Category: Creativity

Creativity: Tool Organizer

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Summary:

A large part of my childhood was spending time in Denmark, with my grandfather, helping him fix his summer house on Orø. It allowed me to discover my passion for creating things with my hands. One of my favourite creations I created with my grandfather was a raft created from planks of wood, and large sheets of polystyrene. After my grandfather passed, I inherited a bunch of his tools. They spent most of their time in a toolbox, which was cumbersome to store, and made finding tools difficult. However, I decided I wanted to eliminate this issue, by creating a way of storing my tools in a way that was easy to access.

Process: 

I started this build by laying out all my tools on the floor, I measured the footprint that all the tools took up, then took 3 pieces of wood, and cut them to 110 cm pieces, I screwed them together with metal brackets. It was mounted to the wall with 8 drywall anchors and 6cm screws. After this, I decided the best way to mount the tools to the board was with custom 3D modelled and printed pieces. To 3D model brackets to hold the pieces, I had to take photos of the tools and import them into fusion 360, as a canvas. Then I had to design a custom fit bracket for each of the 30+ pieces mounted on the wall. I printed each of these pieces out and then screwed them into the wall using 1.5 cm screws.

Learning Outcomes: 

The 2 main IB outcomes were #2 and #4. Firstly I demonstrated that challenges were undertaken, developing new skills in the process. Creating the tool organizer poses several challenges, such as how to mount a solid wood, heavy tool organizer to a wall. I also learned several new skills during the process. Such as how to 3d model custom brackets, to fit a 3D object. I also showed commitment and perseverance, as it took several days to 3d model and 3d print all of the 30+ brackets for each tool. The whole process took several weeks.

IB Orientation Trip

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Summary:
In November 2021, our grade went on a 3 day IB orientation trip to Kithulgala. We combined the typical IB orientation trip with a science component. We arrived at Kithulgala ready for action, we went straight from our bus to the river where we did some group river activities to warm up. After going through some introductions, we went whitewater rafting along Sri Lanka’s best whitewater rapids. There were 5 main rapids in total, and the final two were exhilarating, as we ducked for cover, trying not to fly out of the raft.

Once done with our rafting expedition, we hiked within the forest to the canyon for lunch. Our next adventure was the canyon. We were first briefed on safety then plunged right into the action. We slowly worked our way down, sliding, crawling, swimming and jumping. We were each given jobs to aid each other along the way, such as instructions, and grabbing people out of the water. Our adventure down the canyon made our grade even closer as we developed trust amongst ourselves.

After successfully making it down the canyon in groups of 4 we floated down the river to Borderlands camp, where we would be resting. We got to experience sleeping in nature, with nothing but a mosquito net separating us from the wilderness.

IB Learner Outcomes
During this trip, I achieved several IB learner outcomes. The main 2 beings; 1, demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. And 5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively.

IB Learner outcome #2
The IB orientation was challenging, both physically and mentally, and we were all put out of our comfort zones. An example of where a challenge was undertaken, and I developed new skills would be the jumps at the canyon. I was challenged mentally to jump from a height into a narrow area of water. However, I persevered and moved out of my comfort zone.

IB Learner Outcome #5
One main skill I developed during the trip was working collaboratively. Throughout the entire trip, every activity relied on group work, and most of the activities would not have been possible without teamwork. Within the canyon, without working collaboratively, It would have been a lot more challenging, and dangerous for us. During the trip, I worked with different people and learned skills revolving around group work.

Upcycling an old iPad, into a desk clock

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While going through some of my family’s old discarded tech devices, I found our 7-year-old ipads, which had minimal damage. I decided to try to boot them up and use them once again. Unfortunately, since the iPad was so old, there were a lot of software and hardware defects. Despite this I decided that instead of disposing of it, I could turn it into a desk clock, upcycling the iPad so that it becomes useful once again.

Procsess: Firstly, I took measurements of the Ipad and inputed them into Fusion 360. I used the “add sketch” tool within Fusion 360 to design an housing. I used other “modify” tools to refine the design.

Then I 3D printed it in 5 parts. It was assembled using super glue, and spray painted to look aesthetically pleasing. Double sided tape was utlised to keep the iPad within the housing. And a charger was attached to the Ipad.

CAS Targets: This project targets the creativity and service aspects of my CAS process. The creativity component originates from the 3D modelling and 3D printing I did to create a 3d printed frame. I first measured the iPad to get all the dimensions and inputted them into the 3D modelling software, Fusion 360. This allowed me to design a simple and strong frame to hold the iPad in place, on my desk.

The service component of this project is in relation to my service, Recycling. Where our goal is to reuse, reduce, and recycle. I

was able to reuse the iPad, this meant that the iPad would not contribute to electronic waste. It also meant I did not have to buy a desk clock, which also reduces my carbon footprint.

Learning Outcomes: I had 2 main learning outcomes. Firstly; Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth. I had strengths within 3D modeling, and 3D printing. I further developed these by applying these skills into an unfamiliar form (a desk clock).

Secondly; Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I had challenges with starting up the Ipad, this led me to learning how to properly reset an Ipad. I also had some challenges regarding creating inlays on my 3D design, this allowed me to develop new skills on how to use more tools within 3D modeling softwares.