Dear Denise,

My name is Ramsey Musallam, and I have designed the workshop you will be leading from June 17 to July 11. Below you will find resources to ensure your facilitation is both smooth and well-informed. You will also find a copy of this email in the "Materials" section of the workshop curriculum.

Please visit the following link for detailed workshop content and materials: Workshop Curriculum and Resources

Note: Project the complete URL for students to type in: https://wovenlearning.org/workshop-menu/chabot2024/

Workshop Content Overview:

Part I: Engineering and the Environment

This part focuses on sustainable engineering practices and their environmental impacts. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to understand renewable energy sources and environmental challenges.

  1. Day 1: Wind Turbines
    • Introduction to wind energy and turbine design.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Blade Design: If the turbine is not spinning efficiently, experiment with different blade shapes and angles to optimize performance.
      • Turbine Base Stability: Ensure the turbine is securely anchored to prevent it from toppling over in strong winds.
      • Material Issues: Use durable materials for the blades and tower to withstand outdoor conditions.
  2. Day 2: Solar Water Pump
    • Basics of solar energy and its application in water pumping systems.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Solar Panel Positioning: Ensure the panels are positioned to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
      • Electrical Connections: Check all wiring connections for tightness and corrosion.
      • Pump Priming: If the pump is not working, make sure it is properly primed and free of airlocks.
  3. Day 3: Hydrogen Fuel Cells
    • Exploring the principles of hydrogen fuel cells and their environmental benefits.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Hydrogen Safety: Always handle hydrogen in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate safety gear.
      • Fuel Cell Assembly: Ensure all components are correctly assembled and sealed to prevent leaks.
      • Testing Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage output of the fuel cell to ensure it is functioning correctly.
  4. Day 4: The Greenhouse Effect
    • Understanding the greenhouse effect and its impact on global warming.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Clear Demonstrations: Use clear and simple demonstrations to explain complex concepts, such as using a glass jar and a thermometer to show temperature changes.
      • Interactive Models: Incorporate interactive models or simulations to engage students.
      • Discussion Facilitation: Encourage discussions and questions to deepen understanding.
  5. Day 5: AI and the Environment
    • The role of artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring and sustainability.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Data Quality: Ensure the data fed into AI models is accurate and relevant.
      • AI Tool Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the AI tools being used to troubleshoot common issues.
      • Real-World Examples: Provide examples of successful AI applications in environmental science to illustrate concepts.

Part II: Electronics and Media Literacy

This section introduces students to basic electronics and the importance of media literacy in the digital age.

  1. Day 1: Microbit and Scribbling Robot
    • Building and programming simple robots using Microbit.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Wiring Connections: Double-check all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and correct.
      • Coding Issues: If the robot isn't working as expected, review the code for errors or missing commands.
      • Battery Check: Ensure the batteries are fully charged and correctly installed.
  2. Day 2: Microbit Playground
    • Exploring the capabilities of Microbit through interactive projects.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Tutorials: Use online tutorials to guide students through the initial setup and basic projects.
      • Experimentation: Encourage students to experiment with different coding blocks and functions.
      • Problem Solving: Promote problem-solving by having students troubleshoot issues independently before seeking help.
  3. Day 3: Microbit and ChatGPT
    • Integrating Microbit with ChatGPT for advanced projects.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection for ChatGPT integration.
      • Compatibility Issues: Check for compatibility issues between Microbit and ChatGPT.
      • Command Testing: Thoroughly test commands and responses to ensure they work as expected.
  4. Day 4: Media Literacy and ChatGPT
    • Enhancing media literacy skills with the help of ChatGPT.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Bias Identification: Use practical examples to teach students how to identify media bias.
      • Interactive Discussions: Facilitate interactive discussions on media literacy topics.
      • Resource Utilization: Utilize resources such as fact-checking websites to support learning.

Part III: Coding and Game Design

Participants will learn coding fundamentals and game design principles using various tools and platforms.

  1. Day 1: Introduction to Scratch
    • Basics of Scratch programming for beginners.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Interface Familiarity: Ensure students are familiar with the Scratch interface and drag-and-drop functionality.
      • Step-by-Step Guides: Provide step-by-step guides for initial projects to build confidence.
      • Project Saving: Remind students to save their work frequently to avoid data loss.
  2. Day 2: Scratch-Microbit Integration
    • Combining Scratch and Microbit for interactive projects.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Extension Installation: Verify that the Scratch Microbit extension is installed and functioning.
      • Project Examples: Show examples of integrated projects to inspire students.
      • Connectivity Issues: Troubleshoot connectivity issues between Scratch and Microbit.
  3. Day 3: Teachable Machine and Scratch
    • Using Teachable Machine to create machine learning models in Scratch.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Model Training: Ensure the Teachable Machine models are trained with diverse and accurate data.
      • Integration Testing: Test the integration between Teachable Machine and Scratch thoroughly.
      • Debugging: Encourage students to debug and refine their models for better accuracy.
  4. Day 4: JavaScript and ChatGPT
    • Introduction to JavaScript programming with ChatGPT.
    • Troubleshooting Tips:
      • Basic Syntax: Teach students basic JavaScript syntax and common errors to watch out for.
      • Simple Examples: Start with simple examples to build foundational knowledge.
      • Debugging Tools: Use debugging tools to help students identify and fix errors in their code.

Action Required: Please confirm your readiness by replying to all on this email thread by June 10th after reviewing the provided information. Feel free to ask any questions or share concerns you might have

For non-urgent inquiries, please email me directly at ramsey@wovenlearning.org. I will reply within 24 hours.

For urgent or time-sensitive inquiries, please call or text me at (415) 260-2581, and I will provide support as soon as possible.

I look forward to our collaboration and hope you find the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Have fun and please do not hesitate to reach out!

Ramsey Musallam

Workshop Content

Part I: Engineering and the Environment
Part II: Electronics and Media Literacy
Part III: Coding and AI