Of Ticks and Clocks

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Winnie-the-Pooh-Clock

Of my woodworking handicrafts, these two clocks are definitely the closest to my heart.  The Winnie-the-Pooh clock not only has my favorite childhood character, it also uses my favorite wood, mahogany.  Further, it was my first time using a wood-burner, and I am quite proud of Winnie-the-Pooh’s features and his shirt’s texture.  I decided to use a wood-burner above paint because I prefer wood’s natural, grainy texture. Continue reading

Disk Method Model

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Below is a description of an interactive model of the Disk Method (used to find the volume of solids of revolution) I made as a gift for my Calculus teacher.  Each individual disk was inspired by Japanese fans, and attaches to the body with Velcro.  This model not only allows students to visualize the sweeping motion of the integral, but also helps them understand how certain variable affect the volume.  I know it is not technology in the strictest sense, but to me it is new and innovative, a rudimentary form of engineering, and a fabulous blend of culture, craft, and math.

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Garden Bench

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Bench 2

A garden bench I made as an optional project in Wood II in eight grade.  I made the bench out of redwood and applied a water-based outdoor veneer.  It has given us fabulous service: taking up to three adults at once, surviving rain and sun, and beautifying our garden.  To this day, it has survived four seasons and is coming up on its fifth (touchwood :D.)

Bench 1

Project instructions can be found here.