Sound Amplification Project Blog - 11/18/16

Sound Amplification Project Blog : Victor Nguyen 7A

Image/Links:

Our finished device

• Link to Manual: https://docs.google.com/a/oakgrovesd.net/document/d/1ExTEDaXqIdBsOPZ7hHIS_zR0nLNrBYs_zjVFvatH8qc/edit?usp=sharing

Summary

At the beginning of the project, we assigned/chose our groups, which is me, Pierson, Abram, and Ben. Our task was to create a device that was portable and could amplify sound, in a room or party. In order to create a prototype, you need to have multiple ideas, just in case. We learned having many ideas was a good thing, because sometime you could be wrong and have more to come. Everything in the middle was the same, because we had to build a prototype. But after we tested, we learned that holes needed to covered up to prevent any loose sound from coming out. Near the end, we had to make an ignite presentation. We learned that we had to do a maximum of 15 slides and have it advance every 15 seconds, which will be under 2 minutes. Instead, we made 12 slides that advances every 10 seconds. Therefore it will be exactly 2 minutes. In the end, we had to make a document that contained all the STEM and EDP components. We learned that we should always keep notes and images of everything we do, so at the end you don't have to go do it last minute and looking for it. As you can see, this is our Sound Amplification project and this is what we learned. 

Replies

In reply of Minh Anh, you wished that we 'explained the other ideas and why we thought this idea was the best.' We chose and thought this was the best idea, because the sound will go out through the paper rolls, and out the cups, with any phone will work. Just for this idea, we had PIerson's iPhone 7, which has stereo speakers, that has speaker coming out and the top and bottom of the phone, so this way we can have double speakers. You asked us to explain 'other ideas', what do you mean by that? 

Backward Looking

During this project, we have encountered some problems while we were working on this piece. For example, after we decided our plan, we started building our prototype. We had to cut holes in toilet paper, but we didn't know how the phone will fit, so we just measured it out. Then, after cut holes in the cups, and put it on toilet paper. We realized that the loose holes will let some sound out, so we had to patch it some how. We used up all our money ($3), so we just used patriots bucks and borrowed from people tape and hot glue. Overall, we faced some problems but not that much, to where some groups didn't have a device that worked well.

Inward Looking

I felt like there were some parts to me that was satisfying in the process and the finished product. For instance, during the project we had to do research about the science of sound and amplification technology. What was satisfying, was that I learned how sound is traveled, what is travels through the quickest, and what is sound. After we were done with the product, the final piece was very satisfying. We didn't think the device would actually increase that many decibels, but when we tested it turns out that our group had a device that increased the most by 6 decibels. As you can see, these two things are parts I thought was satisfying in the process and the finished product.

Outward Looking

Our device was quite similar to other people, yet different. For example, our group is the only group that has two separate speakers that work as one. Our device is similar to many other groups, because we used the simple cups and toilet paper rolls. Our process into making this device work was quite similar, because we first brainstormed ideas, then bringing in materials, started to build the prototype, and presenting the work. Most groups had devices that could amplify sound, but our device increased the most by 6 decibels. As you can see, our idea / device was similar and different to other groups'.

Forward Looking

During this project, we saw many other group and how they did their project. For instance, one group had a pringle roll and pencil as their device. In addition, another group used water bottles and boba straw. I thought these ideas were cool, because they weren't basic. Like our groups and some groups used paper rolls and small or large cups, but in different ways. Next time, I might try that. I might try to use different things than other groups. But if that doesn't work. then I might use the same things in different ways. As you can see, some groups kinda had the same process as our group.