tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73565538957362463852024-03-14T11:55:08.518-04:00Chris Ippolito - Technology EducatorRead this blog if you're into Ed Tech like me!Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-26658416046401537812015-11-02T19:48:00.001-05:002015-11-05T08:37:01.426-05:00My Robo-DragsterWe just finished up our Robotics unit in Digital Media Design last week (on to 3D Printing now). I have been reflecting on how the Robotics unit has been successful and what needs revision. The last design challenge my students took on was having to design the fastest robot dragster (controlled by bluetooth) possible with their <a href="https://education.lego.com/en-us/lego-education-product-database/mindstorms-ev3/45544-lego-mindstorms-education-ev3-core-set" target="_blank">LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kits</a>, leveraging gear ratio (you may have read about it in an earlier post).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This challenge, along with the ARTbot and Sumobot challenges were so successful in that the competition aspect really propelled student teams to explore other design solutions on their own, in order to beat the other guy. I am quickly realizing that the sooner I get to the competitions, the more engaged my students become and the deeper the learning that occurs. I simply need to weave in mini-clinics on gear ratio, algorithms, linkages, mechanisms, etc. as we go. I try to avoid a full-on lecture whenever possible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe most importantly, I have found that modeling the build for a particular challenge is incredibly important. Not only do students get to see me try and fail (as part of the iterative design process), it also builds rapport with students and allows them to "reverse engineer" and improve in their own way some of the solutions I explore. And of course, they love it when they beat me, which instills an enormous sense of pride in them (and me, too).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The act of teaching Robotics itself is subject to the design process. One of these days, I'll get it right. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a quick vid I shot about my own Robo-Dragster. Usually, I use <a href="http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegassoftware?keycode=64588" target="_blank">Sony Vegas</a> to create videos, but lately I've been using <a href="https://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> lately to produce my videos. It's web-based and there's a free version, if you're interested. I paid $12.00 (I think) to get a little more monthly space and the ability to export 720 without a watermark. So far, I like WeVideo. Its interface is easy to navigate, I like the templated graphics and the bank of decent license-free music beds. It also seamlessly exports to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">Youtube,</a> <a href="https://vimeo.com/upgrade?utm_source=search&utm_medium=google-upgrade-brand_vimeo_alone_vimeo_exact-us&utm_campaign=1587&utm_term=vimeo&gclid=CjwKEAiAmeyxBRCJxoKk7IWLl2oSJABvZjhhLfL8lVY2rOz6mopu4nquZws3Ket0y4zqUIY0bE4shBoC6t_w_wcB&dclid=CLKYi5mz-cgCFYRGNwodAMEIuw" target="_blank">Vimeo</a>, etc.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q3lT6CUtsPs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q3lT6CUtsPs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-66613562655561294532015-10-30T20:59:00.002-04:002015-10-30T20:59:40.730-04:00MIE Expert Wannabe!I am applying to become a <a href="https://www.educatornetwork.com/Sites/Educators/Expert/HowToApply" target="_blank">Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.</a> What's that, you say? MIE Experts are advocates for using Microsoft technology to improve student learning. I have to say, being an Educational Technology teacher, I've been impressed with Microsoft lately - <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us" target="_blank">Hololens</a> and many of the new features of <a href="https://www.office.com/?ui=en-US&rs=US" target="_blank">Office</a> come to mind.<br />
<br />
I use a number of technologies in my daily life as a teacher. Most recently, Microsoft helped me deliver a unit on Robotics from start to finish. First, I initiated and guided the unit through the use of <a href="https://mix.office.com/en-us/education" target="_blank">Mix</a>, which is a great platform for creating dynamic lessons with interactivity. Next, my students wrote their "pseudocode" (robotic algorithms written in plain language) in <a href="https://office.live.com/start/Word.aspx?omkt=en-US#" target="_blank">Word</a>, then they shared it with each other and me via <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/?gologin=1&wt.mc_id=product_officelive_home&auth=1" target="_blank">OneDrive</a>. They also used <a href="https://sway.com/" target="_blank">Sway</a> to document the design process associated with their robots, creating effective and engaging presentations.<br />
<br />
As a last step, students were required to design and 3D print a custom piece to be added to their robots (either functional or ornamental). We used <a href="https://modelrepair.azurewebsites.net/" target="_blank">Microsoft's 3D Model Repair</a> service to ensure that our prints were error (and frustration) free.<br />
<br />
If I have the opportunity to become a <a href="https://www.educatornetwork.com/Sites/Educators/Expert/HowToApply" target="_blank">Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert</a>, I will be able to tap into even more great Microsoft resources and connect with other like-minded MIE's who have a passion for educational technology like me. Fingers crossed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv86brkZ19c57V9zP_Tdal5r0kbex9UwzUlLTVhfZreRSPgukSCnT7g95v67FcdL4KTjeTNBw1SQVcxE8n0T1p0BvoESPAW_Sf-DUPzQaqw3THdqfzhUqKjO0004lYqN81GnMiVtPFrug/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv86brkZ19c57V9zP_Tdal5r0kbex9UwzUlLTVhfZreRSPgukSCnT7g95v67FcdL4KTjeTNBw1SQVcxE8n0T1p0BvoESPAW_Sf-DUPzQaqw3THdqfzhUqKjO0004lYqN81GnMiVtPFrug/s320/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABpcYMKSgcGTeN-aVfDjcKLm8wZAoIWHm9fw1sc-5k05k_HXLhqQ_YGQxV9U3aRf9Y7q6bnvnolMaK9Y7kUX_ldj4iYkZUBZlqQPDjxuloEZE53EkOxCou8KUuRjwKDb1MnfjEmfWOeM/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABpcYMKSgcGTeN-aVfDjcKLm8wZAoIWHm9fw1sc-5k05k_HXLhqQ_YGQxV9U3aRf9Y7q6bnvnolMaK9Y7kUX_ldj4iYkZUBZlqQPDjxuloEZE53EkOxCou8KUuRjwKDb1MnfjEmfWOeM/s320/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-60760076121856975082015-10-26T11:41:00.002-04:002015-10-26T11:41:27.010-04:00Robots!This school year has been incredibly busy so far. I can't believe its almost November already. In the past two months, we have essentially built our new "makerspace" and I have been busy learning all of our new toys (<a href="http://seemecnc.com/products/orion-delta-3d-printer" target="_blank">Orion Delta CNC 3D Printer</a>, <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/vinyl-cutters/stika-desktop-cutter" target="_blank">Roland Stika vinyl cutter</a>, <a href="http://littlebits.cc/" target="_blank">Little Bits</a>, <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardUno" target="_blank">Arduinos</a>, etc) and finding ways to incorporate them in a challenging (yet fun) manner into our new program.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvE7nW2gqJALV3yGINslLxPJsLfUebUI7-OneHUL9wsrC4syFvXpvLsHZ3DmkXvNb-TjcIeJgXW9wAq0A17VxaKxCcGcUajEiIYX0eaMn1quymcixOrxe0RDStpJtGScAVc1gHcGHQr8/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvE7nW2gqJALV3yGINslLxPJsLfUebUI7-OneHUL9wsrC4syFvXpvLsHZ3DmkXvNb-TjcIeJgXW9wAq0A17VxaKxCcGcUajEiIYX0eaMn1quymcixOrxe0RDStpJtGScAVc1gHcGHQr8/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students assembling our new standing desks (this is a makerspace, after all)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of our efforts in Digital Media Design (DMD) - we're working on a new name for this course as it doesn't quite fit what is now taking place in the room - have been focused on robotics. Namely, <a href="https://shop.education.lego.com/legoed/en-US/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod120012&isSimpleSearch=false&ProductLine=LEGO-MINDSTORMS-Education-EV3" target="_blank">EV3 Mindstorms</a> robotics. This is now my 3rd year working with this platform and I absolutely love it. I have worked with VEX, Fischertechnik and Tetrix robotics kits and while they all have their merits, I feel that LEGO EV3 is superior, due to ease of use, flexibility, robust design, and endless possibilities for application across disciplines and for scaling.<br />
<br />
Our latest projects in DMD involve students working in design teams (usually 2-3 people) to take on design challenges or "briefs." I have included a video below that quickly showcases a couple that have been very successful: the ARTBot and Robo-Dragsters.<br />
<br />
The ARTbots are tasked with creating abstract art (in the vein of Jackson Pollock). They must raise and lower a drawing implement (or two) using a mechanism of the designers' choosing. Some utilized levers, some utilized rack and pinions, for example. They must also use sensors to avoid collision with the frame and operate autonomously. The requires students knowing how to program using loops and sensors to accomplish the task.<br />
<br />
Lastly, our Robo-Dragsters challenge design teams to leverage gear ratio to make their bots the fastest. Teams experiment with different combinations of gears to find the right balance of speed and torque. Rather than have the bots operate autonomously, students control their dragsters via smartphone using the <a href="http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/downloads/robot-commander-app" target="_blank">EV3 Mindstorms App</a>, which is free. We then have a showdown in the hallway, which we all love. Design teams compete in heats to win the Spartan Summer Nationals (Nitro burning funny cars this Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!). The next time I run this challenge, students will be required to have their dragsters run autonomously, using sensors to both avoid collision and measure overall speed.<br />
<br />
Check out the video below to get a better idea:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JWl8r3SZ1GE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWl8r3SZ1GE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-56599301145768335952015-09-08T13:34:00.001-04:002015-09-10T17:34:25.891-04:00My STEAMy SummerHi Everyone! As usual, I've had quite a bit on my plate and have neglected this blog. I am vowing to change all of that this year and will be updating on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
So, what have I been up to? Tons. Since I wrote here last (a whole year ago?!?), my life has been consumed by all things Ed Tech. I have been delivering and attending professional development workshops, teaching private STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes to students of all ages, building robots, geeking out at <a href="https://www.isteconference.org/2015/" target="_blank">ISTE 2015</a>, and creating a "Makerspace"-style program at the high school where I teach. Oh, and I also produced a music video with some incredibly talented students.<br />
<br />
During the last school year at <a href="http://ocean.k12.nj.us/" target="_blank">Ocean Township High School</a>, I was teaching both Digital Photography and another course I developed called Digital Media Design (DMD). DMD covered quite a bit in its scope - 3D printing, robotics, graphic design, social media, digital storytelling and more - a veritable smorgasbord of hands-on, project-based learning. Since its initial offering as a course two years ago, it has (thankfully) grown in popularity among students. So much so, that at the end of the 2014-2015 school year, I was asked to expand DMD's offerings and move it into a new physical space. What had been our school's wood shop since the school's opening in the 1960's was to become our new "Makerspace" or "FabLab," depending on the terminology of any given week. Whatever it was to be called, it would be a space where Art and Technology merge.<br />
<br />
With this mission and a budget in place, my colleague Tom (who would ultimately be teaching DMD as well) and I got to work researching just what this "Maker Movement" was all about. Over the years, I have been to <a href="http://makerfaire.com/new-york-2015/maker-faire-week/" target="_blank">Maker Faire</a> in Queens, NY (a Woodstock for geeks and techies) and have also spent time at the <a href="http://www.makerspace.nyc/" target="_blank">SI Makerspace</a> in Staten Island, where everyone from welders to home brewers can rent space to make whatever their hearts desire (and with help from the very capable staffers). Our new research would take us deeper - to three sites: New Milford High School, Wall Township High School, and JC FabLab. Three glimpses into the Maker movement in public schools and another look at its commercial execution.<br />
<br />
At Wall Township High School, we saw a state-of-the-art space, which incorporated aspects of woodworking, 3D printing, and prototyping. The big takeaway for us was that the woodworking power tools (mostly desktop) were in the same space as the other technologies. We had concerns about this and the associated dust it would generate. They addressed this issue via a powerful exhaust system, keeping the work space virtually dust-free. See images below:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvnSJTvNjUSzAKIUrD5DORnkzGwDBBr19hvTDvG4oo0zqo14BKvvwiM8ctVCH-fLV2APzK4lxP7wHd1gSldCdrObP49P9cTH2HGdx6BtAR4XoZzz48oT7AI8uHONMlwjXC9GAze6FO8Y/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvnSJTvNjUSzAKIUrD5DORnkzGwDBBr19hvTDvG4oo0zqo14BKvvwiM8ctVCH-fLV2APzK4lxP7wHd1gSldCdrObP49P9cTH2HGdx6BtAR4XoZzz48oT7AI8uHONMlwjXC9GAze6FO8Y/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand tool closet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMiLkOjB48BMx3KIOVT4kBMXtaVFCUUn59Vu4pBkotysOA5f-n1EU3MTqymjmjUeAvgRkmOqmmSSOOzrOpIonYZ49A0XPMee9RYrJfW9vxk2ShXsGSOIxdawxD_mA1cmpEV32iuXRdjk/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMiLkOjB48BMx3KIOVT4kBMXtaVFCUUn59Vu4pBkotysOA5f-n1EU3MTqymjmjUeAvgRkmOqmmSSOOzrOpIonYZ49A0XPMee9RYrJfW9vxk2ShXsGSOIxdawxD_mA1cmpEV32iuXRdjk/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table top power tools with exhaust system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznFqzBFxJiW6Fc25VN3ubIJVLn8I8C1sykrmhSmKd9iepmJWO0bVcnooTvSp03Rf6so9z3fTfEpLm70WIXkf0wzn03UsygQaqeal1yAlauEbhRlRp-s_3vCc8cKIb2nVf_d-l9KoTp00/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznFqzBFxJiW6Fc25VN3ubIJVLn8I8C1sykrmhSmKd9iepmJWO0bVcnooTvSp03Rf6so9z3fTfEpLm70WIXkf0wzn03UsygQaqeal1yAlauEbhRlRp-s_3vCc8cKIb2nVf_d-l9KoTp00/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the high-end 3D printers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq43BR5BEBCsdoLn_ua3QOOM5B2l-5ObbF2eo-EFRp4CjMSXv4vRDiuALB0y8w7vOu5i36lWYtFkF63dKHrpHHl5Qq8irJZAiSbWy_kLkZpAumhyWzyQaVnqeSzIfo-TCPdpYVgz4-Pc/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq43BR5BEBCsdoLn_ua3QOOM5B2l-5ObbF2eo-EFRp4CjMSXv4vRDiuALB0y8w7vOu5i36lWYtFkF63dKHrpHHl5Qq8irJZAiSbWy_kLkZpAumhyWzyQaVnqeSzIfo-TCPdpYVgz4-Pc/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their Makerbot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, we paid a visit to <a href="http://worlds-of-learning.com/" target="_blank">Laura Fleming</a> at New Milford High School. Laura is a media specialist who decided to re-imagine her school's library space as a student-driven tinkering lab of sorts. While she doesn't teach a specific "maker" class, the space is open to students all day, and they may use the space to explore electronics, LEGOs, computer hardware, audio/video production, 3D printing, game design and more. See images below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3yQWXVRMgVietDANn6dd8BEpK9giZo3lPqhH5FaVOpB_XAmEhhYOjWGkxaMbQFLF-Wqyx3SxQfImSAlSccR8z__TjN9z5zZgjqlXLpQVMYwLjJjq04ffxolffxuVxewvZ_jSDo4jFB4/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3yQWXVRMgVietDANn6dd8BEpK9giZo3lPqhH5FaVOpB_XAmEhhYOjWGkxaMbQFLF-Wqyx3SxQfImSAlSccR8z__TjN9z5zZgjqlXLpQVMYwLjJjq04ffxolffxuVxewvZ_jSDo4jFB4/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bits experimentation station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4sqQhArJXM5_uFT5p5r6MCtICOBx7n26Rg9aq9UfRh_tPP_sHXhEEiyIBIFNKXtcJ7YSWhPyj7EIjkcFWtcjKPUNpHqwx3h74fbATh0b0lqIxxfO-XKhEeBJ3-oJtmWXrNzB4nuFI9k/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4sqQhArJXM5_uFT5p5r6MCtICOBx7n26Rg9aq9UfRh_tPP_sHXhEEiyIBIFNKXtcJ7YSWhPyj7EIjkcFWtcjKPUNpHqwx3h74fbATh0b0lqIxxfO-XKhEeBJ3-oJtmWXrNzB4nuFI9k/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura at the LEGO station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x4bZz3KBt9y8XvSirx-QmD5E8qEdFK-olo1tbaBKttDot03uYutbRRcRf6Tj1b5FWEiTw1So1Uhk-hGeJKyRsweTqtZ7VqTREe2AwARAC2iFLiBLReHz8mT7y7qXYFJUoqszX2qQVqk/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x4bZz3KBt9y8XvSirx-QmD5E8qEdFK-olo1tbaBKttDot03uYutbRRcRf6Tj1b5FWEiTw1So1Uhk-hGeJKyRsweTqtZ7VqTREe2AwARAC2iFLiBLReHz8mT7y7qXYFJUoqszX2qQVqk/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students at the PC hardware station (love the re-purposed Mac bench seats!)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then took a quick spin over to Jersey City to visit the <a href="http://jcfablab.com/" target="_blank">JC FabLab</a> (short for Jersey City Fabrication Lab). Situated in an old industrial space, this is a commercial facility that allows members access to woodworking tools, a vinyl cutter, 3D printer, an Epilog laser, silk screening, and a CNC router, among other things. See images below:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY9m9oKnKxoFwWHUXh0II3oQ6H9UZ7PrLs3iWTByqdL9OU3pYqyX07Y9dWpY9o7G8TZuGaupCa0n4mOxs2dc3PuVmBECu0IdeVuQr21DyDNkKXMDL2YYMpK1AQsP9Ad_80knEDFofFLE/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY9m9oKnKxoFwWHUXh0II3oQ6H9UZ7PrLs3iWTByqdL9OU3pYqyX07Y9dWpY9o7G8TZuGaupCa0n4mOxs2dc3PuVmBECu0IdeVuQr21DyDNkKXMDL2YYMpK1AQsP9Ad_80knEDFofFLE/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the creations made at JC FabLab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eIzy2XtzxTemDIOsxZxl3Tju_FhOKIHzEeqXfNkxvKbOcKFA0HRdEWptW9xpy6Faji81eH2xwHtYq1XUYgbKmohFse6kiMbioWt9W0A7GmF9FbcEieUJh-oonwTDFB4QoDlQMBYmvic/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eIzy2XtzxTemDIOsxZxl3Tju_FhOKIHzEeqXfNkxvKbOcKFA0HRdEWptW9xpy6Faji81eH2xwHtYq1XUYgbKmohFse6kiMbioWt9W0A7GmF9FbcEieUJh-oonwTDFB4QoDlQMBYmvic/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CNC router</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXg3G2DrVBcdKoVkWObxOxPy-WxNUnWOeq8V_PxO5nT7mRD8qX3AXaLQdqLrENAUkoGZurKz4-Hl-PjkTOnK3ZsRywN4hks1K9mYYPGeoq6oQ6bc3P6NcCCaZkvZueUdIng2E-lsregUU/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXg3G2DrVBcdKoVkWObxOxPy-WxNUnWOeq8V_PxO5nT7mRD8qX3AXaLQdqLrENAUkoGZurKz4-Hl-PjkTOnK3ZsRywN4hks1K9mYYPGeoq6oQ6bc3P6NcCCaZkvZueUdIng2E-lsregUU/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3D printer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdwzt-zzmkuV3tSzLVx7Gct_GyrIa3ogIU0O3U5B2LhvnwD5hFLKV1E_EGcUU-zURfzva12J2A4ZK7bA1WZacn-r0_KCnKUrGIxVbwHaeyY1FgADj2yKidhIxrW8HU0xjM2Y6NUnzlj4/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdwzt-zzmkuV3tSzLVx7Gct_GyrIa3ogIU0O3U5B2LhvnwD5hFLKV1E_EGcUU-zURfzva12J2A4ZK7bA1WZacn-r0_KCnKUrGIxVbwHaeyY1FgADj2yKidhIxrW8HU0xjM2Y6NUnzlj4/s320/DSC_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epilog laser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQwXcvFnrRxsrcsVfcl6g9r-QI7rAvUsLc02IyR-xNRFjGH38JgnT6M-ByC49bCwnfwmeveUkOA9JwSDChpu-j10dij1X8UsCiG1iTShzjCfbdM6HrHaqbRQgpLJSf_Ulm2Nlh1GFgLY/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQwXcvFnrRxsrcsVfcl6g9r-QI7rAvUsLc02IyR-xNRFjGH38JgnT6M-ByC49bCwnfwmeveUkOA9JwSDChpu-j10dij1X8UsCiG1iTShzjCfbdM6HrHaqbRQgpLJSf_Ulm2Nlh1GFgLY/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where you can find JC FabLab<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our visits definitely got the wheels turning. So many variations on this new approach to applied technology. Now we faced big questions: What would our new space need to look like? What aspects of these technologies would we incorporate? How would it all fit together in a cohesive, engaging curriculum that would provide students with tangible, real-world skills? How do we integrate our existing woods program?<br />
<br />
Here's our space as it looked in June, 2015:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8EPM2CtPdRhhILjtp1XbXBqGMs_CwBfJRMxK1kdXSUyVgLR4cyuVTeFN9VFo-3_IyY38ePoTeYuajgJpG0OTUpoL_1f7VVMz5iq7Q7xIphWcN2a4nFrQ7EerCn4gn-_kK6gWOcNs4A0/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8EPM2CtPdRhhILjtp1XbXBqGMs_CwBfJRMxK1kdXSUyVgLR4cyuVTeFN9VFo-3_IyY38ePoTeYuajgJpG0OTUpoL_1f7VVMz5iq7Q7xIphWcN2a4nFrQ7EerCn4gn-_kK6gWOcNs4A0/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I will post pics shortly of the space now as it is still taking shape. Regarding curriculum, we will be focusing on 3D printing, Robotics (via LEGO EV3 and Tetrix), prototyping using Arduinos, Makey Makeys and more, and some basic electronics by way of Little Bits, with some podcasting thrown in (if we have time). As the program evolves over this school year (and beyond), the plan is to fold back in aspects of woodworking and metal working.<br />
<br />
Very exciting times, indeed!<br />
<br />
Rather than ramble on even more, I'll close by mentioning the music video I created with the students of a program called SPEAK. This is my 5th year collaborating with these amazing kids (and their amazing facilitators). The program focuses on an anti-drug and anti-drinking message, so with that in mind, the students wrote lyrics to and performed an original song entitled, "Be A Role Model." The students also served as audio engineers and producers and music video directors. We hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zBowdsi-JJU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zBowdsi-JJU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-29130646917176202892014-09-15T17:13:00.001-04:002014-09-15T17:15:23.244-04:00Summer of LEGO - "The Beast"The Summer of LEGO continued on well after the construction of Mondrian City. As my son and I sat across from each other at our dining room table with a pile of LEGOs between us, other creations sprang to life. With very little guidance, he was able to create a number of masterpieces. Here are some of my son's beautiful creations:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Wo4mrSP065BwAR1Vd3L4TSGfj07bpG0w8cYc941tm2b8UM1tTmXjpj7W97xTLAcp2geR7_D_nL3Hqv76Z50CjVhyphenhyphenv8k619RYGhJNXHGKRoUkrbmqut_j2qpcnr6-egZnPP_Qf_4K1Y/s1600/Army_LEGO_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Wo4mrSP065BwAR1Vd3L4TSGfj07bpG0w8cYc941tm2b8UM1tTmXjpj7W97xTLAcp2geR7_D_nL3Hqv76Z50CjVhyphenhyphenv8k619RYGhJNXHGKRoUkrbmqut_j2qpcnr6-egZnPP_Qf_4K1Y/s1600/Army_LEGO_1.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSPhpEnhi4rl31Ix-K3fMMbNqEcCVXZItOsf8-yiCOQ1d04rqzaVIudeSeZVJBFM2UC8PaZUB8_gUOwzK45yFG0jxn0dTNIl7lMZ6cVMuY7NHK0t9A15JYhmJm0HxFFqQYxubCFjjYbk/s1600/Army_LEGO_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSPhpEnhi4rl31Ix-K3fMMbNqEcCVXZItOsf8-yiCOQ1d04rqzaVIudeSeZVJBFM2UC8PaZUB8_gUOwzK45yFG0jxn0dTNIl7lMZ6cVMuY7NHK0t9A15JYhmJm0HxFFqQYxubCFjjYbk/s1600/Army_LEGO_2.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXKSkOjqPhcaxQbrrpl4zIEzfNgVC8JXMAdKwlQfixLGvwstbApHgj-eEa4UHx54xvx1LCGUV9zGIe7cUzV-W72tX2b6-wT7WvK-4b_CJRA1D2BDMxFbAGKpofhSjIc52Secn0PII1Bk/s1600/Army_LEGO_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXKSkOjqPhcaxQbrrpl4zIEzfNgVC8JXMAdKwlQfixLGvwstbApHgj-eEa4UHx54xvx1LCGUV9zGIe7cUzV-W72tX2b6-wT7WvK-4b_CJRA1D2BDMxFbAGKpofhSjIc52Secn0PII1Bk/s1600/Army_LEGO_4.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyhqBEZDjYUjzvUhxiT0YAlEj6uSvaoQFQ-5RMtCoWQS1VgWek-Sc4D_3X97v9SAoEZf0VMBqSBuqrZaW881FzPq_1h7Xda_nKAbGRhorTtpvumyh_7xHREWKJbnLzLy85yTpIvUxDx4/s1600/Army_LEGO_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyhqBEZDjYUjzvUhxiT0YAlEj6uSvaoQFQ-5RMtCoWQS1VgWek-Sc4D_3X97v9SAoEZf0VMBqSBuqrZaW881FzPq_1h7Xda_nKAbGRhorTtpvumyh_7xHREWKJbnLzLy85yTpIvUxDx4/s1600/Army_LEGO_5.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While he opted for volume, creating a veritable army of vehicles, dwellings and abstractions, I opted to design and build a single vehicle. I always tell my students that whenever you are creating art or designing something, you push the art and the art pushes you. As I started to combine LEGO pieces from the hodge-podge of kits in front of us without any real objective, a truck started to take shape. One thing I really enjoy doing with LEGOs now as an adult is taking the parts from "prescriptive" LEGO sets (the sets that direct you how to build something specific, with step-by-step instructions) and re-purposing them along with traditional bricks, Technics parts, and elements of EV3 Mindstorms.<br />
<br />
I call the truck I created "The Beast," as it's a pretty cumbersome monstrosity of a vehicle. I utilized the brick controller and two large motors from an EV3 kit to get it moving. In order to control it, I downloaded a free app called LEGO Robot Commander to my iPad, switched on the brick's Bluetooth and synced them up. Since I own a GoPro, I also created a custom LEGO mount and placed it on the roof of "The Beast," so I could capture a POV shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xo77AejPIBhaKFq3Si_3SeAm48jzgeVpEGNHjbmhKPC7OeoOq7X583tN1dPCHQtv3b7U-W4OKqihTmm5ixFJgd2e69Hsn_GCV89_K3MbT04l916y_N_wpzBdRhjum8bwlurTPexntXI/s1600/010313_LEGOS_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xo77AejPIBhaKFq3Si_3SeAm48jzgeVpEGNHjbmhKPC7OeoOq7X583tN1dPCHQtv3b7U-W4OKqihTmm5ixFJgd2e69Hsn_GCV89_K3MbT04l916y_N_wpzBdRhjum8bwlurTPexntXI/s1600/010313_LEGOS_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The beginnings of "The Beast"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3owYHHes4o5GvAbB-EvIqKmDtee_Su1pdFJj482pGDvT8eQi2msPXHGYyYzThDLgtPmpuUCHd5kTWe9CgqvP0Of63-sq_5NLH-thdLQZDhWa8qsvpUDlbYY7JuWSaDrmvlkRVQm8Lkq4/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3owYHHes4o5GvAbB-EvIqKmDtee_Su1pdFJj482pGDvT8eQi2msPXHGYyYzThDLgtPmpuUCHd5kTWe9CgqvP0Of63-sq_5NLH-thdLQZDhWa8qsvpUDlbYY7JuWSaDrmvlkRVQm8Lkq4/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The completed vehicle.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtySolOkYzOEWn6GhNslb3PlC1Wf6_msbXqp_qyaexFaAjaKeGtoG_t_Lw9bCeFbQSc7eFGF78_jvThMcrS6XO9JmBms2Ey86pc0qj3nQNiqVda7qsE2sRxUKEy_cKL34ear6VO8ZwLc/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtySolOkYzOEWn6GhNslb3PlC1Wf6_msbXqp_qyaexFaAjaKeGtoG_t_Lw9bCeFbQSc7eFGF78_jvThMcrS6XO9JmBms2Ey86pc0qj3nQNiqVda7qsE2sRxUKEy_cKL34ear6VO8ZwLc/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Side view.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvybFmBlCGvCBv6RP830si_9EHVFcZBS5Xr52JH_OYK3ju23Bk9g4RC8Jhv8gEHlrYcUROEVD29yCpjaoADvhuAoMqfUhs9vCEDRdWMAoxMETh40EDleX2UybuatPD9Jmzkp8wonkWYY/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvybFmBlCGvCBv6RP830si_9EHVFcZBS5Xr52JH_OYK3ju23Bk9g4RC8Jhv8gEHlrYcUROEVD29yCpjaoADvhuAoMqfUhs9vCEDRdWMAoxMETh40EDleX2UybuatPD9Jmzkp8wonkWYY/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Taking a peek under the hood where the brick lives.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6TJ8Jj0gLtYKRDhKfeUbpfaRExyWwjIkOV8m01tvY7Uukpc0gCQ63JghykicyH59Z-DVQOnyQ9jtqu55a_XRLFFaK3_MK37AAhBL9idJRptaCxJGQiOoYDCIk9QY3sUQlmQwAkCm9Yw/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6TJ8Jj0gLtYKRDhKfeUbpfaRExyWwjIkOV8m01tvY7Uukpc0gCQ63JghykicyH59Z-DVQOnyQ9jtqu55a_XRLFFaK3_MK37AAhBL9idJRptaCxJGQiOoYDCIk9QY3sUQlmQwAkCm9Yw/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro_2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Custom GoPro mount.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6yJY-WY8v32XV1MMeUH5JjXjxkqvNkzZwexPHZxUFDku1ZwSRDcNLhySx2P0kp34NAN-wX8n86jlFTonaJS37dtQBILlPb9zr4GjWgYJu9RQ9MMZSKmE85ja1gbVn7iCuBVrCLBHz6k/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6yJY-WY8v32XV1MMeUH5JjXjxkqvNkzZwexPHZxUFDku1ZwSRDcNLhySx2P0kp34NAN-wX8n86jlFTonaJS37dtQBILlPb9zr4GjWgYJu9RQ9MMZSKmE85ja1gbVn7iCuBVrCLBHz6k/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">GoPro camera on custom LEGO mount.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMIBMfFn6T0IR1qtPHA1Muq2ysTaEUPQJ-dIrlxZZCtGH_OIDiJTnup8S7VlDjiuvzVfvfRyIcy5geeU4b5cAnFefzC3nxECXy6murm2LrwPc4XtmUHwh1UbETsxYrOBp3m-NAZYNKR4/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMIBMfFn6T0IR1qtPHA1Muq2ysTaEUPQJ-dIrlxZZCtGH_OIDiJTnup8S7VlDjiuvzVfvfRyIcy5geeU4b5cAnFefzC3nxECXy6murm2LrwPc4XtmUHwh1UbETsxYrOBp3m-NAZYNKR4/s1600/042214_LEGO_Beast_5.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The GoPro on top of "The Beast"</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia33Qdtz9m19NBn-JalF7TYpXEioAMONr3toWNKrpRbsIb4a13mOcnDE_EP0ZT0l17XiyG4qchNlFo8L62-QsLkkaG1uRM1wcW9ZGSdiXxk1LfUcFJfnFaaqvE-V4qIFhJhnGFioaBCs/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro_Beast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia33Qdtz9m19NBn-JalF7TYpXEioAMONr3toWNKrpRbsIb4a13mOcnDE_EP0ZT0l17XiyG4qchNlFo8L62-QsLkkaG1uRM1wcW9ZGSdiXxk1LfUcFJfnFaaqvE-V4qIFhJhnGFioaBCs/s1600/042214_Lego_GoPro_Beast.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A closeup of the GoPro on top.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Admittedly, it's not the best design. It would have been better to create a 3-wheel vehicle, using the omni-directional pinball that comes with the EV3 kit. This would have provided better turning, since all of the wheels are fixed and turns are a little clumsy. I really just wanted to see if I could get the Bluetooth control breathing and get the GoPro on board. If I had more time, I would have incorporated the medium motor and created a turntable for the GoPro to swivel it like a tank turret. Next time!<br />
<br />
Check out the video below (kinda low quality as I shot it on my iPhone):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tb4sR6W6l6I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for checking out my blog! Hope you found it entertaining and/or inspiring. Go build something cool!</div>
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-32470989900469209372014-09-09T21:10:00.000-04:002014-09-10T18:36:54.663-04:00Summer of LEGO - Mondrian CityI always kick off a summer with the intention of getting so many things done, a massive to-do list compiled and awaiting me just as school wraps up. Among the items on my list was this blog and to update it with more frequency. So much for that. This summer, with its incredible fall-like weather proved too tempting to resist, so much traveling and beach going ensued.<br />
<br />
However, I did manage to squeeze in quite a few opportunities for creative exploration and professional development, largely via the use of LEGOs.<br />
<br />
At home, prior to the start of summer, my six year old son and I used his enormous cache of LEGOs to create a couple of fun (and quite time-consuming, as it turned out) projects. Our first undertaking was "Mondrian City," named as such due to its color scheme of predominantly primary-colored bricks. What started out as the two of us building a single structure on a building plate turned into a massive streetscape. This construction continued through the summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbjej3HrKvjyfXRVUmBw1dl-ycQQTp-nKLQB0JO3lcAN8Cr520eNecxutuF3E52_AiSINTH1hEjOEGvjWkub192lGQUdPe-Q7sgiZKfx5LvH8ujy-WAPSyR4JRaiR_BgimrKZXBbfKMM/s1600/010214_LEGOs_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbjej3HrKvjyfXRVUmBw1dl-ycQQTp-nKLQB0JO3lcAN8Cr520eNecxutuF3E52_AiSINTH1hEjOEGvjWkub192lGQUdPe-Q7sgiZKfx5LvH8ujy-WAPSyR4JRaiR_BgimrKZXBbfKMM/s1600/010214_LEGOs_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A beautiful mess.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIowpYWhEP8fSBSXMpZPx6QBp__YLNkoFT27pEepDH1PCJQNxUHh3HXWiAEBemgwQGpqJTT6ptoFRAmMRApSa813hGDM0ulPgIPVrIydCkApbrv82rM6qEnNoiieX47TqQ_o4VWWfm7Hs/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIowpYWhEP8fSBSXMpZPx6QBp__YLNkoFT27pEepDH1PCJQNxUHh3HXWiAEBemgwQGpqJTT6ptoFRAmMRApSa813hGDM0ulPgIPVrIydCkApbrv82rM6qEnNoiieX47TqQ_o4VWWfm7Hs/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_8.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Under construction.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcwLODIxFe1mKUU2VzRRK2ezvA82Tp6V60UkjR4kTQWI79MZpxx82haBj-cwc_-y310SdL5CT_rsyve1-TFF1EQuX-sZWdHYGhLZIm-EL2Y6hVozI4ukQW0Rb4ye2DQRSumW6r5wjH4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcwLODIxFe1mKUU2VzRRK2ezvA82Tp6V60UkjR4kTQWI79MZpxx82haBj-cwc_-y310SdL5CT_rsyve1-TFF1EQuX-sZWdHYGhLZIm-EL2Y6hVozI4ukQW0Rb4ye2DQRSumW6r5wjH4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_10.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Coming together.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUXQ6Ikn4H-_s8cS6wXYgjgtFuAEZsP4rCsiS-tBwtj34tj5H6l-E5MRX8iqvxLmXExbU_waFTve9XdwvKWyanFql2Ml2DklYmXfZmQsdUc8RgerPTwJk3NVE7NNfb_UhDxPiufPQe9o/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUXQ6Ikn4H-_s8cS6wXYgjgtFuAEZsP4rCsiS-tBwtj34tj5H6l-E5MRX8iqvxLmXExbU_waFTve9XdwvKWyanFql2Ml2DklYmXfZmQsdUc8RgerPTwJk3NVE7NNfb_UhDxPiufPQe9o/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">View from the rooftop (who knew Jack Sparrow had a penthouse apartment in Mondrian City?).</span></div>
<br />
Being a photographer, I then decided to take this a step further by staging a narrative scene in our city. My son and I built a LEGO robot that would visit Mondrian City, with the inhabitants flowing into the street and staring in wonder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvRmv2bizOfJpJKZry7jdDQLrt25f-7n3KPfQPNwIJLDPqxMGVYuhj2Mc_hUiXnqA5QXwmngtC5SaTFvvYKG4FVqfyu31Z3PWHhxhfp3xQeTc8Y_0vAXrjZi_KZv4nDFd62GKo7pWA0E/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvRmv2bizOfJpJKZry7jdDQLrt25f-7n3KPfQPNwIJLDPqxMGVYuhj2Mc_hUiXnqA5QXwmngtC5SaTFvvYKG4FVqfyu31Z3PWHhxhfp3xQeTc8Y_0vAXrjZi_KZv4nDFd62GKo7pWA0E/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_9.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robot visitor (friend or foe?)</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPj7PIrhUp-JvC_kq00rwa1gMrvOPb2_30ZDbLc6S3cV_9OMGcnzPBcG9R5gGfKd8UuVvvIzf2x7ZW1y-NSC_khQgiLu2rbzrXfLuSHAf_YsgdaTIqZpQ4ovVLIbgCSkaG2yilGyjuX4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPj7PIrhUp-JvC_kq00rwa1gMrvOPb2_30ZDbLc6S3cV_9OMGcnzPBcG9R5gGfKd8UuVvvIzf2x7ZW1y-NSC_khQgiLu2rbzrXfLuSHAf_YsgdaTIqZpQ4ovVLIbgCSkaG2yilGyjuX4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">View of the robot visitor from above.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
By this point, Mondrian City had become an obsession. I began to understand what Richard Dreyfuss' character felt like in Close Encounters as he dealt with the compulsion to construct a Devil's Tower in his living room.<br />
<br />
Next, I purchased some inexpensive micro LED lights from Amazon and placed them throughout the city. I set up an orange paper background, meant to suggest the sky at dusk. I also set up a couple strobes (flash units) to compliment the scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp_RedAhL61bu_GrtEX2ktIVaAU_JS25ShkKzj9MSb08umiTKQnJFdUqtNKSunRPnG4ZVRIYfx0VdT6mTc3CNHTOD7FOuyWyhZm_MeZvDg038vSNrnOv5TqXIGOzZGPRMSPS7RXl2e4Y/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp_RedAhL61bu_GrtEX2ktIVaAU_JS25ShkKzj9MSb08umiTKQnJFdUqtNKSunRPnG4ZVRIYfx0VdT6mTc3CNHTOD7FOuyWyhZm_MeZvDg038vSNrnOv5TqXIGOzZGPRMSPS7RXl2e4Y/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_2.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost ready for the big shoot.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5SafDeThFqZTBMoN3y90-HVbMm1LVudS0G0wtT2RhA7URKVDQb0NH3iOy4dQQRexVyZWeOGmcJz426UWq417g_hptseY26ut-ctYn_XbEx3pSRze7ktM8he-luqyDvNwLocvSM_lYdE/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5SafDeThFqZTBMoN3y90-HVbMm1LVudS0G0wtT2RhA7URKVDQb0NH3iOy4dQQRexVyZWeOGmcJz426UWq417g_hptseY26ut-ctYn_XbEx3pSRze7ktM8he-luqyDvNwLocvSM_lYdE/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_6.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The micro LEDs.</span></div>
<br />
Positioning the camera at the end of the street at a low angle, I shot a number of frames in total darkness, the shutter open for 30 seconds at a time. The initial pop of a strobe - at the other end of the block, behind the orange backdrop, pointed at the camera - at the beginning of the exposure provided a huge burst of light behind the robot, while the remainder of the exposure was illuminated via micro LED (some in the buildings, some waved about the scene by me and my son in a "light painting" fashion. Here are a couple of the strongest images:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy0uQIlN8cmtxhwchc-7GO6GJvBtsCvGjNtlS4eBgP1AY2qjDZt06xr64ufwIGeUwjZoFDtGRUVWQDSGYQ9SsIXjeQBw5rzlSzn6cXDDonknwfhGE5yhq5xQ1ZZwvCK6Y1I6YWmG_Kec/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy0uQIlN8cmtxhwchc-7GO6GJvBtsCvGjNtlS4eBgP1AY2qjDZt06xr64ufwIGeUwjZoFDtGRUVWQDSGYQ9SsIXjeQBw5rzlSzn6cXDDonknwfhGE5yhq5xQ1ZZwvCK6Y1I6YWmG_Kec/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVuIqlDoVQt6NLzcAbRDXq9D6t965hDf2YLNboofhwqO59yzV37DM_CakeBHDDSj1-nvfEarINfXHnvmwj7a2ZQbzFeod5zGb954k5FqRKLDCQE6FjskpJR8_-nY0u7fDPl5vhQ3NVYA/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVuIqlDoVQt6NLzcAbRDXq9D6t965hDf2YLNboofhwqO59yzV37DM_CakeBHDDSj1-nvfEarINfXHnvmwj7a2ZQbzFeod5zGb954k5FqRKLDCQE6FjskpJR8_-nY0u7fDPl5vhQ3NVYA/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_5.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVeSU0oCkPy7hO0tzFMo-kw5QKnv3HvvVxzYBFiodz0pSYrOafUG8IfjQFmkzcImvAKTyvT3vVb2r23SbfntCOserzRisPa04HvuTc3IKZldQ5kfMaCLxdWQ2g4Ar9IW-PTV8FEESwC4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVeSU0oCkPy7hO0tzFMo-kw5QKnv3HvvVxzYBFiodz0pSYrOafUG8IfjQFmkzcImvAKTyvT3vVb2r23SbfntCOserzRisPa04HvuTc3IKZldQ5kfMaCLxdWQ2g4Ar9IW-PTV8FEESwC4/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_7.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr5OTQkB5jG-_gTckG7IoM88t4wAJRPkQh76jZIktE91WaHOq4jD5mHCwCdkZitNULeT2QCsPVV5_o8NlBs85wEtztp-NTzCAeIRQPm2arLlk3CMT9neNOjTFBd0AAkERpMNB0fLQhJE/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr5OTQkB5jG-_gTckG7IoM88t4wAJRPkQh76jZIktE91WaHOq4jD5mHCwCdkZitNULeT2QCsPVV5_o8NlBs85wEtztp-NTzCAeIRQPm2arLlk3CMT9neNOjTFBd0AAkERpMNB0fLQhJE/s1600/042714_LEGO_Mondrian_City_QuickEdit_11.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In general, I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome. I did want to include some sort of "smoke" to create a little atmosphere, but I just didn't get around to it. Maybe next time...<br />
<br />
I will be posting more about the Summer of LEGO shortly, including our trip to Brick Fest, attending an EV3 Robotics workshop at Carnegie Mellon University and another original project we call "The Beast," a vehicle designed using traditional LEGOs, Technics parts and the brick and large motors from an EV3 kit. All controlled with the Robot Commander app on my iPad. Cool stuff. Stay tuned...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-44264463020354990762014-08-06T10:44:00.004-04:002014-08-06T16:40:18.181-04:00SPEAK 2014 - "Stay Strong"Hi Everyone! It's been quite a while since I posted. I originally intended to get back on the horse when summer break began, but my brain was telling me otherwise. So, I have spent much of the last month relaxing and traveling with my family, which was much needed after a very hectic and demanding school year. My brain is finally back online and I am ready to be creative again!<br />
<br />
However, during my downtime, I did have the opportunity to work again with the wonderful students and advisers at the SPEAK program in Eatontown, NJ. This summer camp instills values and the importance of community service in young people, all while providing them with fun and entertaining activities that draw upon their creativity.<br />
<br />
As in previous years, I met with the students twice - on Monday, we met for 4 hours and again on Thursday. On Monday, students brainstormed and wrote lyrics pertaining to the theme of drug resistance. With the remainder of the time, they performed and engineered a recording session, utilizing Apple's Garageband (like big-time producers!). When we met again on Thursday, students worked with a choreographer (the amazing Julius), putting together some great moves. Once this session ended, students directed and produced a music video, using a green screen (chroma key) and shooting with an iPad2.<br />
<br />
The final result is a catchy, pop/hip-hop track entitled, "Stay Strong." We hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share it with your friends!<br />
<br />
Thanks to Lori, Dawn, Jill, Kim, Lindsay, Mr. G and Officer Henley for the opportunity to work with you incredible program again. It gets better each time! The students are fortunate to have good people like you in their lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/X0QLu47EPck?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Stay Strong"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some behind the scenes shots from the making of "Stay Strong":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_5tTPguP1zGZEqDRYGaM0ke1mZbihnUokxShc2rqmDJeSCQkjF4oZ21U6_vjfd6GAJX3LSXi4gGIAYU7kwaWOEinSSmX5nvoJCWZTkb_Zg4Z3vO-JAqyEUPyah7ff5BkbagqJmAAFqQ/s1600/071414_SPEAK_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_5tTPguP1zGZEqDRYGaM0ke1mZbihnUokxShc2rqmDJeSCQkjF4oZ21U6_vjfd6GAJX3LSXi4gGIAYU7kwaWOEinSSmX5nvoJCWZTkb_Zg4Z3vO-JAqyEUPyah7ff5BkbagqJmAAFqQ/s1600/071414_SPEAK_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Writing a masterpiece.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-y0K0tUj5-_T2pBN0VR7OElNG0K_s6O12M9XPtzfXXD63-6Z_5vcuWYED62neeX0VBLVYF4Wo7B4587JbOEYKB42u_6JmzRGPNRywAZKhGTDUj2VE2lliJ1CpMOUMV8ffBhO3HvDDexQ/s1600/071414_SPEAK_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-y0K0tUj5-_T2pBN0VR7OElNG0K_s6O12M9XPtzfXXD63-6Z_5vcuWYED62neeX0VBLVYF4Wo7B4587JbOEYKB42u_6JmzRGPNRywAZKhGTDUj2VE2lliJ1CpMOUMV8ffBhO3HvDDexQ/s1600/071414_SPEAK_2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dropping some rhymes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19YwwI1qu5zcTC0GurP3Wgj93KetrSMwMM0tbqhx99BpmddbhAwjsKlPdaKH5UnntgLJ_AMrd8Vf06jnMd8MUDSesb-1gAwbpxm7biU6RuVenebdRg2SpkKV2-oyRAqKKV72R-ToynoU/s1600/071414_SPEAK_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19YwwI1qu5zcTC0GurP3Wgj93KetrSMwMM0tbqhx99BpmddbhAwjsKlPdaKH5UnntgLJ_AMrd8Vf06jnMd8MUDSesb-1gAwbpxm7biU6RuVenebdRg2SpkKV2-oyRAqKKV72R-ToynoU/s1600/071414_SPEAK_4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Ready for her close-up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgTuVi_6_6LLN0MWJuMOxp4T7XA2169dU9KAkOYGtcXFe1Tx3BhmCXR2fveKwn9rFhkthrXzJk3G8U8mMqUbDE5zBa-v63fGPlfZRm64oXZhj9YaR6tixORq_wXW_otd_yg9Xfitc9j0/s1600/071414_SPEAK_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgTuVi_6_6LLN0MWJuMOxp4T7XA2169dU9KAkOYGtcXFe1Tx3BhmCXR2fveKwn9rFhkthrXzJk3G8U8mMqUbDE5zBa-v63fGPlfZRm64oXZhj9YaR6tixORq_wXW_otd_yg9Xfitc9j0/s1600/071414_SPEAK_5.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> A brief pause in the action</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLybpjaqDl4XF3MYHWoVD32sBRqmFHeHfshXe5A36POLHe2AuDqPJtuRFLUoR1wFCwN56VmUhY4HsOmsShPRbyB5RA5dseymEFyCYnR1Sq15KjfEFbGi55eItVs3duBmtUTI-bWzKEOg/s1600/071414_SPEAK_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLybpjaqDl4XF3MYHWoVD32sBRqmFHeHfshXe5A36POLHe2AuDqPJtuRFLUoR1wFCwN56VmUhY4HsOmsShPRbyB5RA5dseymEFyCYnR1Sq15KjfEFbGi55eItVs3duBmtUTI-bWzKEOg/s1600/071414_SPEAK_6.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Some of the SPEAK crew.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWew3CPsSy_i5ool2Qyv4N4CUmkOVG0Fb8PqiWCEop-cgoELP_ec3GU9A41ys8U8UShi8LKj6RcBn-UkpTI8TG2n4NhS7qx0_uCGBXSCLuB9zRiOxL3XrUUyMOsImAw2A8QwgsBU3guM/s1600/071414_SPEAK_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWew3CPsSy_i5ool2Qyv4N4CUmkOVG0Fb8PqiWCEop-cgoELP_ec3GU9A41ys8U8UShi8LKj6RcBn-UkpTI8TG2n4NhS7qx0_uCGBXSCLuB9zRiOxL3XrUUyMOsImAw2A8QwgsBU3guM/s1600/071414_SPEAK_7.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Practicing some dance moves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIQmXp9ihoj-guJ7SIE40qBEVXW1BWY37kLD8fswlLzuiwOz6RgkUc5UeWYPMB0cdwUfXMRYxXH_NDGwUwl_FngG4NDjgJCAd2BXWZ7vmGYstCXrVoBbFmltaKFKsc-t27If4yiJxQGw/s1600/071414_SPEAK_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIQmXp9ihoj-guJ7SIE40qBEVXW1BWY37kLD8fswlLzuiwOz6RgkUc5UeWYPMB0cdwUfXMRYxXH_NDGwUwl_FngG4NDjgJCAd2BXWZ7vmGYstCXrVoBbFmltaKFKsc-t27If4yiJxQGw/s1600/071414_SPEAK_8.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Directing the music video.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next week, I'll be attending a robotics camp for educators, which I'm very excited about. Stay tuned for some LEGO robot awesomeness!<br />
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-17814463730507226312014-02-13T16:54:00.000-05:002014-02-24T17:46:59.413-05:00LEGOS - Not Just For Boys<a href="http://www.womenyoushouldknow.net/little-girl-1981-lego-ad-grown-shes-got-something-say/" target="_blank">http://www.womenyoushouldknow.net/little-girl-1981-lego-ad-grown-shes-got-something-say/</a><br />
<br />
Love it. So true. I have so much to say about this, but I'll keep it brief(ish). As you know, I LOVE LEGOS. However, in addition to the gender-specific marketing of their toys which is problematic (I understand they have to make a profit), the bigger issue for me is the nature of the "prescriptive" kits they now sell. Meaning, when you buy LEGOS now, you buy a kit with propriety Star Wars (or Ninjago, etc.) pieces and a set of instructions, which forces a child (or adult) to bury their face in a manual and follow the rules (specifically what the theme of the LEGO movie is against, BTW). While the outcome may be gratifying, the process is not tapping into what is truly valuable about LEGOS - creative problem solving (after all, isn't that what all of life is, really?). I wish LEGO would raise the profile of gender-neutral brick sets with random, mixed parts (not just Duplo) so that imaginations can run wild again. Lastly, speaking as an educator of high school students, my female students ROCK during our LEGO robotics unit. There is no gender ability gap at all in my opinion, so we just need to reverse the damage that decades of careless marketing has done.<br />
<br />
After you read the article, let me know what you think! I would love to hear from any of you out there that share the same passion for technology, art, design and education!Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-44763141997441749232014-01-29T13:34:00.000-05:002014-01-29T13:37:39.560-05:00OTHS Digital Photography Greatest Clicks - MP 2, 2013 2014 The hits just keep on comin'! My students continue to impress and amaze me with the images they create. This "Greatest Clicks" installment features studio lighting techniques known as Overlit White and Edge Lighting as well as other treatments known as Double Exposure (some Adobe Photoshop post production trickery) and Light Painting (which is probably the most popular project among my students). Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E21ltQbZ9Gc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-64499412130662245492014-01-29T13:02:00.001-05:002014-01-29T13:07:10.070-05:00OTHS Model Teacher Photo Project - Marking Period 2, 2013-2014It's now becoming tradition. As part of my 9 week Digital Photography course at Ocean Township High School, students must ask one of their teachers to serve as their model for a photo session. This helps to familiarize students with studio procedures, lighting plots, model release forms and working with clients in general. It also helps to build morale in school as students collaborate with their teachers and portray them in a positive light (pun intended).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/a_SQMz8AHao/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/a_SQMz8AHao?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/a_SQMz8AHao?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-71017745297110609572014-01-29T12:47:00.001-05:002014-01-29T12:47:46.320-05:00OTHS Digital Media Design - We Make Cool Stuff!Below is a video I put together to showcase some of the amazing things my Digital Media Design students at OTHS create. The first half of the video highlights their work with Lego Mindstorms EV3 robotics kits and the second half captures the process of designing objects using Sketchup and printing them via our Makerbot Replicator 2. I always tell my students that they live in exponential times and I think they're finally understanding what I mean. It's a brave new world, folks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KAz2EUlFHY8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-18699528854866237692014-01-22T15:28:00.003-05:002014-01-29T13:26:54.217-05:00OTHS Digital Photography "Greatest Clicks"This new year has brought many new challenges, namely re-designing my Digital Photography class for block scheduling and to maximize use of our new studio space. Having 82 minute periods is a dream come true, as students can dive into sustained learning when I introduce concepts and techniques. <br />
<br />
The videos below showcases some of the strongest shots created in our studio to date. These are our "Greatest Clicks" series. Students explored lighting set ups known as "Rembrandt" and "Butterfly" lighting, utilizing light modifiers such as soft boxes, beauty dishes, show cards and 10 degree honeycomb grids and much more. I am so impressed by how they handle themselves both behind and in front of the camera.<br />
<br />
Greatest Clicks 09.27.13<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-eQCyfsEHBE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Light Painting </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Students had a ton of fun experimenting with long shutter times and a variety of light painting tools. I think this is the highlight (no pun intended) of the course for them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZCPs7mg4uQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Model Teacher Project<br />
For this assignment, my OTHS Digital Photography students were required to ask a faculty or staff member to serve as a model for their studio photography work. The clients signed model releases, discussed the aspects of the shoot (wardrobe, props, background, lighting, poses, etc.) before and during the shoot. Upon completion, students were required to lightly re-touch the 5 best shots from the session and share them with their models via Google Drive (along with a thank you note, of course). This video showcases some of the best shots from Marking Period 1 of 2013-2014.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcvPRHYeZ74?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more great images!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-18674432829213306952014-01-21T11:45:00.002-05:002014-01-22T14:23:05.415-05:00Life With Our Makerbot - Recipe for Success (at last!)So much to write about since I was last here. I can't believe we are half way through the school year already! Both of my courses, Digital Media Design (DMD) and Digital Photography have been progressing nicely. DMD has taken more of my attention this year since it is an entirely new course to our school (and to me).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While DMD addresses a number of digital technologies, its centerpieces are the <a href="http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/?domainredir=mindstorms.lego.com" target="_blank">LEGO EV3 Mindstorms</a> robotics classroom kits (and design software) and our <a href="http://store.makerbot.com/replicator2" target="_blank">Makerbot Replicator 2 3-D printer</a>. So far, we have barely scratched the surface of what both of these tools have to offer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzxLjg44d4UHq96U51UNxDAB4w61vOklvBqmo1lXz1xzhsmOyqg4dK7PCB7pX84r85vRJixSZyXSc0nf13hpNOxxcSwh_QAdLd6XvC3uSk_e0cIW93OnYmEPN6su_B3PrTQJmjDFoEkQ/s1600/011314_MB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzxLjg44d4UHq96U51UNxDAB4w61vOklvBqmo1lXz1xzhsmOyqg4dK7PCB7pX84r85vRJixSZyXSc0nf13hpNOxxcSwh_QAdLd6XvC3uSk_e0cIW93OnYmEPN6su_B3PrTQJmjDFoEkQ/s1600/011314_MB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT76NY63ShcGFP6vinVPLn__WC_tiK9QrFQF9mSW-4sO5voD5oG6shFeScZS-rQBPEzWggtW-SEDfND0Qp5_BKNK4Fqy_54zTUHVka78ObvmNxZ8KGNpFlGuPbmo56thj3_dB-0wySKU/s1600/011314_MB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT76NY63ShcGFP6vinVPLn__WC_tiK9QrFQF9mSW-4sO5voD5oG6shFeScZS-rQBPEzWggtW-SEDfND0Qp5_BKNK4Fqy_54zTUHVka78ObvmNxZ8KGNpFlGuPbmo56thj3_dB-0wySKU/s1600/011314_MB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z3uen3GiDHLlVMY1vJRSvyctn0G6cmhWaIDNC3widfCK0pr3FzIjAajdFQPFVOllUK4RdmzSKss37ZkJQRKY-8gKYEE2oMpvvDE0WW_SVxBcHtzCk2fYpvqZjz0CIeEKY2fQu9DRrT4/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z3uen3GiDHLlVMY1vJRSvyctn0G6cmhWaIDNC3widfCK0pr3FzIjAajdFQPFVOllUK4RdmzSKss37ZkJQRKY-8gKYEE2oMpvvDE0WW_SVxBcHtzCk2fYpvqZjz0CIeEKY2fQu9DRrT4/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LiM1PqM7ubE1i9GJL7A8SdN6MKJo5z5hOHePNgedbe1Z-rEa7KbuD4znITWyzdRfucDuhTkHIz9xHQy-zLw08R4relR6NUh7S9_s4s59mI9_aMGVSdNa2xIIIIoVvnexyRdgDwnWkPk/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LiM1PqM7ubE1i9GJL7A8SdN6MKJo5z5hOHePNgedbe1Z-rEa7KbuD4znITWyzdRfucDuhTkHIz9xHQy-zLw08R4relR6NUh7S9_s4s59mI9_aMGVSdNa2xIIIIoVvnexyRdgDwnWkPk/s1600/011314_RB_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m23AzH-YKU5Zrn8KsktYsrIBfB2IDlwOEOfEatk7uHXwxJ8O12kx4mFA4OfJnV1tARVt0_sbD1fD2AcVkNstEEoTY2RY83AQCNARpdwfLsrYtm4yuZcnJJ8VnkGAK4F_bvPamSjxM4k/s1600/011314_YY_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m23AzH-YKU5Zrn8KsktYsrIBfB2IDlwOEOfEatk7uHXwxJ8O12kx4mFA4OfJnV1tARVt0_sbD1fD2AcVkNstEEoTY2RY83AQCNARpdwfLsrYtm4yuZcnJJ8VnkGAK4F_bvPamSjxM4k/s1600/011314_YY_MakerbotModel_1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49JQaywXyBPN0j817TDSv2hyphenhyphen_ZZpXD6W-1NgjD4_ijLnn86kpmbfZjZ_3AlduvZfNoULWmwkcUqHRVKMgu9girDshq0TvHBPACWPRN2VCB97-sM1gPPxkd3S8Usbd1Rd-Bo0neS0R9MI/s1600/011314_YY_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49JQaywXyBPN0j817TDSv2hyphenhyphen_ZZpXD6W-1NgjD4_ijLnn86kpmbfZjZ_3AlduvZfNoULWmwkcUqHRVKMgu9girDshq0TvHBPACWPRN2VCB97-sM1gPPxkd3S8Usbd1Rd-Bo0neS0R9MI/s1600/011314_YY_MakerbotModel_2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
In this blog entry, I'll be describing our experiences to date with the Makerbot. While it is a fascinating piece of gear and truly represents what manufacturing will be in the near future, in it's current iteration, the Makerbot Replicator 2 is not a walk in the park. What I mean to say is that it is not as "plug and play" as it's marketing materials would have you believe. I do think I have finally cracked the code and have recently been achieving consistent output from it. I'll cut to the chase and give you my recipe for success in case you are considering a Makerbot for your classroom or home. After much research and many failed builds, I find that this is the way to go:<br />
<br />
1. Design 3D models using <a href="http://www.sketchup.com/download" target="_blank">Sketchup Make</a> (this is the free, highly functional version). Since you just spent about $2500.00 of your (or your department's) money on the bot and a few spools of PLA filament (this is the raw plastic stock for the printer, which costs about $45.00/spool), you're probably out of cash and can't afford AutoDesk or a similar, expensive 3D software suite. And Sketchup comes with tons of support materials and videos. Check out this <a href="http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos?playlist=58&playlist=58" target="_blank">link</a> to get started.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZWB56XI8_LE3PYka8797e8bQ2HRJokDHdJnVLsVjuendUFkc8oEbT02FFeX0CLg07N_JZjEHYbmiO1yQSF_LUKdpZykUHUwW_qP3BDnbUfBY94Yk0G-Wv-0OIATNj6ONET6hmQ36rYs/s1600/MB_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZWB56XI8_LE3PYka8797e8bQ2HRJokDHdJnVLsVjuendUFkc8oEbT02FFeX0CLg07N_JZjEHYbmiO1yQSF_LUKdpZykUHUwW_qP3BDnbUfBY94Yk0G-Wv-0OIATNj6ONET6hmQ36rYs/s1600/MB_1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From SketchUp to physical object. Awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. Make sure Sketchup has an extension called <a href="http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl" target="_blank">Sketchup STL</a> installed. An extension just extends the functionality of the software. In this case, it will allow you and your students to export finished designs from Sketchup in a format that Makerware (software that drives the Makerbot) and 3D printers understand, a .stl (stereolithography) file.<br />
<br />
3. When designing models for 3D printing in Sketchup, choose the "Product and Woodworking (Millimeters)" template when Sketchup starts up.<br />
<br />
4. Once the design has been created in Sketchup, go to File>Export STL and save this to a file of your choosing (either on a network or local drive). I also require that my students create a 2D thumbnail image for quick viewing as well (rotated to provide an isometric view). This can be created by going to File>Export>2D Graphic. From here, you can save the image as a .jpeg (in the same folder as the .stl).<br />
<br />
5. You're not quite ready to print yet. The exported .stl file may have errors (that you can't see) that will trip up your 3D printer and cause the build to fail (incredibly frustrating). <b>I HIGHLY recommend sending your .stl file to <a href="http://cloud.netfabb.com/">cloud.netfabb.com</a> for FREE analysis and repair.</b> Simply visit the website, choose your file to be uploaded, enter your email address, choose "mm" as the unit of measure, click the "agree" check box for terms of use and click "submit to cloud." You should receive very shortly and email from cloud.netfabb.com with a link to your fixed file. Here, you can preview it in 3D and download the print-ready file. Once downloaded, you will notice that "fixed.stl" has now been added to your original file name. This is helpful - you don't want to print from the original .stl file.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrUCHkX7nmLQbI0zzAiKpuJDqcVCopgNhKc87pUwEIbnPpUTBXWLICpoyPrSp3535_fP1jcDN4RTx8K01bqSh-C77BJRWAffhr7jo5Wj4tqEfkft55m9Y1L8ybOv2aPx1ZLXkBJP5RoE/s1600/MB_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrUCHkX7nmLQbI0zzAiKpuJDqcVCopgNhKc87pUwEIbnPpUTBXWLICpoyPrSp3535_fP1jcDN4RTx8K01bqSh-C77BJRWAffhr7jo5Wj4tqEfkft55m9Y1L8ybOv2aPx1ZLXkBJP5RoE/s1600/MB_2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a failed build looks like. Ugh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
6. Your Makerbot should be positioned away from drafty doorways in a temperature controlled environment (to avoid uneven cooling and curling of PLA plastic on build plate - this does happen). I have found that placing an incandescent light (150W or so) in front of the Makerbot raises the temp enough to provide the best conditions (I think the Replicator 2X has a heated build plate, but I'm not sure). This also allows for quick and easy release of your model from the build plate when completed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiuubQ9ooMGxCPFA7QBI9qiSdfIMTihomHPZUaxh5X9k9zai4ahw8j3tTCUxJMUy9X-Dv-lW_6rkyvfMkFgl6BPssNeWwc6E39-3ddXjCs5RapPEqnYNGFAIXkkPjQTkR71u-SP13aC0/s1600/MB_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiuubQ9ooMGxCPFA7QBI9qiSdfIMTihomHPZUaxh5X9k9zai4ahw8j3tTCUxJMUy9X-Dv-lW_6rkyvfMkFgl6BPssNeWwc6E39-3ddXjCs5RapPEqnYNGFAIXkkPjQTkR71u-SP13aC0/s1600/MB_4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Makerbot kept warm by a 150W incandescant light. Just like an Easy Bake Oven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Note: Some people cover the build plate with either Kapton tape or painter’s masking tape and use a burnishing tool to remove any air bubbles to ensure proper release of PLA once dry. I find that by wiping down the bare build plate with isopropyl alcohol swabs works best for proper release.</i><br />
<br />
7. While you can print via SD card on the Makerbot (it ships with a supplied card in its card reader port, including 4 designs), I recommend connecting your PC directly to the Makerbot's USB port (in back of machine, below PLA spool) and printing via Makerware. Once you are connected, power up the Makerbot.<br />
<br />
8. Run build plate leveling script from Makerbot menu, using a Post-it note (instead of supplied business card) to ensure that the build plate is level and the extruder head is at the proper height. There should be very slight friction when the Post-It is dragged under the extruder head's leveling points.<br />
<br />
9. Open Makerware on your PC and ensure that "background services" are running. This means that your computer is now communicating with the Makerbot.<br />
<br />
10. Click on the "Add" button on top of the Makerware interface. Find your "fixed.stl" file and choose it. Position and scale it on the build platform using the tools on the left side of the screen.<br />
<br />
11. Once the model is in position and at the size you desire, click on "Make" at the top of the screen. When the dialogue box pops up, make sure that the "make it now" button is not greyed-out. If it is, you may have to restart background services. If it is available, you're in business. I find that by leaving the other settings at the default standards, you will see great results. If your models are more complex, you may wish to explore rafts and supports (which you're need to file/sand off your model once it's finished).<br />
<br />
12. Click "Export" on the bottom right of the dialog box and you should be good to go. The software will begin "slicing" the model into layers and the extruder head should beging warming up (until it reaches about 230 degrees C). The build should start momentarily. The builds my students create currently are designed to fit inside a 40mm cubic volume (meaning 40 mm along the longest dimension) and flat on one surface (to ensure they sit on the build plate). These small models genrally take about 45-60 min to print.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3A-U9QjhrVAh_fHsRSdNg2_UQzA2RsaKFqh9sOXOjU1KkwH9oj4G3qWretYhrPOV_ikT_hTYRrZUR0oEWRaeup4vJERjE8IlpAhNN1Dow0cc4hEaSB3DXFum5ElKOMdVodsJq39ZcFk/s1600/MB_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3A-U9QjhrVAh_fHsRSdNg2_UQzA2RsaKFqh9sOXOjU1KkwH9oj4G3qWretYhrPOV_ikT_hTYRrZUR0oEWRaeup4vJERjE8IlpAhNN1Dow0cc4hEaSB3DXFum5ElKOMdVodsJq39ZcFk/s1600/MB_3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Makerbot in action (video to be posted shortly)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-WHx8fIp3_MBW3Jf10R_CbnTG8fgQXLaSub3dQLC49zQBSGcwUQt8SI61kX_P-bXM0QKpPY2j_bryGyyYyR2yhMP7SIb3CeIWWjGBFhG-dhJ4_AupgpvJ46myj4tVnxkMmkbpJAyVss/s1600/MB_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-WHx8fIp3_MBW3Jf10R_CbnTG8fgQXLaSub3dQLC49zQBSGcwUQt8SI61kX_P-bXM0QKpPY2j_bryGyyYyR2yhMP7SIb3CeIWWjGBFhG-dhJ4_AupgpvJ46myj4tVnxkMmkbpJAyVss/s1600/MB_5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that's it. It took me a lot of trials and tribulations, researching forums and blogs and frustration before I arrived at what I detailed above. Hopefully this was helpful to you other 3D Printing newbies out there. Now that I have cracked the code, my students and I are having a blast with our Makerbot. Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions! Happy printing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-44594015362047401052013-09-21T10:43:00.002-04:002013-09-21T10:43:38.430-04:00So Far, So Good!While some aspects of our new Digital Media Design program are still gelling, we hit the ground running during the past two weeks. My brilliant students dove right into a research project about future technologies, to provide them with a bit of a backdrop against which all our projects will be framed. They used free, web-based <a href="http://prezi.com/index/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> to create dynamic and engaging presentations which addressed the current and predicted states of robotics, 3D printing, transportation, communication and more. These were then published to our <a href="https://www.edmodo.com/" target="_blank">Edmodo</a> virtual classroom.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>We also started experimenting with the Makerbot, printing objects from its SD card, which ships pre-loaded with four 3D objects. One of my students also downloaded a bracelet from <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/" target="_blank">Thingiverse</a> which we printed. We were all surprised to see how flexible the PLA filament can be, as the bracelet allowed for twisting and some re-sizing. Still much to learn about this amazing piece of technology.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3wUafU84vMCuAWdo9P1ZEhw09lTgQ2JvTBXt0DoZ7fKuLpX5TVf1r39kz83uBxdyh3gKSsOPUB6FQB2C7nev41zkqABgabiGO8BidtsoW8KpTxlTYu9m_8wh2fqWcAJ8gel2WHw-cvM/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3wUafU84vMCuAWdo9P1ZEhw09lTgQ2JvTBXt0DoZ7fKuLpX5TVf1r39kz83uBxdyh3gKSsOPUB6FQB2C7nev41zkqABgabiGO8BidtsoW8KpTxlTYu9m_8wh2fqWcAJ8gel2WHw-cvM/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Students observing the Makerbot at work for the first time. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WsV1pd5uv9gDKoek7dUqPKYl9KqXKsdzUeeuGYX1oOKuAuSH7WxsZDdrvGgxKh-GRfIZVxzkoAQoDgckYfnHxLbYFu2cie3BdDZGwmVZuiZA2M4uI58s53KafV59Mu8ed7s0hpf5rKU/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WsV1pd5uv9gDKoek7dUqPKYl9KqXKsdzUeeuGYX1oOKuAuSH7WxsZDdrvGgxKh-GRfIZVxzkoAQoDgckYfnHxLbYFu2cie3BdDZGwmVZuiZA2M4uI58s53KafV59Mu8ed7s0hpf5rKU/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abby wears a fashionable Makerbot bracelet, courtesy of Thingiverse. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG9oT695VfcxQe7iUtcd157sIp0w1AvDY8NyoTkfhRUNmiTsOQ16YGtDCkNkk3O4luzSLVC384bzCW7xP7DZv7w1zwJ3-kJlHRWMlCRzaY0mbbsVnuF0r97unEQLhWCU-99Oyc4oMr00/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG9oT695VfcxQe7iUtcd157sIp0w1AvDY8NyoTkfhRUNmiTsOQ16YGtDCkNkk3O4luzSLVC384bzCW7xP7DZv7w1zwJ3-kJlHRWMlCRzaY0mbbsVnuF0r97unEQLhWCU-99Oyc4oMr00/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rock Star Joe coming his hair with a 3D printed comb (one of the designs included on the Makerbot's SD card)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">DMD students also started a unit on Digital Storytelling this week, using <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=11132" target="_blank">Microsoft's Photo Story 3</a> (free download!). MS PS3 is a great little tool if you're unfamiliar. Students can craft stories using images, text, video, music and spoken narration. I used some guidelines provided by the <a href="http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/" target="_blank">University of Houston's amazing site</a> for digital storytelling and allowed students to choose their topics. Since we now have block scheduling at our school, a few 80 minute periods will allow plenty of time for them to produce and present some incredible stories (3-5 minutes each). I will post the greatest hits here shortly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArTl0Z8ifsryea4fNbFn27mGP9Wc64LwwtJBE7lXA1JyyCQrgmF1hixEFBlocs2J_wQk4WzMC2CitBd1m8jSFvpE225X5e5XEsa1BmIOxAN-g7jUPrkGg_jQcSrzcpcvaxHFY99OV7DE/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArTl0Z8ifsryea4fNbFn27mGP9Wc64LwwtJBE7lXA1JyyCQrgmF1hixEFBlocs2J_wQk4WzMC2CitBd1m8jSFvpE225X5e5XEsa1BmIOxAN-g7jUPrkGg_jQcSrzcpcvaxHFY99OV7DE/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Thank you for shopping with Amazon. My name is Anthony. How may I help you?" Anthony hard at work producing his digital story. We use mic/headset combos via 1/8" mini-plug ports on our PCs. When everyone's working, it looks like a customer service call center in Room A141. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpCqJkb-3OHWOf-tNACGVtreDOPD8FMEYVbwbEJE60kmqMMw3CmkHUy2v4wS4SSaTe5BY011TcP_cBDj8PhrqR8Z-SXhkSrZQvEfz0gny_K3mRNag53p5dAo2xBJOrUYEUAgIX7V1sS8/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpCqJkb-3OHWOf-tNACGVtreDOPD8FMEYVbwbEJE60kmqMMw3CmkHUy2v4wS4SSaTe5BY011TcP_cBDj8PhrqR8Z-SXhkSrZQvEfz0gny_K3mRNag53p5dAo2xBJOrUYEUAgIX7V1sS8/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daryl searches for the right element that will make his digital story perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, speaking of 3D Printing, check this out: </div><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/occipital/structure-sensor-capture-the-world-in-3d/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-1113323201676299522013-09-09T20:58:00.001-04:002013-09-21T10:05:11.816-04:00Breaking the IceToday my students in Digital Media Design introduced themselves with the help of custom-made personal avatars, courtesy of <a href="http://www.voki.com/" target="_blank">Voki</a>. Once they created their Vokis, students copied the provided embed code, returned to the DMD Edmodo page (our virtual classroom), and pasted the code into the assignment dropbox, so that I was able to project each submission for review.<br />
<br />
I love Voki because it's free, easy to use and a fun way of getting students (especially technophobes) into being creative on a computer. I use it with my high school students and even with the teachers I meet while instructing professional development workshops and it's always a home run. If you're a teacher looking for a quick new trick to infuse your lessons with technology, give Voki a try (while it still has a free section!).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCfBOFDbwwblT-vIBNIw-cTe59qhfmUUcNcO6vL7DyjBgd8uZDmfPxqowp2GYGP2Zew7rXqMCiogsoW5vxFTMfM-9mB3WschVn0RVkHqiUXE-fWShtFqW_dtq8bPPy_j0w4N0i_D6CJg/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCfBOFDbwwblT-vIBNIw-cTe59qhfmUUcNcO6vL7DyjBgd8uZDmfPxqowp2GYGP2Zew7rXqMCiogsoW5vxFTMfM-9mB3WschVn0RVkHqiUXE-fWShtFqW_dtq8bPPy_j0w4N0i_D6CJg/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-30184461976409698802013-09-05T20:06:00.000-04:002013-09-05T20:06:27.772-04:00How I Spent My Summer VacationWow, it really has been a while since I last posted. As we head into another school year, I thought I would showcase some work that I have been doing over the summer. While I absolutely love teaching, I also love having two months "off" each year to recharge my creative batteries, work on some fun and challenging projects (both personal and professional), and find new inspiration.<br />
<br />
I'm getting ready to embark on my second year teaching at Ocean Township High School and I've been asked to create and teach a brand new course called Digital Media Design (DMD). I'm so thankful to have such a supportive and forward-thinking administration in my building who see the value in creating course offerings of this nature.<br />
<br />
First things first. Before I detail what DMD is going to look like, I'll share a couple other items. I also teach Digital Photography and have been given a brand new room to teach it in. Last year I focused (no pun intended) mostly on natural light photography as the space wasn't suitable to teach studio/artificial lighting. This new room is huge and will be outfitted with a seamless backdrop, multiple monolights, light modifiers, v-flats, product tent and more. I'm looking forward to preparing the next Annie Leibovitzes and Richard Avedons for their Vanity Fair shoots!<br />
<br />
To get my studio chops in line, I took a 10 week course at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, under the direction of <a href="http://www.delessio.com/" target="_blank">Len DeLessio</a>. I can't say enough great things about the course - <a href="http://www.sva.edu/continuing-education/photography/in-the-studio#" target="_blank">Studio Lighting: What You Really Want To Know</a> - and Len himself. It was life-changing. Seriously. I now have a greater understanding of studio processes and an appreciation for artificial light. Thanks, Len!<br />
<br />
Below, I have posted a few of my greatest hits from the class:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzk7salWLrsuu0_VMNKg_2aV5MxUdyQhjoCoxwWg70cOpOg93mLHPjiyr7qp1uMGLeu_1yrDgbnaiuaAGw0bt27E63RvoKS6ZwC9TOE7sU_oKpRaixPu2brlvJB6eKI5FQVN0R3LMGjQ/s1600/072313_IPPOLITO_GelLighting_SVA_72ppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzk7salWLrsuu0_VMNKg_2aV5MxUdyQhjoCoxwWg70cOpOg93mLHPjiyr7qp1uMGLeu_1yrDgbnaiuaAGw0bt27E63RvoKS6ZwC9TOE7sU_oKpRaixPu2brlvJB6eKI5FQVN0R3LMGjQ/s1600/072313_IPPOLITO_GelLighting_SVA_72ppi.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An experiment with some gels.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIgJu8h7FUqxTJzKe9l18lD4Mc9p9XvOplOb9Ia843H_uEfkgxOGQBd_8xwIs3pwItEQpn3KrAMUPsha2S9IJQIovkyCi-_OMY2l8vtUgCQRJfuHhMfh6rx1_t7TAgS_4nz-a_Om2cs0/s1600/071613_IPPOLITO_JillGreenburg_SVA_72ppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIgJu8h7FUqxTJzKe9l18lD4Mc9p9XvOplOb9Ia843H_uEfkgxOGQBd_8xwIs3pwItEQpn3KrAMUPsha2S9IJQIovkyCi-_OMY2l8vtUgCQRJfuHhMfh6rx1_t7TAgS_4nz-a_Om2cs0/s1600/071613_IPPOLITO_JillGreenburg_SVA_72ppi.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Try to mimic Jill Greenberg's lighting set up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn8N79GSOqY68TE-AazdBYuv1llcQBsHiaLEeaLCsfWfCahQlK29jrhRsTnRfIcUYozZnX95gVDB33Z4-bC6CpPImuB-2xC2ZRbS7cvbjyaZKGpkGh1c9B4QGYNukBSnp0U56e-yKmvY/s1600/071513_RachelDeAlto_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn8N79GSOqY68TE-AazdBYuv1llcQBsHiaLEeaLCsfWfCahQlK29jrhRsTnRfIcUYozZnX95gVDB33Z4-bC6CpPImuB-2xC2ZRbS7cvbjyaZKGpkGh1c9B4QGYNukBSnp0U56e-yKmvY/s1600/071513_RachelDeAlto_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An over-lit white background shot of my friend, Rachel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This summer also provided me the opportunity to collaborate on a music video project with an amazing group of students and teachers from Eatontown, NJ. The program is known as SPEAK and its aim is to point kids in the right direction, helping them to make good choices (namely avoiding drugs and alcohol). Over the course of two days, the students wrote and recorded an original song entitled, "Choices Last a Lifetime," using Apple's fun and easy-to-use Garageband. They also shot and edited an accompanying music video, employing green screen technology and Sony's Vegas video editing software. I'm so proud of what they were able to create. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please check out the video below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lCGuE30VYXg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Choices Last a Lifetime"</div>
<br />
Back to my other life. Digital Media Design will encompass a veritable smorgasbord of technologies - Sketchup, Adobe After Effects, Prezi, Voki, Edmodo, Google's suite of applications, digital photography, and 3D Printing (rapid prototyping). I took our new Makerbot home this summer and dug in to see how it ticks. Too cool. Check it out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bsbM3iRa-Gk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I printed all of the files that shipped on the SD card that came with the Makerbot (a chain link, a shark and a nut and bolt combo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7mBUJ7zqGgdFtE230qre2nzfXbSwPSp0g2t0AlaZZ91QY1vXmfsgNwoJLSQOe9FNDLfTJrZsmDXXmDpYQ54AcgYNp69UqyjhL_5PItY7LZ53tsauysiV6Gf_cMbcrKQlxwqdBKiGzuQ/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7mBUJ7zqGgdFtE230qre2nzfXbSwPSp0g2t0AlaZZ91QY1vXmfsgNwoJLSQOe9FNDLfTJrZsmDXXmDpYQ54AcgYNp69UqyjhL_5PItY7LZ53tsauysiV6Gf_cMbcrKQlxwqdBKiGzuQ/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Makerbot Replicator 2. About the size of a microwave oven, but infinitely cooler. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX0_5J7xq1f8_f3bxx7bMuHH7RS_mvyS010yShXsrkyNqUGU_6vxl52-5C5fQM5qVk8qisStIM8fP-GYSDQQ_dLibm1gnq1jeNfR066dUZsbRGvRqAkCqBRY4bj46jjoNpAmFM1zSUIo/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX0_5J7xq1f8_f3bxx7bMuHH7RS_mvyS010yShXsrkyNqUGU_6vxl52-5C5fQM5qVk8qisStIM8fP-GYSDQQ_dLibm1gnq1jeNfR066dUZsbRGvRqAkCqBRY4bj46jjoNpAmFM1zSUIo/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My son admiring the Makerbot's handy work.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJBttjSQ7qQIOI-_TAUWwPlsV5Cvl99XnvmnjCdaQKoclWDTuxW5zT-YFiQAVcNlT9m6ELM9ydvGmws6gaZo7UI7nrJhmGz4onhuKJ5nj8BYW6Vt0DozwaTo5q9SACV7VVhEEJ7VIKs/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJBttjSQ7qQIOI-_TAUWwPlsV5Cvl99XnvmnjCdaQKoclWDTuxW5zT-YFiQAVcNlT9m6ELM9ydvGmws6gaZo7UI7nrJhmGz4onhuKJ5nj8BYW6Vt0DozwaTo5q9SACV7VVhEEJ7VIKs/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The printed nut and bolt (this .stl file came with the Makerbot) printed with clear PLA. They fit together nicely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then, I dove into Sketchup, created a thing I called the Digi-Widget, brought it into Makerware (controls the Makerbot build), scaled it and printed it. It's a brave new world, folks:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNNMM8cM2_FKJHkfwkg-d85eXvucde6Xhwk6ks2hJTS3hq_dubKt0_ruXLlVltZ_Wlye8eNiYGHofkBZOdYOhjTusKH-h2kNUKJ0rOJMxI-2YKwszbS4fOWWMoxXCZnXvHapmcDGmfe0/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNNMM8cM2_FKJHkfwkg-d85eXvucde6Xhwk6ks2hJTS3hq_dubKt0_ruXLlVltZ_Wlye8eNiYGHofkBZOdYOhjTusKH-h2kNUKJ0rOJMxI-2YKwszbS4fOWWMoxXCZnXvHapmcDGmfe0/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But wait, there's more! Another unit in DMD will serve as an introduction to Robotics. We will be exploring the new LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. I have loved LEGOS since I was a kid and I am completely psyched to introduce this 21st century iteration to my students. I familiarized myself with the LEGO programming environment (based on industry-standard, Labview) and with the accompanying curriculum materials. In no time at all, I was up and running. Below is a video of the Gyro Boy, a robot that balances (unbelievably) on 2 wheels with the aid of sensors and some very sophisticated programming (I built the bot, but used the supplied program). Check it out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-xTq0XSYC9U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Lastly, I plan to incorporate video post production into my DMD course, with the goal of building a digital film making academy of sorts. We offer TV production and broadcast media courses in our school and I built this into DMD to compliment those offerings. My students will be learning the basics of visual effects by experimenting with Adobe After Effects, another robust, industry-standard application. I got my feet wet with it by creating the clip below (thanks to my wife for being such a good sport!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0xE5xtjw2Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh yeah - one more thing! I had the opportunity to sit in on a good friend's podcast (Thanks, Larry!!!) and I am inspired to have my students create their own, using tools in the Adobe Creative Suite. I'm also laying the groundwork for my own personal podcast, as I firmly believe that modeling is one of the most powerful forms of instruction. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There will surely be more entries to come in the near future! Best of luck this school year, my fellow educators and students! Be inspired and amaze yourselves!</div>
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-64173245088953631602012-08-09T22:46:00.000-04:002012-08-09T22:49:49.263-04:00Golden Hour PhotographyThere's a reason they call the hours near dawn and dusk the "Golden Hours" - the natural light during these times just makes shooting so pleasurable. The light is soft, rich and it allows for longer exposures, which I really enjoy. While landscape shots look amazing in this light, I can't wait to shoot some portraits in it. I've offered to shoot folks for free at sunrise on the beach, but apparently none of my friends are early risers (I've become one because of our kid). <br />
<br />
I took the shot below at Cross Farm Park in Lincroft at around 8PM. I took a number of shots that evening, but I feel this one is the best. As I sat in the tall grass of the park with my camera on a tripod, I kept thinking of the famous tabloid photographer, Weegee, whose motto was, "F8 and be there!" This was his answer when questioned how he was able to capture so many great shots. While I understand the utility of using a safe aperture setting like F8, it's the "be there" part that really resonates with me. If you want a good shot, you need to get out there and endure some discomfort sometimes, like being eaten alive by mosquitoes in this case. I also kept thinking about photojournalists in places like Iraq and Afghanistan and the precarious situations they navigate to "get the shot." Makes mosquito bites seem pretty trivial, really.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TgZtYj9T5ckM0MDf7ZaFxRFtuLjJGSHZFZ_PuVDShgnS5SKOZ_SAHZP488B_RuxURJkzspk9rqyKp9phF1Zgs5M_V3pn-U2x9r0uDqxfJmZA_EDJT32_gb5VGDws0miPEHQkLzOa42k/s1600/StreetSignSunset_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TgZtYj9T5ckM0MDf7ZaFxRFtuLjJGSHZFZ_PuVDShgnS5SKOZ_SAHZP488B_RuxURJkzspk9rqyKp9phF1Zgs5M_V3pn-U2x9r0uDqxfJmZA_EDJT32_gb5VGDws0miPEHQkLzOa42k/s400/StreetSignSunset_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G</div>
APERTURE: 13<br />
SHUTTER: 3 seconds<br />
LIGHTING: Natural with fill flash (TTL)<br />
ISO: 100<br />
RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW file.<br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I don't have much to say about this shot. I really love the colors and the way the flash made the street sign pop against the sky.Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-16007226563373777452012-08-09T21:50:00.003-04:002012-08-21T11:15:25.117-04:00Available LightWhile I have always taken pictures for as long as I can remember, this summer I feel like my Nikon has been virtually glued to my face. I actually feel guilty if I have missed a day of shooting. Every time I pick up the camera, I am learning more about the craft and about myself as a shooter. While I do enjoy some aspects of shooting with artificial light (Strobes and/or hot lights), I do think some of my strongest shots to date have been made possible by good, natural light, in situations where the subjects aren't consciously posing. Case in point, the shot below was taken around 6PM at the Triumph Brewery in New Hope, PA. The light was hitting a huge, frosted window pane that acted like a giant soft box. I love the way it gently outlines my son's features. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDVvI65DoBYYcLCaXrKCbi1mCKJQ_W_xqUc1E122LfRm5xrpyqugKbTRRJV851e3SnnlRjmCMjRd7BLWthyphenhyphenQ8OOfp_wXFaya99D3A0hWAZ7rwxcWMlBO59_sRHxD8GirZ3UQ-6-GGfII/s1600/Army_BilliardBall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDVvI65DoBYYcLCaXrKCbi1mCKJQ_W_xqUc1E122LfRm5xrpyqugKbTRRJV851e3SnnlRjmCMjRd7BLWthyphenhyphenQ8OOfp_wXFaya99D3A0hWAZ7rwxcWMlBO59_sRHxD8GirZ3UQ-6-GGfII/s400/Army_BilliardBall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon
D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor
50mm f/1.8G</div>
APERTURE: 2.8<br />
SHUTTER: 1/125<br />
LIGHTING: Natural<br />
ISO: 200<br />
RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW
file.<br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I'm not really sure how to critique this shot. I'm not saying it's perfect, but I like it from both an emotional and a technical standpoint. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pic below is of my wife and son facing that same big, frosted window. I like how the incandescant lights in the background almost suggest stars and the quality of natural light warms up an already sweet, personal moment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQiwocBDgohjV-ZGpRqUB-c3t2bHIHgXoTn67m-ZBp18RwjftAws-HZ3J9o4fQ23CJkgfnMYWsiY8ufteuoVKZRDXIAI8f48MrZXtJfsIywLqiU2u1tVhZdXLuIY5Od_9nRYEUs5Qsh4/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQiwocBDgohjV-ZGpRqUB-c3t2bHIHgXoTn67m-ZBp18RwjftAws-HZ3J9o4fQ23CJkgfnMYWsiY8ufteuoVKZRDXIAI8f48MrZXtJfsIywLqiU2u1tVhZdXLuIY5Od_9nRYEUs5Qsh4/s400/DSC_0212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G</div>
APERTURE: 2.8<br />
SHUTTER: 1/125<br />
LIGHTING: Natural<br />
ISO: 200<br />
RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW file, burned in the t-shirt<br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: Her T-shirt was a little overexposed, so I burned it in a bit in Photoshop. It could probably stand a little more, actually. Color balance could stand a slight correction, perhaps pushing the vibrance/saturation a little.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One more utilizing that amazing window. I really love how it exaggerates the depth of the room: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaAX2kz01FK6BVTXm-J9Jh5lYJtQgs0POGed0pB2RjNfAyrEtS8lELSdvMgdsfqbB7FKeYyuQmWppoK6xBWxY95B5_ByQpcA2Vz60C6tTZ4SdMXRMRmjsuvNtXVhODEWfT4fUyOyPP9I/s1600/ArmyWatching_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaAX2kz01FK6BVTXm-J9Jh5lYJtQgs0POGed0pB2RjNfAyrEtS8lELSdvMgdsfqbB7FKeYyuQmWppoK6xBWxY95B5_ByQpcA2Vz60C6tTZ4SdMXRMRmjsuvNtXVhODEWfT4fUyOyPP9I/s400/ArmyWatching_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G</div>
APERTURE: 2.8<br />
SHUTTER: 1/180<br />
LIGHTING: Natural<br />
ISO: 200<br />
RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast/brightness a little in the RAW file.<br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I love it from a technical angle, but emotionally, it's a little flat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shot below presented some problems as we were on moving train, which bumped and swayed quite a bit (it was a hot train, too, as evidenced by my sweating subject). I didn't want to use the flash, so I had to keep the shutter open a bit longer, risking tack sharp focus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnXRTnRZ5ogK0WiUUriMKHqCT2opyzYBCRLUSV1BunY1qVoVfkdFNfEdhfpjD8kxnCMOr8NzFggMTMwqpqvgdTuBLOeu7Yptetmji0OLQkzlb6-MY4HNUG8apKzb88tAG5am4k6u0oCE/s1600/Army_Ticket_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnXRTnRZ5ogK0WiUUriMKHqCT2opyzYBCRLUSV1BunY1qVoVfkdFNfEdhfpjD8kxnCMOr8NzFggMTMwqpqvgdTuBLOeu7Yptetmji0OLQkzlb6-MY4HNUG8apKzb88tAG5am4k6u0oCE/s400/Army_Ticket_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G</div>
APERTURE: 2.0<br />
SHUTTER: 1/125<br />
LIGHTING: Natural<br />
ISO: 200<br />
RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast/brightness a little in the RAW file. Sharpened the image in Photoshop. <br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I love it for its emotional content and I think I did a decent job technically considering the conditions, but I could have punched up the ISO a bit while shooting.Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-91930309992851667542012-07-22T00:08:00.000-04:002012-07-22T00:08:12.794-04:00Nice GlassSince I am now walking the walk and talking the talk of a digital photography instructor, I thought I'd briefly write about owning nice "glass," meaning a good lens. I recently purchased a prime lens (one that does not zoom, but is fixed) for my Nikon D80 - a 35mm AF-S Nikkor f/1.8. This means the lens is pretty fast - the aperture opens wide enough to capture a lot of light, even when little light is available. This wide aperture also means you can get really shallow depth of field. <br />
<br />
I've been shooting a little with the lens and immediately I am impressed. While it only cost about $100.00, it is already leveraging more resolution out of my 10.2 megapixel camera than I knew it possessed. The lens I bought with the D80 kit is an 18-135mm zoom lens, and although it takes pics that are above and beyond the everyday point-and-shoot camera, this 35mm lens is really starting to make my Nikon behave like the dSLR that it is. I can understand why photographers salivate over quality lenses. Maybe someday I'll have enough money to buy a really good piece of glass. In the meantime, this lens suits me just fine. <br />
<br />
In the pics below, I am finally starting to see tack sharp focus in my shots. I have also started to work with NEF/RAW files and I'm loving it. These are the images as they come directly off the camera's sensor, without compression (unlike jpegs). I open them into Adobe's Camera Raw software, which comes with Adobe CS4 and newer. With a couple minor tweaks, I am getting just the image I hoped and expected to capture. <br />
<br />
I purchased a couple other new camera accessories - a wireless shutter release, an Alienbees ABR 800 ring flash and a newer, lightweight tripod with a ball head. I am very excited to experiment with these new toys and will be posting the best images here in coming days. Meanwhile, here are a few that I really like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjOS5kF15YD6h5baCJz_QckLiYSioBG1X_NO8soAWqSu8OKiJ4mY3IJthRepElbUsAoHJuDUH4l1GGu-KIO-s_h2SOL3LqxI6n53y6zxy68CWEeNyXSSMMJIyXSnPKywavdVjNU9XhKM/s1600/Army_Jukebox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjOS5kF15YD6h5baCJz_QckLiYSioBG1X_NO8soAWqSu8OKiJ4mY3IJthRepElbUsAoHJuDUH4l1GGu-KIO-s_h2SOL3LqxI6n53y6zxy68CWEeNyXSSMMJIyXSnPKywavdVjNU9XhKM/s400/Army_Jukebox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon
D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G<br />APERTURE: 1.8<br />SHUTTER:
1/90<br />LIGHTING: On board flash<br />ISO: 100<br />RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW file.<br />SELF-CRITIQUE: I love this shot for its composition, color, clarity and mood. I do think I could have closed down the aperture a bit more as the depth of field is a little too shallow. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuvVcqhyphenhyphenHmVT4GBnLVeDItD5v0LJFIBYxDvkbcZVC2NtqOyMNoHybwgTXnG-w8iIsTD4KcyFcJ7kmwT-CAce5qlg0lbGR05wmDIEAr-4cCxDa5sm50PdaEtVC_F_-QHESbJPQ3opnPzw/s1600/Army_ChocolateMilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuvVcqhyphenhyphenHmVT4GBnLVeDItD5v0LJFIBYxDvkbcZVC2NtqOyMNoHybwgTXnG-w8iIsTD4KcyFcJ7kmwT-CAce5qlg0lbGR05wmDIEAr-4cCxDa5sm50PdaEtVC_F_-QHESbJPQ3opnPzw/s400/Army_ChocolateMilk.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G<br />APERTURE: 1.8<br />SHUTTER: 1/90<br />LIGHTING: Natural light from window, overcast/rainy day<br />ISO: 100<br />RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little and corrected color in the RAW file, dodged the subject in Photoshop for a little visual pop.<br />SELF-CRITIQUE: I love this shot for its composition, color, clarity. The pie in the case behind my son is a little hot (overexposed) and probably should be toned down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_57aUf5bX7zRWL64f9rAqzab6GQCmIH9lYq6xu65kOvFN1SIU50zixHoNq24s_RzQUU8E5j4mfj2iAEhWVvFJJR0VV8fv0R3Vv07wGWioQWFRgUP_MtU4-lqURZWZ7JFrwHtr0A5cmZ4/s1600/Army_Umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_57aUf5bX7zRWL64f9rAqzab6GQCmIH9lYq6xu65kOvFN1SIU50zixHoNq24s_RzQUU8E5j4mfj2iAEhWVvFJJR0VV8fv0R3Vv07wGWioQWFRgUP_MtU4-lqURZWZ7JFrwHtr0A5cmZ4/s400/Army_Umbrella.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G<br />APERTURE: 1.8<br />SHUTTER: 1/180<br />LIGHTING: Natural light and on board flash<br />ISO: 100<br />RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW file, cropped image slightly in PS.<br />SELF-CRITIQUE: I like how illuminated the subject is and how he really stands out against the grey, rainy background. I could have done a better job of composing the shot while shooting, as the flowerpot (while colorful and attractive), is a bit of a distraction. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEllKhSYW8nE8HQJNXN5f0NqKFu_evBWfK8ZIwT0ySTUjeWB5DK3nMsPfFRr04UtpEjTwqoynxJ_-i-4TKIOiQ3dkVeDG3h3iThs3JndF1RF1bYHCzm6SwN9QHW4IERJ2BNDQdfOrGPFU/s1600/Coleus_Retouch_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEllKhSYW8nE8HQJNXN5f0NqKFu_evBWfK8ZIwT0ySTUjeWB5DK3nMsPfFRr04UtpEjTwqoynxJ_-i-4TKIOiQ3dkVeDG3h3iThs3JndF1RF1bYHCzm6SwN9QHW4IERJ2BNDQdfOrGPFU/s400/Coleus_Retouch_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G<br />APERTURE: 2.4<br />SHUTTER: 1/125<br />LIGHTING: Natural light - Overcast sky<br />ISO: 100<br />RETOUCHING: Pushed the contrast a little in the RAW file.<br />SELF-CRITIQUE: Love the clarity, composition and extremeley limited depth of field (essentially only one leaf is in focus). The white flower (New Guinea Impatien?), while adding a nice visual counterpoint is a bit over exposed and needs to be toned down. </div>Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-83028734001949358012012-07-20T11:58:00.002-04:002012-07-20T14:34:04.752-04:00Eatontown Hip Hop, Yo!<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had the pleasure of working with students and counselors from the SPEAK program recently. </span><span style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_21_134272630027562"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SPEAK
is an acronym for Summer Program Eatontown Alliance Kids and is a
collaborative effort between school and community organizations to
provide a positive experience for students ages 11-14. The program
supports community service activities, development of positive character
traits, and a strong anti-drug/alcohol message. Students participate in
alternative activities that focus on community service, altruism,
social skills, and conflict resolution. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It encourages cooperation and teamwork, and strive to enhance
resiliency and internal strengths to prevent involvement in substance
abuse and violence.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was hired to produce an anti-drug/anti-alcohol song and video with them and in the span of two (half) days last week, we did it! I arranged a basic track using Garageband and then brought my (somewhat mobile) audio studio to their space above the Eatontown firehouse. We spent a couple hours workshopping themes and lyrics, then spent another two recording the vocal takes. I was so impressed with how focused and professional the kids were. After I showed them how to run the recording session, I just stepped back and they all served as their own engineers and producers. Due to time constraints, later that night I edited the takes into a coherent song. I am confident that they could have done this, but since they only meet for four hours a day, this was not possible. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later in the week, we met once more in their firehouse space. This time, we set up the room for video production. Dawn White-Ryan, one of the program's dedicated and talented counselors, purchased a few yards of bright green fabric, which we draped over and clamped to a chalkboard for a makeshift chroma key (green screen). We positioned the screen to take advantage of the south-facing windows behind us and I also brought along a couple hot lights with diffusers to illuminate the performers. I set up my Sony Bloggie on a tripod and we then spent a couple of hours shooting. Again, the kids directed the shoot, not me. I find this to be the most rewarding part of these kinds of projects, when the students immediately take ownership of their work. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we "wrapped," we connected my Vaio laptop to a large screen TV in the room via HDMI and I showed students the basics of video editing using Sony's Vegas. They quickly got the hang of it and cut together the rough edit of the video you see below. I took it home and finished it up. I think it rocks and I am so proud of all the students and counselors who stepped up as brave souls and made it happen. Here's the video, entitled, "Just Say No!":</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ds_3p1KgJCo/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ds_3p1KgJCo?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ds_3p1KgJCo?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just Say No! (So You Can Be My Bro)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you to counselors Counselors Dawn Ryan, Lori Boyd, Jill Wetzel, Lindsay DeVito and Ryan Hennelly! You all rock!</div>
<br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-74452471565511353962012-07-14T22:54:00.003-04:002012-07-14T22:54:34.628-04:00In The NewsSome friends recently alerted me to the fact that my Project Lead The Way program at the Red Bank Middle School had been featured in local media outlets. I did a quick search and found this link (a few months old at this point, admittedly), in case you or your school district wanted to know more about this amazing STEM program:<br />
<br />
From "The Hub," a local Red Bank newspaper:<br />
<a href="http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2012-05-10/Front_Page/Red_Banks_STEM_program_a_model_for_learning.html" target="_blank">Red Bank’s STEM program a model for learning</a><br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-30074610344375353912012-07-13T15:21:00.000-04:002012-07-13T15:21:12.776-04:00Boyzilla!As I am building an arsenal of photo gear in anticipation of my new job, I have been recruiting friends and family to be my subjects as I try out each new gadget. My son, Army is a good sport and has a lot of character, so yesterday while Mom was out, we set up all of his toy cars on the dining room table and staged a mock-Godzilla destruction scene as an excuse to use my new 35mm lens. Although he usually can remain focused on a task for longer than the average 4 year old, I could tell his patience for this experiment was wearing thin. After all, I had him up on top of our dining room table for the shoot. I love that he is shirtless, like a miniature Incedible Hulk.<br />
<br />
I was only able to fire off a handful of shots, and the one below is the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJewsuq-_dRd9FpdfkBPEUtN41JooIZS2Z8H60GVIVoPkpAi3g1oq4PKRvn1p1ualLNU_r7NFXLx1ayGetcs4Hq3d_1s7k8wWr4LMXrMJbl1VhiNEIhD2bz2Q3PUSmU5MVjract4uE8/s1600/ArmyGodzilla_Retouch_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJewsuq-_dRd9FpdfkBPEUtN41JooIZS2Z8H60GVIVoPkpAi3g1oq4PKRvn1p1ualLNU_r7NFXLx1ayGetcs4Hq3d_1s7k8wWr4LMXrMJbl1VhiNEIhD2bz2Q3PUSmU5MVjract4uE8/s640/ArmyGodzilla_Retouch_1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CAMERA: Nikon D80</div>
LENS: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G<br />
APERTURE: 2.8<br />
SHUTTER:
1/125<br />
LIGHTING: Two halogens with white umbrella diffusers at 45 degrees, key 500 watt, fill 300 watt<br />
ISO: 320<br />
RETOUCHING: Some
brightness, contrast and removal of nails in background wall. <br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I am happy with the shot, especially the clarity/focus provided by my new 35mm prime lens. It really does blow away my 18-135mm lens for this type of shooting. I have to start thinking about how to create a dedicated photo studio with the limited space (and ceiling height) in our house.Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-3849422814560626272012-07-09T14:36:00.001-04:002012-09-06T20:16:35.063-04:00My New GigI recently took a new job teaching Digital Photography and Computer Art at Ocean Township High School. I am very excited about this opportunity and will be spending the summer focusing on the "A" in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). As I recalibrate my brain, I will be posting its output here, along with any technical information regarding the photo or Photoshop project. I'd love to post one a day, but I'm not sure I can make that happen. <br />
<br />
When I shoot, I tend to shoot a lot of frames, but only usually love (and publish) a handful of frames. The one below is the best from a recent outing with my family to the Asbury Park boardwalk. My four year old son loves pinball and I took this shot at the <a href="http://silverballmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Silverball Museum</a>, which is quickly becoming one of our favorite destinations, especially during oppressively hot and swampy Jersey summer days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotecyXq137Z7XhY2JtzNBup3AkfVSr9Wqt9gJeqDXTPfNSm7VM-KZ_geirMcGROumL8kpMq08kKUagRPcWkKBUKqdNoidwSFTBtvq7sVBdhCEtRxMCcgc7weZF_oNANd2XiigH1iPsQs/s1600/ArmyPinball_Retouch_1_Cooler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotecyXq137Z7XhY2JtzNBup3AkfVSr9Wqt9gJeqDXTPfNSm7VM-KZ_geirMcGROumL8kpMq08kKUagRPcWkKBUKqdNoidwSFTBtvq7sVBdhCEtRxMCcgc7weZF_oNANd2XiigH1iPsQs/s400/ArmyPinball_Retouch_1_Cooler.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
CAMERA: Nikon D80<br />
LENS: Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D AF<br />
APERTURE: 1.8<br />
SHUTTER: 1/60<br />
LIGHTING: Overhead flourescent<br />
ISO: 100<br />
RETOUCHING: Some color, brightness, contrast.<br />
SELF-CRITIQUE: I love this shot due to its composition, emotion and colors, but I think shutter speed is a little slow and the image could be sharper. Forgot to change the ISO as well. <br />
<br />Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-52812083924615787022011-05-07T22:31:00.000-04:002011-05-07T22:31:17.411-04:00PD, Crowdfunding and More...I am now finishing up my Spring graduate class. It's been a nice experience, but I'm glad it's over. Looking forward to having a little less on my plate. Meanwhile, my school crowdfunding experiment is chugging along. We have about $750.00 and we still have over a month left to reach our $2000.00 goal. I am hoping to validate this as a means of fundraising for school programs in the future. <br />
<br />
Also, I have been asked to present my first professional development workshop, which I am very excited about. So, now that I have a bit of time freed up, I can fill it up by putting my presentation together. I have a while to prepare, but there is so much I wish to cover. My aim is to develop a workshop that I can deliver to multiple school districts over the coming years - one that can morph into a prescribed-curriculum of sorts focusing on technology literacy. <br />
<br />
That's about it for now - more details to follow...Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356553895736246385.post-27481198818444497422011-04-27T10:43:00.000-04:002011-04-27T10:43:24.392-04:00Our First Crowdfunding Project!I am happy to share with you my first crowdfunding project. My school's art teacher and I are hoping to leverage the power of social networks to raise money for a NYC field trip. We are aiming for $2000.00 and our campaign will be active until June 10th. Please check it out here (and donate if you can!):<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/23334?a=110793" width="210px" height="400px" frameborder="1" scrolling="no"></iframe><br />
<br />
THANK YOU!Chris Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07761236913236798000noreply@blogger.com0