I will not be here today because I will be traveling to Portland, Oregon for a fencing camp. Because of this, I planned ahead and finished all of my projects early. To finish all of them, I had to work on some of my graphics projects and my AgentCubes model at home. In addition, I also presented a day early.
Today, I worked on my graphics. I made my logos using Inkscape and Gimp. Then, I turned the logos into banners using Gimp. Afterwards, I created my favicon. I created it using one of my logos, and resizing it. I put my favicon on my website. In the afternoon, I presented five of my projects. I chose to present my elephant models, my calendar, my background changer, my graphic projects, and my dice roll database.
This morning, I started by working on my AgentCubes model. I got the elephants to die after a certain age and I got the rangers to catch the poachers. I also got the jail to work. By the end of the morning, I had finished this model. After this, I created my website for my agent and system models. I put the HLD, images, and descriptions of the models on this website. Then, I worked to put my graphics projects on my website. Shortly after, I had my stipend meeting with Ernie. I plan to finish the rest of my graphics tommorow.
Today, I began by working on my Vensim model. I had to mess around with the numbers a lot to ensure that the line on the graph did not grow too exponentially because that is unrealistic. At one point my file got messed up and I had to redo a lot of what I had already done. I finished my Vensim model by the afternoon. Later in the day, I picked up where I left off on my AgentCubes model. I continued with that model for the rest of the day.
This morning, I started my Vensim model. I looked at other Apprentices models and reviewed my own Vensim models from the Fall for reference. I began by putting in the box variables and rate pipes. Then, I put in the other variables and connected everything using arrows. I followed the HLD I had created for this model. I put the equations in for each of the variables but I am still working with the numbers to get it to work correctly. Caroline helped me get the graph working in Vensim because I could not remember how to do it. In addition, I also helped Ameya with her database because she was not sure how to connect the MySQL with PHP. In the afternoon I had reception. There, I continued to work on my AgentCubes model.
Today, I worked on my AgentCubes model. I got the elephants to mate and the poachers to kill the elephants. I also got the poachers sail away once they have killed an elephant. I had trouble with this part because I was struggling with the hillclimb, but in the end I figured it out. Currently, I am working on making the rangers catch the poachers. In the afternoon, I had a bit more time to work on my AgentCubes model. Afterwards, the SSP kids presented what they had done for the past 2 weeks.
I was not here today because I had a school activity in the morning and a doctors appointment in the afternoon. To make up, I started my AgentCubes model at home.
Today, I worked on a separate webpage for my Inkscape and Gimp projects. I researched how to create a lightbox for the photos and applied it. I made sure that I kept the consistent theme of my website. In the afternoon, Kristen came in to talk to us about resumes. We looked at examples of resumes and she pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of each. Then, she taught us how to create our own resumes. I followed along as she taught us and I created my own.
This morning I started out by getting my HLD approved by Anagha, an intern, and Ernie, a staff member. Then, I made the fixes to my HLD that they suggested. After that, I watched the Gimp tutorial. I followed along while Ernie talked and created the Cosmic Turtles project with him. I then went and created many more of the Gimp projects, such as the Image Collage and the Scaling Images. In the afternoon, I watched the Responsive Web Design tutorial. I followed along with that and by the end of the day I had completed it. Tommorow, I plan to start on the AgentCubes model.
Today was the start of my final block this summer. I started out by reading through the projects for Block 1. Then, I began the modeling project. I researched different topics that I was interested in until I could decide on one that I wanted to use. I ended up choosing elephant poaching and the illegal ivory trade. After I decided, I created my HLD. This HLD was for both my AgentCubes model and my Vensim model. I continued to research my topic to get accurate data I could base my models on. In my HLD, I went into detail about the requirements of the models and how I was going to create them. Once I finished my HLD, I got it approved by another apprentice, Ameya. In the afternoon I had reception.
This morning, I worked on my website some more. I worked with a separate file to test out a different type of navigation bar. I also researched different website designs and the different features I could add. Then, some of the other Apprentices presented because this was their last block. They explained the different projects that they have done this summer and how they created them. In the afternoon, a guest speaker came in to talk. He was very informative. After the speaker left, I worked on my website some more.
Today, a guest speaker, Rene Daughtry, came in to talk to us. He works at Cisco. He explained to us the importance of math and science. He talked about what networks are and how they are used. In addition, he talked about the many jobs that are avaiblable surrounding technology. He explained what employers are looking for and why it is important to be cautious when posting information online. He also talked about different oppertunities that Cisco can offer and his past experiences with students around our ages.
This morning, I ensured that my website had a consistent look. To do so, I went through all of my projects and added in my logo, navigation bar, and footer. Then, I validated the HTML on my website and I went through all of my projects to validate them as well. In the afternoon, I learned about CSS animations. I searched about them and messed with them to see how I would be able to use them on my website.
This morning, I completed my quality assurance document. I went through my website and made sure everything worked. I tried my website on different browsers to make sure all the functions work like they are supposed to. Then, I read through everything to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. I also made sure anyone could access the links and that they were all working properly. In the afternoon, I continued to work on my website. I chose a new colour scheme, and I applied it to the website. In addition, I added borders around the project images. Afterwards, I made sure that everything on website looked consistent.
Today, I worked on my website the entire day. I started out by downloading a library to use. Then, I applied it so that when you hover over one of my projects there is an overlay. Afterwards, I changed my project page so that all the projects had images to go with them. I had to put the images into a table to make the two column layout work. I then used CSS to make it look nicer. Tomorrow I plan to work on my blog with CSS.
This morning, I finished my Dice Roll database. I used an "if statement" to ensure that a blank form would not be created every time the page is reloaded. After I finished, I had the other apprentices and interns put data into my database. There were a few mistakes that the interns pointed out that I fixed afterwards. Then, I researched libraries. I searched about many different types of libraries. I downloaded Bootstrap and tried to figure out how to use it to apply to my website. I also began editing the CSS website. In the afternoon, I had documentation. I was documenting the first day of the Scholars Program. They were taught by Dr. Panoff. The students learned about many different topics such as pattern recognition.
Today, I worked on my Dice Roll database the entire day. First, I fixed the form so that the user can submit their name and data so that it will insert a new row rather than just update the current table. Then, I fixed the dice roll so that the table will show the position and the correct random dice values. Afterwards, instead of having multiple tables, I combined them all into one and I put my initial dice roll table back in. Tomorrow, I want to add in the most popular colour and the average shoe size.
Today, I worked on the Dice Roll database. I connected it to my SQL table. I had difficulties figuring out how to make multiple roll results appear for a single person in the table. I began researching libraries that I could use for my website. I came across many different ones such as Bootstrap and Font-Awesome. In the afternoon, I worked on my website. I used CSS to try and make it look nicer.
This morning, I began by doing the Dice Roller PHP Prep work. This was done in Atom by duplicating the Dice Statistics project from last block and modifying it. After I finished that, I did the Dice Roller Database Prep Work. I drew an E-R diagram on paper then implemented it into SQL. Then, I tried to get the Dice Roll database working with the PHP file so that the user can input data into the HTML website and it can be transfered into the database. I plan to finish this tomorrow.
I was not at Shodor this morning, because I had a school activity that I needed to attend. In the afternoon, I watched the video from the morning and followed closely. I learned about relational databases and I created one based on the data from yesterday. After watching the video, I completed Day 2 of MySQL Syntax Guide. Then, I began the HLD for my website.
This morning, Ernie talked to us about what we were going to do this block. Then, he taught us about databases. I learned about the different types of databases and what databases can be used for. We downloaded Sequel Pro and created a database based on the data Ernie collected on Friday. In the afternoon, I had reception.
This morning, I finished validating all of my html. I had the most trouble with the calendar, but I made a for loop to fix my problem. Afterwards, I worked to make my website look nicer. I used CSS to make a drop down bar on the top of the page. In the afternoon, I had documentation for the Forensics workshop. They started out by splitting into the prosecution and the defense. Each side made their case. After their break, they did the trial.
Today, I started by validating all of my forms in Krista's projects using the skills that Ernie has taught me. Afterwards, I worked on my Programming Concepts Syntax Guide. By the end of the morning, I had finished it. After that, I tried to update the style of my website. I didn't have very much time, so I did not get very far. In the afternoon, I observed the Forensics workshop. Then, I helped out with the Engineering workshop while they were making their boats. Afterwards, I worked to ensure that all of my project web pages were validated. Ernie helped me with this.
This morning, I had documentation for the Exploration in Engineering workshop. The students were working with breadboards to make an LED light up to simulate a water wheel. I wrote down what they were doing and took pictures of them. In the afternoon, I uploaded the pictures I took and emailed my documentation to Caroline. Then, I had a mock interview with Levi and Jennifer. I learned how a real interview would go. They gave me tips on how I could improve. Afterwards, I finished my calendar. It shows all the months for 2017.
Today, I started by continuing to work on Krista's projects. I finished the XML blog and uploaded it to my website. Then, I continued to work on my calendar. I started over because the idea I initially had was not working. In the afternoon, Jennifer did a presentation on interview skills. I learned about how to prepare beforehand, how to behave during the interview, and how to reflect afterwards. Then, I continued to work on my calendar. I have almost finished it, except for styling it.
This morning, I began to work on the XML blog. I had to research about XML online. Afterwards, Ernie taught us about forms and form validation. I learned about GET and POST. After lunch, I had to do afternoon reception. This is my first time doing it, so Aaron showed me what to do if people come in and the proper etiquette when answering the phone. While I was at the reception desk, I worked on my Programming Concepts Syntax Guide.
Today, I started out by working on my Programming Concepts Syntax Guide. I progressed on the Javascript and PHP sections. Then, I started the Background Selector. I finished it by the end of the morning. It required me to learn about cookies and how they can be used. In the afternoon, I started working on the calendar project. I plan to finish it on Monday.
This morning started with Miguel teaching us how to make dynamic pages. I followed along as he showed us on the projector. I learned about the $_GET variable and how to use it. Afterwards, I continued working on Krista's projects. I started on the Dice Statistics project. This required three arrays. One to store the roll of the first die, one to store the roll of the second die, and one to store the sum of the two dice together. I put this data in a chart and allowed the user to input how many times they want to roll the dice. After I finished it, I used CSS to make the chart look more asthetically pleasing.
Today, I started by working on my Programming Concepts Syntax Guide. I completed most of the first part of the PHP section. Afterwards, Ernie showed us how to embed and render HTML into PHP. We did this with the coin flipping program we made yesturday. After lunch, I started on the Dane Joe project. In this project, I had to flip the first letter of the users' first and last name. I started doing this by flipping the first letter of my own first and last name using PHP, and then I made it so that the user could input their own name using HTML. I finished this project by the end of the afternoon. Then, I made both the Random Hex Code Generator and the Dane Joe projects look nicer using CSS.
This morning, I started by using Cyberduck to make sure that I can access my files. Then, Ernie demonstrated how to make a coin flip in PHP. I followed along and made this on my own computer. I worked on my Programming Concepts Syntax Guide. In the afternoon, I began Krista's projects. I created the Random Hex Code and made a website where the background colour randomly chenges every time the user refreshes the page.
Today was the start of the second block. I wasn't here today because I was in Salt Lake City, Utah for a fencing tournament. To make up, I watched the video of the Day 1 demonstration and followed along. This video showed me how to start my first project. The project is to create a programming concepts syntax guide. This guide is for Javascript, PHP, and Java.
This morning, we started by creating a BCCD virtual machine using VirtualBox. Then, we disconnected all of the computers from the Shodor network and connected all of our computers to our own network. We looked at the GalaxSee and changed the number of stars. We looked at the table of processes (top) and saw how much CPU/memory the program was taking up on the processor. We changed the number of processes and stars and saw how it affected the time it took the program to run. Then, we graphed our findings using the Simple Plot on Interactivate. We also looked at the Pandemic program and changed the parameters.
Today, we started by reviewing what we talked about last week regarding parallel computings and what it can be used for. Then we researched different careers that use supercomputers. We looked at the top supercomputers on a list called "Top500" and learned how supercomputers are ranked and what those rankings mean. After the break, we looked at LittleFe and talked about the components of it. We saw a video of Blue Waters being built and talked about what it can do. We did an activity where we shopped for parts of a super computer that can do parallel computing. Then we looked at the terminal and saw a few different commands.
Today, we started out by copying the Parallel Computing Notebook onto our website. Then, Aaron explained what parallel computing is. We learned how parallel computing can be better than serial computing because more can be done, and it can also be done sooner. We learned this through the Flipping Coins in Parallel activity. We did another activity that explored data parallelism through forest fire simulations. Each of us ran the experiment and had to send the data in a message to Aaron via sticky note. After the first break, we did a domain decomposition activity. We changed the workload sizes of 4 different colours which represents different researchers/computers. That changed the number of dependencies. Then, I created a serial recipe and a parallel recipe of how to create a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We compared the differences between serial and parallel recipes, and how each of them have certain efficiences. After lunch, we did the "Going Shopping" activity, which showed that there were many "What if" questions when trying to find a solution with parallel computing. We looked at parallelism in nature through different models.
In the morning, I put the finished project on my website. Divya and I also wrote the script for when we present. In the afternoon, Divya and I presented our forest fire model. We also watched all of the other presentations. I thought that our presentation went quite well. Afterwards, Aaron and Levi talked about what we could do to improve our models and what the purpose was of making them. Aaron also talked about what we will be doing next.
Today was the second day Divya and I were working on our forest fire model. We got help from the interns to make the fire start when the user clicks on one of the healthy tree. We ran into some problems with changing around the code. As we worked, we made backups to make sure that if something didn't work, then we could go back to a previous copy. Now both the graph and agent model are working.
Today was the first day that we started working on a new project. We started by picking partners. My partner is Divya. The project is to make a forest fire model. We used the previous disease model as starter code for the new model. We started in a similar way to how we did when changing the predator prey model to a disease model: by changing the names of the agents. We changed people to trees and sick to burning. Then we made the agents stationary.
Today, I was not able to come into Shodor, so I made up by listening to the audio recordings. I learned more about what the console does and how it can be used. I finished changing the Predator Prey model to a disease model. I did this by commenting out some functions that weren't necessary and adding some that were.
Today, we started out by reviewing what we did last week. Then, we learned how to use a Consol on Safari through the Developer menu. We learned what it is used for and the difference between strings and numbers. After that, we went back to Atom and continued to change the Predator Prey model to a Disease model. We went through the description and edited it to make the story apply to a disease model. Then we changed everything that said "predator" to "sick" and everything which said "prey" to "healthy". After lunch, we went through the variables to see which variables were needed. We commented out many of them, including food because food isn't needed in a disease model.
This morning, we discussed programming concepts from the Fall module and put them on a google doc. Then, we talked about the materials needed to program, including code, language, an editor, and many more. After that, we looked at a Predator Prey model. Then, we downloaded the file for the model and looked at it on a new text editor called Atom. In the afternoon, we started to edit it to make it into a Disease model instead of a Predator Prey model. I also learned how to use comments. Aaron taught for all of today.
Today, I came in after school to present my project with Jackson and Heeba. When I first got there, we opened up the project website and discussed how we were going to present. We decided that Jackson would present the Vensim model, and I would present the AgentCubes model while Heeba was on the computer starting and demonstrating what happened in the model. Then we started the presentation. There was only two people watching (Aaron and one other person in the office). I thought that it went quite well. After the presentation, the two people watching asked many questions about how each of the models worked and they made suggestions on how to improve it. I was only there for about an hour because the presentation did not take very long.
Shodor opened two hours late today due to the weather, so I came in at 11 AM. Today my group members and I worked on our project to get it finished so we could present in January. For the first few hours, I worked on the website to get it set up and make sure it looks good. There was a very short lunch break since we came in late. Later in the afternoon, I worked on the AgentCubes model to try and make the population of each animal more balanced. Right now, either the sharks or the fish will have a rapid increase in population growth, or all the animals will end up dying. I have been trying to figure out good numbers for the birth rates, death rates and eating probability to have a replica of a balance ecosystem.
Today was the first day I worked on my project with my group. Our project is about an ocean environment where there are plants, adult sharks, baby sharks, and fish. The fish eat the plants and the adult sharks eat the fish. The adults sharks can reproduce with other sharks and the fish can reproduce with other fish. Heeba and I worked on the AgentCubes model, while Jackson worked on the Vensim model. We plan to work on it throughout this week to catch up.
I was not at Shodor today because I was in Virginia for a fencing tournament. There was only one audio recording to listen to and in it Dr. Panoff talked about how to do diffusion on AgentCubes. I followed along with what he said. The main project was also started today. I made up for that by working on it during the following week through a google chat with my group.
Today was the first time we used AgentCubes during the Apprenticeship. I have used it before during a summer workshop and during the Scholars Program. I made an SIR model where diseases spread and a "Thing" model where things move randomly in the world. I enjoy using AgentCubes because it is more visual. I can see each individual unit moving around rather than just having a graph show me the total population.
I couldn't come in today, so I made up by listening to the audio recordings for this week. Dr. Panoff talked about Vensim and I made my first Vensim model. I made three different models in Vensim. One was a Change V Behavior model, another one was a Rabbit model, and the third one was an SIR model. It was slightly hard to follow what was going on because I couldn't see the screen as he talked, but I think that I got the models done correctly.
Dr. Panoff taught again today. We worked in Excel all day. I learned about many new things like semantics, GUI, diffusion, sandbox, slide bars, and check boxes. During lunch, I met with Ernie and he told me what minor fixes I have to do to my website. I got to make a diffusion map, solve a quadratic equation, solve linear equations, count steps, and add scroll bars/check boxes today in Excel.
This morning, we went over the "How Do You Know" homework spreadsheet. Afterwards, Dr. Panoff taught us how to flip a coin in Excel using an IF statement. During lunch, I met with my mentor, Ernie, over a Google Hangout because he couldn't be here today in person. This meeting was brief because there wasn't much to talk about since I didn't have any questions for him. After lunch, a guest speaker came in to talk to us. She told us about how she had helped program in NASA. It was very interesting. Then, Dr. Panoff showed us the Rabbits and Wolves simulation, and we learned how to move randomly in Excel. The coin flip and moving simulations were different than I have done before at Shodor because we gathered class data and talked about it more extensively than at previous workshops.
Today, I learned about computational thinking and the concept of "How Do You Know?". In addition, I also learned about buisness ethics. Dr. Panoff taught for most of the day, explaining how humans learn with the "Expectation, Observation, Reflection" format. Ron came in after the first break and taught about professional buisnes ethics. I enjoyed Ron's skit even though I have seen it before. I have done many of the activities we did today because I was at the Scholars Program and I have done some workshops in the past.
Today was my first day at Shodor as an apprentice. Since I missed the first meeting, I came in today to make up and Aaron helped me out. I was introduced to my first project, creating my personal portfolio website, and I got a tour of the office.