CoMo Science

Month: April 2024

  • G-code

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    What is G-code? G-code is the most widely used CNC and 3D printing programming language. It is used to provide commands for controlling the movement of tools as well as controlling the temperature of the 3D printer. The discussion below will focus mostly on using G-code for 3D printing. Syntax Each line of G-code contains…

  • Spirographs 3

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    This is the third in a multi-part series on spirographs. It might be helpful to review part 1 and part 2 first. Review In the first two parts, I discussed the parametric equations for drawing a spirograph and rewrote these equations using coefficients that can vary independently to adjust the size of the design, the…

  • Spirographs 2

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    This is part 2 of a multi-part series. If you haven’t read the first part, it may be helpful to review it first. The problem with the standard formulas The standard formula for an epitrochoid is: The problem with this formula is that adjusting r or d to form new designs changes the overall size…

  • Spirographs

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    What is a spirograph? A spirograph is made by rolling a circle around another circle, like thiis: There are two basic types of spirographs: an epitrochoid and a hypotrochoid. An epitrochoid is made like this: A hypotrochoid is made like this: The equation of a spirograph The equation for an epitrochoid is: The equation for…

  • Homopolar motor

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    This simple project was done as a demonstration for Science Club. We were discussing how a speaker works. In fact, all movement due to electricity is caused by the same effect: the interaction of a moving charge in a magnetic field. In this case, the electric current is moving from the positive end of the…

  • 2024 Eclipse

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    There was a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 crossing North America from Mexico to Maine, including southeastern Missouri. Totality at my location started at 1:58 pm and lasted a little over 4 minutes. Things I learned about eclipses: Websites with great pictures and/or explanations: YouTube videos with interesting perspectives on eclipses: Here are…

  • Great astronomical objects or events for beginners to observe

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    This post covers naked-eye observing of various astronomical phenomena such as moon phases, planets, constellations, meteor showers, artificial satellites, satellite flares, eclipses, sunrise/set, stars, Milky Way, auroras, zodiacal light, star occultation, and binocular observing. It emphasizes astronomical phenomena, their observation, and related resources. It provides a comprehensive guide to astronomical observation using the naked eye…

  • Electromagnetism

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    Learning objectives: Special projects: This lesson was inspired by one of the students who asked if they could make a paper plate speaker. I’m always happy to help a student try something they find interesting. All they have to do is ask. Here is a link to a video that explains how to make a…

  • Rhythm strips

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    Learning objectives: Introduction This semester we have been looking at various phenomena that repeat. One of those phenomena is the contraction of the heart. The record of the electrical signal from the heart’s contraction is called an EKG. On an EKG, we can see both the frequency of the heart’s contraction, which we call the…

  • Strobe effects

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    Learning objectives: Stroboscopic effect This is a video of a bird flying with a stroboscopic effect: These are videos of falling water drops: These are videos of a spinning wheel: