Month: September 2023

What a remarkable coincidence!

Today, I made the decision to skip the ACB 2022. The prospect of experiencing a fleeting moment of fame for just 2 minutes didn’t do any justice to the 45-minute drive to the venue, at least not initially. I suppose I’m still not in the mood for celebrating anything ;p hah.

Instead, I unexpectedly came across the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures.” Within the first 10 minutes, I found myself completely immerse in its 1960’s era. Those 148 minutes of my evening were truly well-spent :p.

The film, directed by Theodore Melfi, took me on a journey through the remarkable stories of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. This inspiring movie allowed me to explore the historical and emotional depths it offered.

“Hidden Figures” immerses you in the early days of the Space Race, an era when complex mathematical calculations were performed by teams of human computers. These individuals, often women, were unsung heroes who meticulously solved equations essential for launching rockets into space and ensuring the safety of astronauts.

The heart of the film lies in the extraordinary life and career of Katherine Johnson, portrayed brilliantly by Taraji P. Henson (dulu she played the comedy role). Katherine’s mathematical brilliance knew no bounds, yet she faced the formidable challenges of racial and gender discrimination as an African-American woman. However, her resilience and talent propelled her into the spotlight as she calculated the trajectory for John Glenn’s historic orbital flight.

Katherine Johnson’s role as a human computer was pivotal during an era when machines we now associate with the term “computer” were still in their infancy. Before the advent of modern electronic computers, human computers like Katherine performed complex calculations entirely by hand or with the assistance of mechanical calculators.

These human computers were expected to possess an unparalleled understanding of mathematics, geometry, and physics. They were responsible for solving intricate equations related to rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, and more. Accuracy was paramount, as even the smallest error in a calculation could have catastrophic consequences during a space mission.

Katherine Johnson’s contributions as a human computer were extraordinary. She was known for her ability to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately. Her calculations were the critical link between theoretical mathematics and practical space exploration.

Whether it was plotting the trajectory of a spacecraft, determining launch windows, or calculating reentry angles, Katherine’s role was to ensure that the missions were carried out with precision. Her work was essential for the success and safety of astronauts.

The movie beautifully captures the collaboration between engineers and human computers. Engineers, responsible for designing spacecraft and rockets, worked closely with human computers like Katherine to ensure the accuracy of critical mathematical calculations. This synergy between two distinct roles was fundamental in the success of NASA’s missions.

The film paints a vivid picture of the racial segregation that pervaded society at the time. Katherine’s complaint about segregation in the workplace serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities she and her fellow African-American colleagues endured while striving to make their contributions known and recognized.

“Hidden Figures” not only introduced me to the untold stories of extraordinary women in STEM but also offered a powerful lesson on resilience, determination, and the importance of breaking down barriers in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. This remarkable film continues to inspire and serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Katherine Johnson’s role as a human computer exemplifies the vital contributions made by these individuals in shaping history. I encourage everyone to explore this movie and discover the hidden figures who played pivotal roles in the success of NASA’s missions.

Now, do I missed those hotel food?

Last Wednesday marked an exciting day at Politeknik Sultanah Bahiyah, Kulim as I had the privilege of being an advisor and judge at the 2023 RBTX regional competition in the Northern zone. This event brought together over 130 teams vying for spots in the final competition for line tracing and sumo challenges. What struck me most was the incredible diversity among the competitors, ranging from 5-year-olds to adults.

Over the past five years, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in the way participants enter these competitions – not just through schools but also through specialized learning centers. These centers see these competitions as a platform to showcase their modules, products, and training, and it’s been a joy to witness how competitions can bring out the best in everyone involved.

Competitions have always served as a powerful extrinsic motivator. They push participants to strive for excellence, to refine their skills, and to do whatever it takes to come out on top. However, my dream has always been to see intrinsic motivation spark within these young minds. I believe that when young learners begin to see the value in the challenge itself, they take their journey to a whole new level.

As I observed the young participants, I couldn’t help but notice that they fell into two distinct categories. The first group was here solely to win the competition. They treated the robot as a black box – a means to an end. Their focus was on the victory, and they were willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. The second group, on the other hand, valued the challenge itself. They approached robot design as a white box, delving into the intricacies of how things worked, and relishing the learning process.

It’s crucial to understand that these two categories don’t necessarily correlate with age. Instead, they reflect the maturity of these young participants. Some may find their intrinsic motivation early on, while others may need time to discover the joy of learning for its own sake. Both approaches are valid and valuable, contributing to the growth and development of these budding engineers and problem solvers.

As custodians of these young minds, we play a crucial role in their journey. Whether we are trainers, teachers, or parents, our involvement can make all the difference. Some come to cheer and motivate, which is wonderful, but there are also those who take it to another level. They actively engage with these young learners, nurturing their curiosity, and encouraging them to explore the inner workings of their robots. It’s these mentors who often inspire the next generation of innovators.

The 2023 RBTX regional competition was not just a showcase of technical prowess but a testament to the potential within each young participant. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of competitions to drive excellence and foster a love for learning. As we continue to support these budding engineers and scientists, let us remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether they see the robot as a black box or a white box, what truly matters is that they are on a path of discovery, growth, and endless possibilities.