Category: ChatGPT

Simulating Parkinson's: Using Electronics to Build Empathy

3/13/2024

This lab activity takes students on a unique journey through the world of neuroscience and engineering to explore the complex nature of Parkinson's Disease. Students will simulate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease firsthand by experiencing disruptions in motor control aimed to foster empathy for those living with the condition. Integrating biochemistry, neuroscience, and engineering principles, this lesson is a powerful tool for inspiring the next generation of scientists and empathetic individuals.

Click here for access to all lesson resources.

Empowering the Visually Impaired: Innovations with Arduino Uno in Assistive Technology

1/9/2024

Summary

My high school students are creating assistive devices for visually impaired individuals using the Arduino Uno platform. This project focuses on developing innovative digital mobility aids, utilizing ultrasonic sensors and small servo motors. These aids are designed to enhance spatial awareness for visually impaired users through sound and tactile feedback, alerting them to nearby objects. I am hopeful that this initiative provides practical, real-world applications of technology but also attempts instills a deep sense of empathy and innovation in my students.

Procedure

Kit Distribution: Students were given the SparkFun Inventor's Kit and an associated guide, challenging them to complete five distinct challenges. For product information, click here Access the digital "workbook" I provided for coding information and accountability tracking here.
Design Prompt: Students received the following task: "Using your SparkFun Inventor’s Kit, along with any additional materials (extra electronics, structural components, 3D printing, etc.), design a mobility aid for someone who is blind."
Initial Coding and Circuit Design: The first step involved using ChatGPT to generate potential codes and wiring instructions. The aim was to create basic circuits capable of moving a servo motor and sounding a buzzer when an object is detected 6 inches away. The specific prompt used was: "Provide code and a detailed wiring diagram for an Arduino UNO to sound a buzzer and move a servo motor when an object comes within 6 inches, using an ultrasonic sensor."
Prototype Development: Students then built and modified their circuits and codes, creating structures to support their mobility aids, such as earpieces and canes.
Prototype Testing and Feedback: Students tested each other's prototypes by navigating a simple maze. This allowed them to provide constructive feedback. To see a video of a prototype in action, click here (scroll to second video in post). Note: In this prototype, the servo motor alerts the user to obstacles through touch, while the buzzer does so through sound.

Protein Folding in Science Education: A Perfect Crosscutting Concept

5/2/2023

The more I teach students in my Biochemistry class about the intricacies of Protein Folding, the more certain I become that it is a perfect learning medium for uniting various disciplines. From protein translation in biology, to intermolecular forces in chemistry, to applications of AI in computer science, developing an appreciation for the structure-function relationship in biology via investigating the elegant nature of how proteins fold is a powerful way to unite STEM disciplines. Below are a few activities I am currently using with my students in chemistry, biology, and engineering courses.

FoldIt (Engineering/Computer Science Application): Free software that teachings protein folding through online gaming.
Mini Toobers (Chemistry Application): Excellent way to teach intermolecular forces (via amino acid hydrogen bonding) and covalent bonding (via disulfide bridges).
Hydrophobic Packing Simulation (Chemistry/Biology Application): Visual method for observing effects of polarity on protein structure.
Paper Models (Engineering/Biology): Excellent way to physically interact with the protein secondary and tertiary structure.
AlphaFold (Computer Science): System that uses AI to solve the "Protein Folding Problem".

ChatGPT mRNA Translation Program

4/25/2023

The video below shows how I used ChatGPT (inspired by a student request) to create an program capable of translating an mRNA sequence into a protein sequence using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that run locally on my browser. Click here for files.

Fast AI Game Design Using ChatGPT and p5.js

4/18/2023

Experimenting with leveraging ChatGPT as a medium for generating code to run simple JavaScript games in p5.js. My ultimate goal is to create a system where students can use both applications to create dynamic simulations of class content (kinematics, gas behavior, forces, etc.). In the meantime I'm having a blast making these silly games in under a minute.

<<Previous

When curiosity is sparked...

deep cycles of learning can occur.