Category: Information

STEM Lab 2023/24 TTT Mentoring Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The UMP STEM Lab conducted a Training-the-Trainer (TTT) program for 2024 mentors, with the aimed to provide mentors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively incorporate the UMP STEM Cube, MicroPython programming, circuit construction, and data collection techniques into their mentoring activities. The program was designed to empower mentors with hands-on experience, ensuring they could confidently guide students through the exciting realm of STEM education.

The objectives of the program are as follows:-

  1. Introduction to UMP STEM Cube:
    1. Familiarize mentors with the UMP STEM Cube, emphasizing its design, purpose, and potential applications.
  2. MicroPython Basics:
    1. Provide mentors with foundational knowledge of MicroPython, covering syntax, data types, and control structures.
      Circuit Construction Skills:
    2. Equip mentors with practical skills for constructing basic circuits using components from the UMP STEM Cube kit.
      Data Collection with Raspberry Pi:
    3. Introduce mentors to data collection techniques using sensors connected to a Raspberry Pi, emphasizing integration with the UMP STEM Cube.
      Activities:

The session began with an overview presentation on the UMP STEM Cube, highlighting its role in STEM education. Mentors engaged in hands-on exploration of the physical components of the Cube, gaining insights into its functionalities. A comprehensive MicroPython workshop covered essential concepts, syntax, and control structures. Mentors participated in practical exercises, reinforcing their understanding of MicroPython programming through script writing and variable assignments.

In a dedicated lab session, mentors constructed basic circuits using components provided in the UMP STEM Cube kit. The hands-on activities allowed mentors to develop confidence in circuit construction, and they were provided with guidance to troubleshoot common issues. A live demonstration showcased connecting sensors to the UMP STEM Cube via a Raspberry Pi using MicroPython. Practical exercises allowed mentors to collect and analyze data, ensuring they could apply these skills in a mentoring setting.

Towards the end of the session mentors actively engaged in discussions about potential applications and benefits of the UMP STEM Cube in educational settings. Brainstorming sessions encouraged mentors to explore creative ways to integrate the Cube into their mentoring activities.
The discussion focused on practical applications of MicroPython in STEM education. Mentors collaboratively explored potential projects and activities that could be led with students using MicroPython programming. An open discussion allowed mentors to share experiences and challenges faced during the circuit construction session. Collaborative troubleshooting and the sharing of best practices contributed to a collective understanding of effective circuit construction teaching strategies.

The session concluded with brainstorming ideas for integrating the UMP STEM Cube, MicroPython, and sensor data into future mentorship activities. Mentors shared insights on how they planned to incorporate these technologies into their teaching strategies.

The UMP STEM Lab TTT for 2024 Mentorship program successfully achieved its objectives of introducing mentors to the UMP STEM Cube, imparting MicroPython programming skills, enhancing circuit construction abilities, and enabling mentors to collect and analyze data using sensors and Raspberry Pi. The program fostered a community of mentors well-equipped to inspire and guide students in the realms of STEM education. The hands-on and collaborative nature of the training ensured that mentors could confidently implement their newfound knowledge in real-world mentoring scenarios. The TTT program serves as a foundation for mentors to lead the next generation of STEM enthusiasts with enthusiasm and expertise.

Movie Review 2023/7 – Chevalier

This week, my internet TV algorithm guided me to the captivating world of “Chevalier de Saint-Georges,” and from the very outset, I was enthralled. The first ten minutes of the film were nothing short of spectacular, featuring an awe-inspiring scene where Joseph Bologne and Mozart engaged in a mesmerizing one-on-one musical duel on stage.

The heart of Chevalier lies not only in its historical narrative but in its ability to forge a deep emotional connection with the audience. Personally, I felt that the film’s strength becomes most palpable when Joseph Bologne, portrayed with conviction, claims and realizes his power to captivate and unite the masses through his singular medium – music.

As the storyline unfolds, we witness Joseph’s journey not just as a composer and virtuoso violinist but as a man who discovers the transformative potential of his art. The film masterfully captures these moments of self-realization, where Joseph, despite facing societal prejudices and constraints, finds solace and strength in his ability to create music that transcends boundaries.

The scenes portraying Joseph’s performances are nothing short of mesmerizing. The camera lingers on the expressions of the audience members, diverse in their backgrounds and circumstances, all united by the enchanting melodies. It’s in these instances that the film truly shines, portraying the universal language of music as a force capable of breaking down barriers, prejudices, and societal norms.

Joseph’s musical journey becomes a metaphor for resilience and triumph over adversity. The realization of his power to connect with and move the masses serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of art in the face of societal challenges. In these moments, the film transcends its historical context, becoming a testament to the timeless and transformative nature of music.

The orchestral crescendo towards the film’s conclusion is not merely a cinematic flourish; it is a symbolic representation of Joseph Bologne’s triumph against the odds. The music becomes a rallying cry, echoing the resilience of a man who used his art not just to compose symphonies but to compose a new narrative for himself in a world that sought to limit his potential.

“Chevalier de Saint-Georges” goes beyond being a historical biopic; it is a celebration of the emancipatory power of music and the indomitable spirit of a man who dared to claim his space in a society that often sought to deny it. Through Joseph Bologne’s personal journey, the film invites the audience to reflect on the transformative power of music and its ability to inspire change, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Publication 2023/1 – FPGA Implementation of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm

Our recent publication :).

In hardware implementations, a key hurdle emerged concerning complex numbers – especially in metaheuristics optimization algorithms. Our binary approach, marked by precision and adaptability, elegantly addressed this challenge, offering a streamlined solution for efficient FPGA implementation.

SCImago Journal & Country Rank
In this research we look into the world of cutting-edge metaheuristic algorithms, gaining popularity for their prowess in solving complex optimization problems.

Curious about their potential for FPGA implementation, we embarked on a journey to identify and adapt suitable metaheuristics. Our spotlight fell on the Simulated Kalman Filter (SKF) – a low-complexity, minimal-step algorithm.

The adventure continued as we transformed the original SKF into the Discrete SKF, rounding off floating-point values and fixing the Kalman gain at 0.5. But that wasn’t the end! We harnessed the power of behavioral modeling to birth the Binary SKF, fine-tuned for FPGA implementation.

The design strategy emphasized modularity, breaking down the metaheuristic into distinct modules for efficient management. Plus, we optimized with a Parallel-In-Parallel-Out configuration for ports.

Simultaneously, we simulated the Discrete SKF on MATLAB and brought the Binary SKF to life on FPGA. The results? Mind-blowing! The Binary SKF achieved speeds up to 69 times faster than the Discrete SKF simulation.

Join us in celebrating this breakthrough 🙂 , where FPGA meets metaheuristic excellence!

#UMPSTEMLab #FPGA #MetaheuristicAlgorithms