OUR ASSIGNMENT
For this project, we were tasked with finding a solution to a world problem that would benefit someone, anywhere from a single person to the entire planet as a whole. As a class, we all had very different perspectives on how negatively impacting an issue had to be, resulting in groups having a large variety of project subjects. This allowed for us to truly work on something we were passionate about, considering there were endless possibilities. The group I was a part of decided to focus on a situation that would effect us greatly in the near future: survival in space.
To organize all of our brainstorming, we used the Engineering and Design Cycle to make the process of picking and solving a world issue much easier. We first identified the problem we wanted to focus on, which turned out to be rather difficult for our group, simply because we had so many ideas that intrigued us. We did know that focusing on a future situation was what we wanted to do, and would lead us to solving so many obstacles that weren't even truly in Earth's way yet. We ended up deciding on space travel and how to improve the current methods. We then wanted to narrow our topic down to something rather specific, so we began researching the history and progress of astronomical discoveries as a whole. Every group member noticed the recurring theme of a constant dilemma in having to maintain these stations and generating the proper simulation of Earth's atmosphere for the astronauts to survive comfortably. Production of oxygen and carbon dioxide is a significant factor of people's limitations in space station habitability, so we decided that creating a closed ecological system was our topic. The International Space Station's current ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) is rather ineffective and could definitely be improved. With this particular complication in mind, we began to research options for natural ways to create a healthy environment that would be self-sustained, including natural and artificial photosynthesis, different plant types, and photobioreactors.. After discussing a few different possibilities, we decided that an algae photobioreactor was the best option available. We then created a virtual three-dimensional blueprint as a sort of model, considering no company or person has ever done any experiment like this. Our idea was met with positivity and interest when presented to our classmates, encouraging us to continue redesigning and possibly even introduce our design to professionals.
To organize all of our brainstorming, we used the Engineering and Design Cycle to make the process of picking and solving a world issue much easier. We first identified the problem we wanted to focus on, which turned out to be rather difficult for our group, simply because we had so many ideas that intrigued us. We did know that focusing on a future situation was what we wanted to do, and would lead us to solving so many obstacles that weren't even truly in Earth's way yet. We ended up deciding on space travel and how to improve the current methods. We then wanted to narrow our topic down to something rather specific, so we began researching the history and progress of astronomical discoveries as a whole. Every group member noticed the recurring theme of a constant dilemma in having to maintain these stations and generating the proper simulation of Earth's atmosphere for the astronauts to survive comfortably. Production of oxygen and carbon dioxide is a significant factor of people's limitations in space station habitability, so we decided that creating a closed ecological system was our topic. The International Space Station's current ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) is rather ineffective and could definitely be improved. With this particular complication in mind, we began to research options for natural ways to create a healthy environment that would be self-sustained, including natural and artificial photosynthesis, different plant types, and photobioreactors.. After discussing a few different possibilities, we decided that an algae photobioreactor was the best option available. We then created a virtual three-dimensional blueprint as a sort of model, considering no company or person has ever done any experiment like this. Our idea was met with positivity and interest when presented to our classmates, encouraging us to continue redesigning and possibly even introduce our design to professionals.
OTHER CONCEPTS
photobioreactor: a system in which a biological process is performed involving the use of organisms and the beneficial substances created by these living organisms
chlorella: single-celled algae cell that can be made into a food source as a biomass
gas separator: machine that splits gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and liquid (water and algae slush)
bubble diffuser: machine that produces bubbles of a certain size by pumping the air
chlorella: single-celled algae cell that can be made into a food source as a biomass
gas separator: machine that splits gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and liquid (water and algae slush)
bubble diffuser: machine that produces bubbles of a certain size by pumping the air
REFLECTION
Overall, I absolutely loved this project and can easily say that this one was my favorite of the year so far! I felt that my group and I worked very well together, considering we were all good friends, yet still were productive with our time. Two things I did well individually was organizing the presentation and worked rather hard. This topic of research was one I was not extremely knowledgeable of, but one that I found very interesting. Since these concepts were so new to me, I spent a significant amount of time researching photobioreactors and space stations to put forward the best work I could. I also find that simplifying the project down helps me to fully comprehend all the information, making the power point we created a fantastic way for me to personally summarize the key points. However, patience with myself and sticking with what I needed to be doing were difficult for me. I am extremely self-critical, resulting in frustration and resentment towards new obstacles. For instance, reading the rather dense articles on our world problem and not understanding everything right away was hard for me to work through. This is an aspect of so many parts of STEM projects, and something I really need to work on to allow myself to make mistakes. I also found that this resulted in me procrastinating the more complex elements that were necessary to complete my work. But thanks to my amazing group members who helped me immensely, I had a great time learning about Earth's future and truly think that we are onto something!