeing the different interactions between different things.  There were levels where I’d have to try 2 or 3 times to complete, but once I knew how something worked I understood how that specific atom worked in all the levels.

Tech post 7: Gold

Today in tech we watched a video about different types of metals. In the video we learned about gold. I had no idea that humanity has so little gold that the pile would only be half the height of the Washington monument. The section on steel was also interesting because of how the furnaces to smelt it advanced over time.  It was a really interesting video and I learned a lot.

Tech post 6: Metals

Today in online tech we watched a video on metals.  I didn’t know steel was made with carbon, I always thought it was just made of fine iron.  I also liked the section of foam steel because it was so strange to see metal bend.  Th video was really interesting to watch.

What is energy?

Energy is a force that can’t be destroyed, only wasted.  Energy is what cooks your food, turns on your lights, and helps you go places. Energy is a force that can be saved up and used when nesasary it can come in heat, a movement or a reaction.

Post: no.5

Hello chaps,

Today we are working on our automatons and everything is going great! It’s a shame that tomorrow we are starting a different unit but I’m sure the next unit will be just as cool.

R.I.P. automatons

Post no.4

Hello humanity,

Today we watched a video about “Machines made to mimic humans.”  It was all about the history of automatons. My favorite design was a clock tower that had little people run around and ring bells.

Post no.3

Today we learned how to use an app called Vectornator – a drawing tool that you can upload to a laser cutter.  Mr. Calvert showed us how to make little parts for our automatons.  Tomorrow we might print the pieces!