September 24

DE classes will finish up our study of analog electronics this week with the design of the 555 timer used in your Game Board Counter.  You will learn how to design a circuit to connect to the timer that controls how fast it counts and for how long. 

Then, we will start in to digital design with combinational logic.  In it, we will learn about the different types of combinational logic gates and chips that are the foundation of what we will be using throughout the rest of the year.

Also, this week will see our first WOW period.  On Work it Out Wednesday, students will  have a tutorial opportunity during the school day in order to make up missing work or get extra help.  Check with teachers for any classes which you are failing and request a WOW pass.  Thursday is again a late start day.  

Parents, be sure to check over your student's progress reports that were given to them on Friday.  If you have any questions, let me know. 

FADE Design Competition & Texas A&M Field Trip

Check out the information on FADE (Future Aggies Design Exhibition).  This event is option and will take place after school hours, so it is optional.  If you are interested, let me know.  I will have permission forms this week that you will need to fill out and have parents sign.  The deadline for us to sign up teams of 4-6 students is next Friday, October 5 this Friday September 28.  On October 10, we will be given an engineering challenge to solve from the Fourteen Grand Engineering Challenges, although, I don't know right now exactly what that will be.  The student teams will then have one month, until November 10, to create a solution to the challenge that we are given.  On November 10, which is a Saturday, we will travel by bus to the campus of Texas A&M to present our solution and see how other students solved the same problem.  The cost is free to students participating, and lunch and dinner is being provided for all participants.  For now, start forming teams of which you want to be a part and let me know that you are interested.  I will have sign-up and permission forms on Tuesday. 

If you are interested, I need the information on this form in order to get you registered.  Please fill this out to let me know that you want to participate and to give me the needed information. I must have registration and permission forms back by this Thursday.