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Rylan's Passion Project

Rylan's Passion Project

Science, Engineering & Technology

Robotics / Electronics / CAD

Start Date

May 2025

End Date

Ongoing

Sessions Completed

8 sessions

Assets

<div class="assets-links"><a class="assets-link" href="https://ucarecdn.com/4f9388ee-c465-4d15-8720-7431a15b65cb/"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/605190260cb9b4c3a9de71c8/680115d2ef2b7533efbc7b88_Frame.svg"><div class="inter-400">Lecture and Debugging Slides</div></a></div>

Gallery

Student & Mentor

Student

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Rylan</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Grade 6</div></div>

Personality
Interests
Mentor

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-top-info"><div class="inter-700 _20">Dadmehr Daniel Ghasemfar</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Duke University</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align">Mechanical Engineering</div></div>

Personality

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Patient</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Supportive</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Energetic</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-light-yellow"><p class="inter-400 _16">Engaging</p></div></div>

Interests

<div class="student-mentor-item-div-tags-wrapp"><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Mechanical Engineering</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Robotics</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Electronics</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">Programming</p></div><div class="case-study-pill bg-white"><p class="inter-400 _16">CAD Design</p></div></div>

What They Set Out To Do

Rylan was a sixth grader with a vibrant curiosity for robotics and STEM, seeking guidance to channel his interests into a meaningful project. He needed support in developing executive functioning skills while exploring complex concepts in a hands-on manner. Rylan aimed to enhance his creativity and leadership through a structured mentorship experience.

The Perfect Match

<div class="case-study-match-wrapper"><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Shared Passion for Robotics</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Daniel's enthusiasm for robotics perfectly matched Rylan's interests, fostering a collaborative environment for creativity.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Hands-On Learning Approach</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Daniel's practical teaching style enabled Rylan to engage deeply with complex concepts through hands-on projects.</div></div><div class="match-item"><div class="apercu-mono-pro-700 _20">Supportive and Patient Guidance</div><div class="inter-400 _16 left-align text-black-80">Daniel's patient mentorship helped Rylan navigate challenges, building confidence and resilience in problem-solving.</div></div></div>

Project Milestones

Arcade Project Defined
May 2025
Selected a mini arcade game as the capstone project, establishing a 10-week plan that encompasses design work, 3D printing, electronics assembly, and Python programming.
Hardware Components Selected
June 2025
Researched and selected the GRS Build-A-Cade kit paired with a Raspberry Pi 3 as the foundation for the arcade project, carefully evaluating features like joysticks, buttons, speakers, and screen quality.
Software Platform Decision
June 2025
Evaluated three potential software platforms (RetroPie, PieBoy, and Tiny Arcade) and selected RetroPie for its extensive game library and community support, establishing the technical foundation for the arcade cabinet.
SD Card Troubleshooting and RetroPie Reinstallation
July 2025
Successfully diagnosed and resolved Raspberry Pi boot issues by reformatting the SD card and installing a fresh RetroPie image using the Raspberry Pi Imager software.
Screen Rotation Issue Resolution
July 2025
Fixed the sideways screen display problem on the Raspberry Pi arcade by accessing the device directly and modifying the configuration file with the correct display rotation parameters.
Circuit Fundamentals Mastery
July 2025
Demonstrated strong comprehension of basic electrical concepts including voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law, showing particular aptitude in understanding how circuits work in series and parallel configurations.

Skills Developed

  • Advanced Electronics Understanding
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Organizational Skills
  • Basic Programming Techniques
  • Team Collaboration

Challenged Overcomed

  • Troubleshooting Complex Wiring Issues
  • Navigating Software Installation Problems
  • Resolving Hardware Compatibility Challenges
  • Understanding Advanced Electrical Concepts

What’s Next

Rylan has made significant progress in his robotics project, demonstrating newfound skills in electronics and programming. He aims to complete the arcade console project while continuing to deepen his understanding of coding and engineering principles. With Daniel's ongoing support, Rylan is excited to showcase his work and further develop his leadership abilities.

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