In this project we are tasked to create a dandelion scene that lights up with a “breeze”. Using our learning from the CPX to sense user interaction and respond with 3 external LED/fairy lights, we created a scene where after blowing on the CPX, it lights up and with pauses.

Materials Needed:

• 3 x fairy light strand
• 1 x A4 size paper
• 1 x paper clip switch circuit template
• copper tape
• 1 CPX battery
• 4 alligator clips
• 1 x coin battery(for testing purposes)
• 1 sand paper

Process/Steps: Let’s break the project into smaller pieces:

• Program (to control the interaction)
• Circuitry (external lights)

Building the circuit:

1.At first we have to cut off the battery from the LED fairy lights so that the string of the lights is out. Like this:

2.On a A4 size paper we are going to take a long strip of copper tape that is going to work as our ground and lay it on the paper. And we will place 3 short strip for 3 light strand on the paper. Ensuring they don’t touch each other or the ground strip:

3.Now for the fun part, after detecting the positive and negative strand for the lights by using a coin battery, we are gonna place the the positive strand with the short strip and the negative strip with the long strip i.e the ground. It look something like this:

4.Similarly we will lay out the other 3 strands as well to make the scenery for dandelion breeze complete.

Program to control the interaction:

1.Using the circuit playground we wrote the code following instructions for all 3 strands of light. we tested it first on the cpx to see if our code runs properly or not.

2.Now as it was mentioned in the code we connected the A1,A2,A3 and GND to all the respective destinations as we mentioned in the A4 paper as we laid it out there. As soon as we connected the alligator clips in its place, as soon as we blew on the paper, it should work and dandelion breeze project would be complete!

Reflection:

1. Reflect back on the project and how it relates to the topics of self-regulation and active listening, using the prompts below. You can choose to write the reflection (1-2 paragraphs) or record it as video/audio (1-3 minutes).

Ans: The project wasn’t a challenge to me mentally however it wasn’t definitely a walk in the park with the amount of hurdles I faced. The setup of the circuit with the light was difficult for me to put together. I had a really hard time just lighting up the LED alone separating it from the other one. It was also a little bit time consuming as well to check each of the light strand and check one by one to see which one works, what was going wrong in one of them and how to fix that. In a way I did apply self regulated learning here as I failed with the first light strand but afterwards I tried to fix it. When it was fixed for the first light strand, I applied the same process by rectifying my mistake from the first one so that the next two strand placement goes well. So overall the time and patience that this project test me was a lot for me.

So there were more ways I could be strategic about it but I really wasn’t which is bad for me. I could have more strategic in terms of laying out the light strand in the paper. I made the mistake of laying out one strand on the paper by leaving no space for the rest and strapping it tightly as well to the paper which was a mistake. I should have checked all three strand, test them with the coin battery and then lay them out in the paper. But the way I executed the CPX background and worked my way into making the project work was good. Because of the way I was frustrated on why my light strand wasn’t initially working, I did approach a TA as well and her words of encouragement affirmed me that I can possibly accomplish this on my own and I did it!.

2.Challenge yourself to step back and think about any parallels you can draw to your learning journey at large, using the prompts below. You can choose a written format (2-4 paragraphs) or recorded video/audio (2-5 minutes).

1.When you have encounter a large or challenging task, how can you be strategic? 

I break the task into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize them based on impact and urgency. I set specific goals and create a timeline, allowing me to stay focused while making steady progress.

2. What resources are available to you that can help in formulating a plan?
I leverage online tools, mentors, and peer feedback. Access to learning platforms, community forums, and my college’s career services provide valuable insights and guidance in structuring an effective plan.

3. How will you execute your plan? When and where do you expect to do this?
I’ll follow a structured timeline, dedicating focused hours in a quiet study space. By setting clear deadlines and checking in with my progress weekly, I can maintain momentum and stay accountable.

4. How will you evaluate if your plan is working? How can active listening play a role in your evaluation step?
I’ll track progress using milestones and gather feedback from mentors and peers. Active listening will help me understand their perspectives and adjust my approach, ensuring I’m on the right track.

5. How will you revise your plan?
I will assess what worked and what didn’t based on feedback and outcomes. I’ll make adjustments, refine my strategy, and implement new methods as needed to ensure better alignment with my goals.