Project Overview
Throughout this project, we explored the chemical effects that drugs have on the body. In small groups, we researched specific illicit or prescription drug, then created a product that showcased our learning and could be utilized in informing the public.
My Project
My group of five studied LSD,. For our final product, we decided to create a trifold board, made out of wood and with laser-cut designs. While the sides would describe basic information and facts about LSD, the center would be an image of a brain, with LED lights that, when connected to buttons, would show the brain's activity when and when not on LSD. In addition, we asked everyone who came to us to complete a small exit slip, or "trippin' takeaway." On these, participants would write down one new fact they learned or something they found surprising. Personally, I completed a large portion of the research for this project, and found many of the specific facts that can be found on our board. I also contributed by doing much of the running back and forth, from the classroom to the maker-space, and communicating with Mike about laser-cutting. In relation to the physical building of the trifold board, I helped by cutting the wood to the right size (I learned to use saws!). I also worked with another group member on the takeaway cards, and helped to vinyl-press our custom t-shirts.
Reflection
Overall, I'm really happy with our final product and exhibition. I'm most proud of our trifold board as a whole, even though the lights didn't quite work out as planned. The laser-cut sections, in my opinion, look extremely professional, and all the information is presented well. However, if I could do it again, I would make sure that the LEDs and the circuits got started sooner, and I would have tried to learn more about how I could finish them if the group member responsible was unable to. In the end, the LEDs looked good, but there were a few problems that could have been easily fixed given the time.