My first article is about AI and its overuse in this era. Students are neglecting their studies and using AI to do their work, leading to nothing being learned. One source of AI is ChatGPT by OpenAI. ChatGPT is getting increasingly popular these days, and people are using it to cheat. The more sophisticated AI gets, the more people will get “addicted”.
This is not a good idea. People are just using AI for work, then slacking off. AI has many uses, but people are using it to cheat in daily life. Some solutions may be to pause the development of AI
Tech article no. 2
My second article is on Augmented Reality (AR) which is integrating digital information into a person’s view in real time. This is a really cool piece of technology which does not hinder our view on the world and only adds to it. AR has its downsides. People that get super used to it and then they use AR in bad ways. They can get so used to the view that they can’t survive without the help of the tech.
AR can cause health problems such as visual fatigue and dry eyes. It could be helpful, but it still causes more problems than it solves.
For this project I have created two games. They were both created using mainly IF statements and it allows the player to choose through many options and choices in order to play the game. The first project is a word project, I created a game where you get a reply back according to your current mood. The second game is a number game, I created a shopping list menu and you can choose to buy different food, groceries, drinks, and more.
Remembrance Day Poppy
In this project, we used Tinkercad to create poppies for remembrance day. I used only cylinders to create both the flower pedals and the pistil.
In december, we experimented with our python and programming skills. I tried new things that I’d never done before for programming. This worked really well and my code was successful in the end.
Technology News Articles
Article 1: Privacy and Data Collection
Privacy and data collection are big issues because companies and governments collect a lot of personal information about people, sometimes without them even knowing. This data can include names, addresses, search history, and even private messages. If this information gets into the wrong hands, it can be used for identity theft or sold to advertisers who track everything people do online. Many people worry that they have no control over their own data and that their personal lives are no longer private. Stronger rules and better security are needed to protect people from these risks and to make sure their information is used responsibly.
I think that privacy and data collection is very important and that more people should learn about it as it has taken many peoples data and their privacy too. Messages, bank accounts, and personal information are getting leaked everyday because of this and I just feel like it is a very important issue that needs more attention.
Article 2: Digital Divide
Digital divide is the gap between people who have access to technology and people who don’t. This can mainly happen between countries, cities, rural areas, and more. People without access to technology may have a harder time keeping up to date with the news, doing work, and more. Digital divide can make some lives more difficult for people and limit their access to things on the internet.
I think that if we can bridge the gap between people who have access to technology and people who don’t can unite us all on the internet. This means it can keep us updated on things, calling and messaging people who live far away from you and more.
Article 3: Ai Influence
Ai is technology that allows machines to think, operate, and learn like humans. It influences our lives daily, such as helping us find information faster, giving us personalized recommendations to things, or even helping us do chores. While these things may help us, Ai can also be used for cheating in exams, interviews, and more.
I think that Ai is a very helpful tool if you want to research something. It can also influence you a lot as you start to get used to Ai giving you recommendations and helping you around all over the place. Some Ai robots are being deployed in houses to be used as cleaners, cooks, personal assistants and more. These are all the things that Ai can be really useful and helpful at.
For this project, I used Adobe Illustrator to create the Mercedes-AMG One. This car is the only road legal car with an V6 F1 engine. I used the line tool and the hex code tool to color and outline the Mercedes-AMG One. I used a reference image to create this and I did not use any drawing tools nor Ai generating.
Passion Project #2
For my second project, I create a mini golf course on Tinkercad. I used only rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders. There is a sand bunker and a small lake near the left side of the golf course. To the right side of the golf course, you can see a golf ball and the putting green with the flag in the ground.
For my third project, I created a Tic Tac Toe game using Trinket and Python. I found inspiration from a youtube video showcasing on creating fun games on python. I used the IF statement and incorporated the numbers and charts to make this game. There is a total of two players that can play this game.
Passion Project #4
For my last passion project, I made a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 on Adobe Illustrator. I used the line tool and the hex code tool to make this plane. I used a reference image to trace and color code this plane making it look exactly like the real model.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futYn6qRNK0
Hey! Thanks for checking out my portfolio. Feel free to check everything out! : D
Twin Python Projects
We created two python projects at the start of the year. One of them is a numbers game, and another is a words game. (If any link in this portfolio doesn’t work, refer to the OBS video) : )
This game is like a choose your own adventure story, but there’s only really one good ending.
We created poppies in Tinkercad for Remembrance Day. This is the screenshot:
Month of Failure Project
We created experimental projects, and I used Python. Although, Trinket doesn’t support part of my code so it can’t run on there. To work around this, I used Thonny instead and it works perfectly fine. This project is basically a luck trial, where you put your birthday in to see if you’re old enough, have a randomly generated number that determines whether you can play, and a rock paper scissors game against a bot. Win and get bragging rights! Full demonstration is shown on video.
Students are using AI to cheat in school, and anti-AI programs aren’t cutting it.
ChatGPT has been here since November 30, 2022, and its release spiralled into many other tech companies following with creating their own version of AI. But what is AI? AI is an acronym for “artificial intelligence”. It can translate spoken and written language, analyze data, give recommendations for any topic, summarize an article, give answers to questions in simple terms, and much more. Some examples of AI are ChatGPT, Gemini, or a newer addition: DeepSeek. Since AI is so readily available, it is also very easy to use to cheat in a test or essay. Many students have already used AI to generate entire essays, and then turned them in. Of course, teachers and educators would want to put a stop to this behavior, and that’s where AI detectors come in. AI detectors can check if an article is generated with AI, but they are generally ineffective and inaccurate.
This is a problem for school systems in general. AI detectors have already shown to flag real, student written works as AI generated and AI generated works as real. This is harmful to both students and education systems, because people can get away with cheating easily, and people who actually did the work can get punished for doing nothing wrong. As well, having an incredibly available way of cheating can foster an environment of distrust between students and teachers, which may make classrooms much less fun to be in and learn in. With how widespread AI is, there should be some reliable way of detecting it, but there isn’t currently one. I feel that this doesn’t bode well for school in the future as AI becomes more advanced, and it becomes easier and easier to cheat. AI may get so advanced that there’s no way to tell it apart from a real human’s writing. Hopefully, AI gets some rules on how people can use it, and it becomes harder to cheat with artificial intelligence.
Social Media Addiction in Teens
As the years go on, our lives become more intertwined with technology and in turn, we grow more apart from each other. Teens and younger children are exposed to the Internet and social media at earlier and earlier ages. As well, they are also much more susceptible to the numerous algorithms that keep people on social media platforms longer. This leads to addiction to these platforms, which can eventually turn harmful. Overuse of social media can lead to depression, social anxiety, cyberbullying, low self esteem, isolation, and being exposed to things kids shouldn’t see. Some social media platforms can also lead to shorter attention spans which make it harder to learn in school.
Personally, I believe that there should at least be more restrictions on social media. If not set by the platform itself, then by the parents of the children. And I am writing this as a teen myself, although I don’t use much social media. Social media can be a good thing, when it’s used responsibly and sparingly enough. I believe it shouldn’t be outright banned, but there should be something restricting teens to not use social media as much. Social media addiction is slowly becoming a bigger problem as technology advances, and if we don’t do anything about it, it’s going to get worse. This is already a large problem already, not just in teens, but in adults as well. Sometimes, we should just take a break from it more than we do already.
The Nintendo Switch 2
The first Nintendo Switch released in 2017, and it still sees a lot of use to this day. Though, this year, Nintendo announced a new console. The Nintendo Switch 2, which is coming out in 2025. Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 can be used as a handheld console or a home console. As well, it appears to be larger and sleeker than the regular Nintendo Switch, and it is now mostly black in color. It still seems to retain the design features of the Nintendo Switch, and the button placements are similar to it as well. Currently, there will be a presentation on April 4th about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as well as a closer look at the console. For the time being, not much information has been given, though that has not stopped people from being incredibly excited about the new Switch.
It would be a lie to say that I am not excited about this news. The new trailer also looks quite intriguing to me. Though, I’m curious as to how well it will compare to the old Nintendo Switch. Would it be enough of an upgrade for people who already have a Nintendo switch to consider buying? As well, though the new design looks great, I prefer the more colorful joy-cons of the first Nintendo Switch. When the remotes are connected to the main console, it looks monotonous and a bit boring. I can barely tell the joy-cons apart as well, as they barely have any color on them. Personally, I prefer the design of the first Nintendo Switch more than the second, but I still like both. As well, there isn’t much information on it or its performance while running various games, so we’ll have to wait for a bit longer for that. Overall, I’m pretty excited about this, and eagerly waiting for more details about it.
NHL Predictions:
We basically looked at the top player’s wins and losses to try and predict how many points they would score. This graph is representative of all the data over two months collected into a google sheets.
Our website is about our top/favorite songs. I collaborated with Saba and Matilda to create this website. It has a working menu and all of us have a page of our top songs, as well as an “about” section.
It’s a screenshot of my first 3d project I made for my May Passion Projects assignment. I was inspired by lilypads and lotus flowers while creating this.
Editorial News Articles – Passion Project #2
Macbook or Windows?
There has always been an argument about whether Macbooks or Windows are better. They’re the main two laptops people have to choose between usually, and both have pros and cons. First, Windows offers a much larger price range compared to macbooks and tends to be cheaper. As well, Windows laptops run video games better than Macbooks, which could be an important factor for some people when deciding which laptop to choose. Also, Windows has more customization options than Macbooks, and more software is supported on Windows rather than Macs. However, Macbooks do have access to Apple-exclusive apps like iMessages and Procreate. If an apple-exclusive app is necessary for a task, then a Macbook would be the better choice here. Macs also are known to be more user-friendly and easier to operate. Personally, I prefer Windows laptops. Not only because it’s the main laptop I use for school, but also because it can do practically anything a Mac can do while being much cheaper. Sure, I don’t get to use apps like iMovie or Procreate, but I currently don’t have any need for them. For daily school use, my Windows laptop works very well, and the battery lasts quite a long time. Another reason I prefer Windows is because of the keybinds. Most of my grade, including me, started out with Chromebooks. Those laptops have virtually the same keybinds as Windows, which made it much easier for me to make the switch. Plus, I use keybinds constantly, and they’re very convenient for me. Finally, I just find Windows more familiar to me, since my entire family uses it. Overall, it is up to personal preference which laptop is better, but I certainly know which laptop I’m going to be using for the foreseeable future.
Google’s AI Summary
I’m sure we’ve all seen it. An AI Overview that takes all the information from relevant websites and spits it out at the top of the google search. At first glance, it seems quite convenient. Instead of browsing through websites looking for a roundabout way to answer a question, it’s right there in front of you instead. But this AI summary didn’t go unnoticed without backlash. People have been criticizing it for using information from sites that aren’t credible, often calling it unreliable and not an accurate source of info. It has even been recorded saying the exact opposite of what a source it cited said, which is worrying. In my opinion, these summaries are quite annoying and ultimately not necessary. Yes, in a pinch they are useful, but they only really save me a couple of seconds. And that’s if it doesn’t get the information wrong or use misinformation as its source. Plus, Google doesn’t allow us to turn off this feature, so I’m forced to see it even if I don’t want to. As well, since it isn’t fully reliable, I still need to fact check it usually, which feels like it defeats the purpose of it. It’s not convenient to have an AI summary giving me information if I still need to spend time verifying if it’s true anyway. It would be faster to look at sources myself instead. If there was an option to turn it off, I believe that most people wouldn’t care about it much. But since we can’t, and it’s not even correct all of the time, I think that this isn’t really necessary for Google searches.
Tinkercad – Passion Project #3
A screenshot of my second Tinkercad project. It is a terrifying mockery of a scrub daddy. What I have created. What have I done?
Slideshow – Passion Project #4
This slideshow is a revamped version of the previous slideshow on google slides. It has transitions, animations, and honestly looks cooler. Here’s a link: NHL Slides.pptx
The problem with chatgpt and other AI programs is that they rely on the information that is put onto the internet. They gather as much information from loads of different websites to make the best possible answers for you. Although this is an awesome piece of technology that we have access to, there are some major downsides to be aware of.
Even though we, as human beings, can rely on these AI programs to give us the information that we need, it’s not always going to be a trustworthy source of information. One example of this is that ChatGpt/OpenAi, uses the internet to gather the information. The ai then analizes the data and makes it all into one nice little paragraph for you to read. The major setback of this is that Chatgpt only uses information from the internet before the year 2021. This is obviously a huge problem because it will have no up to date information.T
Technology Article #2:
Wikipedia:
Wikipedia is a great source for lots of different information. But because it is so great, there is something about it that is not very good. Wikipedia usually has good information but the fact that anybody can change the information is not a good thing. There are fact checkers and stuff like that but if the misinformation gets past one of these fact checkers, that could be a massive problem to the people reading the information.
I don’t use wikipedia for the reason that anybody can change the information at their will. I don’t really think that it is the best idea to have Wikipedia as your first source of information but I really think it is up to people’s opinion. I would recommend Wikipedia for a quick, brief introduction to a topic. But not long term studying and learning.
Technology Article #3:
Data Security:
This is a huge problem to everybody that uses a computer because one day all of your safe information that you want kept private will suddenly be obtained by somebody hacking your computer. The new ways and methods that these hackers use to get your personal information and computer data is very interesting. I don’t know all the reasons that these hackers can get into your private data but I do know one way. Thats clicking on random links.
Viruses are a big problem to the computer because you can never tell when you’re about to download one of them. One awesome thing about the computer these days is that they have the malware protection that prevents malware from getting on your computer. I think that these malware prevention programs are super cool and I would love to get to know why they work so well.
Portable MRI:Bringing Advanced Imaging to the Patient’s Bedside
During a lesson, I found myself wondering if it is possible to develop a portable MRI machine that could scan patients without moving them from their beds. Surprisingly, this technology is already a reality and already transforming patient care by delivering bedside imaging quickly, enhancing efficiency, and improving outcomes. This transformative technology, able to deliver advanced imaging directly to the patient’s bedside, will revolutionize accessibility and efficiency in critical care.
A non-surgical medical imaging method called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generates three-dimensional images of the body’s internal organs. A computer can measure the signals that are released when atoms reorient after creating a powerful magnetic field, lining up the atoms in the body, and sending radio waves. MRI gives high-contrast images without the use of ionizing radiation, and it is an important diagnostic method for medical conditions like tumours and neurological disorders. In conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, patients recline on a flat table within a large, clattering, doughnut-shaped device that creates a magnetic field using electrified coils, with scans typically lasting from thirty minutes to two hours. Open MRIs, which utilize two fixed magnets to minimize feelings of claustrophobia, may have poorer-than-desirable image quality.
“If somebody is really sick, they can’t be moved in a hospital. So we can look at that person,”-Jonathan Rothburg, founder of Hyperfine (Portable MRI Company)
Though they utilize smaller designs to render them portable and use weaker-strength magnetic fields, the same principles are utilized by portable MRI scanners. Such scans that can be completed in a maximum of fifteen minutes and with instant results are especially useful for bedside scanning in emergency settings, even though the image resolution may be sacrificed.
For those patients with serious illness who cannot afford to undergo normal scanning procedures due to a shortage of time and require immediate treatment, these portable devices enable MRI image scanning without requiring extensive tests. They are relatively far less expensive, provide a more comfortable experience, and do not require specialized shielding to function in various environments. Portable MRIs are highly portable and flexible, with imaging software compatible with an iPad.
AI in Radiology:Transforming Medical Imaging
By integrating advanced learning algorithms that enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflow efficiency, and support personalized patient care, artificial intelligence can reshape medical imaging across various clinical settings.
Workflow. Structuring tasks to achieve a goal may be an intricate process. Yet with artificial intelligence assisting doctors in this mundane task, these lifesaving workers have an additional time window to provide care to a wider scope of people. Achieved by automating repeated tasks such as report generation, protocol selection, and case prioritization, this reduction to the workload will result in a more efficient environment. This strategy has already decreased chest X-ray interpretation times from around eleven days to three days, as described on the National Library of Medicine’s website.
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, part of Northwell Health, have recently developed a way to use AI to detect cancer from reports obtained from MRI and CT scans, specifically pancreatic cancer, more quickly and accurately pointing out potential hazards to the patient.
“Too many cancers, especially pancreatic cancer, go undetected until it’s too late”-iNav on Northwell’s Website
Seventy to eighty percent of patients with pancreatic cancer are only diagnosed after the cancer has spread. That’s seventy to eighty percent of pancreatic cancer patients finding out about a disease that will likely kill them. Yet there is a way to detect the tumour earlier, and that way is iNav. This invention makes use of artificial intelligence to detect cancer early through analysis of the numerous images radiologists have to go through. These tools particularly excel at recognizing patterns and noticing tiny details that doctors may not be able to identify. Along with the tendency of cancer to go unnoticed until its late, dangerous stages, iNav was also used to detect conditions such as kidney cysts, as stated on their website.
Personal treatment plans in administering the remedies of cancer matter. Treatment styles and strengths will have to be calculated uniquely for every patient. Artificial intelligence aids in creating optimal treatment plans and accurately segmenting organs, tissues, and tumours, which improves precision in the administration of medicine, reducing damage to healthy tissue. Identifying genetic and molecular profiles for tailored therapies and reducing side effects are streamlined as well. Features from medical images extracted by artificial intelligence, such as tumour characteristics, aid prognosis and treatment planning. Prediction of responses to therapies based on radiomic profiles enhances personalized care.
Data privacy and ethical concerns are challenges against the clear benefits of artificial intelligence. Yet the integration of this technology into existing systems will be difficult. Continued investment in this solution, development of evolved ethical guidelines, and professional training to ensure patient-centred development can smoothen the transition. The rapid evolution of this innovation will require further research to refine these applications.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming medical imaging in radiology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining workflow efficiency, and supporting personalized patient care. It has the potential to revolutionize clinical practices, with positive implications for patient outcomes and delivery of therapeutics.
Photon-Counting CT: The Cutting Edge of Medical Imaging
Medical imaging, including computed tomography (CT), is a foundational part of modern diagnostics, enabling the non-invasive visualization of internal structures. Photon-counting CT will act as a significant leap forward in radiology, increasing image quality, reducing radiation exposure, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Since its clinical introduction in 2021 by corporations similar to Siemens Healthineers, this innovation is assured to transform patient care.
CT scanners have evolved from single-section to multidetector systems since the 1970s. These upgraded scanners boast rapid, high-resolution imaging, using energy-integrating detectors. These detectors convert X-rays into light and then electrical signals, which result in the loss of some data in the process. Photon-counting CT instead uses detectors that directly count individual X-ray photons, preserving more information and enabling clear, precise images.
Photon-counting CT employs advanced detectors, usually manufactured from materials like cadmium telluride, to convert X-rays into electrical signals. By counting individual photons, electronic noise emitted is eliminated. This technology measures photon energy, allowing for tissue differentiation. Smaller detector sub-pixels can result in sharper images, such as the ones typically included in photon-counting CT. A lower radiation dose can be a result of improving dose efficiency. This helps pediatric patients and those who require frequent scans.
Photon-counting CT can be used in identifying cancerous versus benign masses, which can reduce follow-up scans. It can also be used in coronary artery and stent imaging, as it visualizes stent struts clearly. Brain imaging for strokes and hemorrhages is enacted with a 20% improvement in detecting small hemorrhages with photon-counting CT.
Yet this technology can not be without challenges. Photon-counting CTs cost a large amount, as the advanced detectors and systems are expensive, practically limiting access to this innovation to well-funded institutions. As of 2025, only a few hospitals have adopted this technology due to its limited availability. Further research is needed to confirm this technology’s optimal cell size and sensitivity and to confirm its efficacy.
This groundbreaking advancement will offer safer, more precise scans. While challenges like cost and availability persist, ongoing research will likely make this technology more accessible. Photon-counting CT, as it integrates into clinical practice, can redefine radiology, improving patient outcomes.
NHL Predictions
Along the Spring season, I did my NHL predictions chart. I used spreadsheet knowledge and additionally added a auto updating average points per game counter that would evolve along the season.
Group Website
I, Kian, Eric, and Tora created a group website about band. It features multiple sections and articles on different musical events.
Earlier in the year, we were challenged with developing code in trinket at a harder level. I coded the game “Python Feud”. It is a knock off edition of Google Feud, but made in python, hence the name.
Google has introduced two new AI-powered robots that are designed to tackle everyday tasks without needing any special training. One of these models, called Gemini Robotics, stands out for its ability to gather information by observing the real world. Instead of being programmed step-by-step, it learns by watching and turns those observations into different “modes” or “styles” for handling various chores and actions. This allows Gemini Robotics to build a growing library of skills, adapting as it encounters new situations. Whether it’s helping around the house or assisting in a workplace, its ability to pick up new tasks on the fly makes it a flexible and powerful tool.
While this sounds pretty exciting, there are a few things to think about. A robot that’s always learning raises some concerns about privacy—if it’s constantly observing, where does that information go? Plus, just because it sees something once doesn’t mean it’ll get it right every time. The idea has huge potential, but how well it handles real-life unpredictability will be the real test.
The New Ipad Air installed with M3 Chip
Apple’s new iPad Air M3 has gained popularity for its impressive balance of power and price. Equipped with Apple’s latest M3 chip, this device delivers performance that’s close to the high-end iPad Pro series without the high price tag. The M3 chip brings notable improvements in speed and graphics, making the iPad Air M3 a solid choice for both casual users and those handling more demanding tasks. With storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB and a sharp 11-inch Retina display, the iPad Air M3 offers plenty of flexibility for work, entertainment, and creativity.
I, personally, am definitely on board with this product. It is perfect for anyone who desires the features of an Ipad Pro, but wants to keep the budget low. The decrease in price comes with some quality changes however, as buyers will not get the satisfying 120 hz refresh rate the pro feature offers. Still, I believe it is an amazing product for students, casual, or creative users.
Amazon corrupts customer privacy with the Amazon Echo
Amazon has announced a significant change to its Echo devices, set to take effect on March 28, 2025. From that date onward, all voice commands given to Alexa will be sent to Amazon’s cloud for processing. This change is tied to the introduction of Alexa Plus, a new AI-powered version of the assistant that relies on cloud computing to improve its capabilities. Previously, some Echo models offered local processing for voice requests, allowing certain commands to stay off Amazon’s servers. With this change, that option will no longer be available.
It is said that this upgrade will enhance Alexa’s performance, but I still raise my suspicions on this feature. I am concerned that this change will give users less privacy options for their echo devices. Although Amazon ensures to delete recordings after being processed, It still feels uneasy having personal recordings pass through the cloud. I am sure that the new Alexa plus will be a hit, but this change still remains a big issue.
Twin Python Projects
Earlier in the year, the class made two python projects together, one as a number code, and the other as a word game.
For my number project, I made a digital cafe in trinket.io with hot meals, snacks, sandwiches and more. Here is the link: Number-game
For my word project, I made a choose-your-own-adventure game with a halloween theme. Here is the link: Word-Game
NHL Predictions
In term 2, the class predicted stats of 20 different NHL players based on previous games in the previous season. Below is my predictions chart showing both how far off I was, and the absolute value.
For my first passion project, I decided to make a personality quiz called: “What Soccer Player are You?”. It is a quiz that asks 10 simple questions to match you with a famous soccer player.
Welcome to Breanna’s Programming and Robotics Portfolio! Please have a look at everything I did in ITPR8_2025!
About the Course
Programming and Robotics 8 is a project-based course introducing students to computer science through programming, technology concepts, and robotics. Students will explore various programming languages, develop problem-solving skills, and engage in both individual and collaborative projects. The course emphasizes digital literacy, current tech trends, and self-directed learning, preparing students for AP Computer Science and future careers in the technology field.
Twin Python Projects
Number Project: Create a Python-based calculation tool using Trinket.io to perform numeric tasks such as tax calculation, mileage costs, or cafeteria totals. Focus on using Python’s numeric functions.
Word Project: Design a “choose your own adventure” game using Python on Trinket.io Use IF statements to provide player choices and navigation, and incorporate loops to make the game interactive and playable.
Number Project
This Python project is a Mileage Cost Calculator built using Trinket.io. It helps users estimate the total fuel cost for a trip by asking for the trip distance, vehicle fuel efficiency, and fuel price per gallon. The program calculates and displays the total fuel used and the overall cost, using basic input, arithmetic operations, and formatted output. It’s a practical tool that demonstrates core Python numeric functions in a real-world scenario.
This Python project is a Dark Forest Adventure Game created using Trinket.io. It’s a text-based, “choose your own adventure” game where players make a series of choices that lead to different outcomes—some winning, some losing. The game uses if statements and user input to guide the story, with multiple story paths and endings based on the player’s decisions.
This Guess the Number project is a fun and interactive two-player game that showcases several key Python programming concepts. It uses the random module to generate a secret number between 1 and 100, making each game unique. Players take turns guessing the number, with the program using the modulus operator (%) to alternate between Player 1 and Player 2. Feedback is given after each guess, telling the player if their guess is too high or too low, and the game continues in a loop until someone guesses correctly. Error handling is also implemented using a try and except block to manage invalid inputs, ensuring the game doesn’t crash if a user enters a non-numeric value.
Although the game is fully functional, there are several areas for improvement in the future. First, since it uses raw_input(), it is written for Python 2—updating it to use input() would make it compatible with Python 3, which is the current standard. Adding features like a guess limit would make the game more challenging and strategic. A history of previous guesses could help players keep track and make more intelligent choices. Additionally, offering a single-player mode where the user plays against the computer or allowing for difficulty level selection could expand the game’s replay value. With further enhancements, this project could evolve into a more polished and complete game experience.
Technology News Articles
Article 1: Laser Radar
Recently, Laser Radar has become very popular. You may not have used it, but you can see it on the road. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a new technology in smart cars. The principle is very similar to that of bats. Bats use the reflection of ultrasound to locate surrounding objects. Laser Radar uses the reflection of a laser to present a three-dimensional environment. A laser range finder consists of a laser, a receiver and a processor. We all know that light will reflect when it shines on the surface of an object, and so does a laser. When the laser emits light and shines on the surface of an object in space, it will instantly produce a reflection, which the receiver will receive. Since the speed of light is known, the processor only needs to calculate the time it takes for this beam of light to go back and forth to get the exact distance of this point. By giving this beam of light angle information in the spatial coordinates, the three-dimensional positioning of this point can be obtained. This is the TOF, or time-of-flight, and time-of-flight ranging method.
Figure: Lidar 3D Point Cloud Source: LinkedIn
This picture is a point cloud picture of laser radar. If you look closely, you will find that the point cloud is made of individual points. The collection of these points presents details such as pedestrians, crosswalks, vehicles, road signs in the distance, trees, and even the thin wires in the air can be captured. Such a uniform and regular point cloud can restore the environment around us and become the real eyes of smart vehicles in driving. It is because of the powerful performance of laser radar that many car companies have adopted it as a necessary sensor.
Laser Radar has promoted the development of self-driving vehicles, which will bring significant changes to our lives. When we sit in the car and don’t have to worry about driving, the time we free up will bring countless economic benefits to foresighted companies. Imagine if your parents didn’t have to put their hands on the steering wheel when driving you to school in the morning, what would you do together in the car? Make an omelette together or make a glass of fresh orange juice?
Article 2: Mobile Payment
Mobile payments have transformed our lives, a fact acknowledged by many. It is changing the world, ushering in a new era of payment revolution.
Apple’s mobile payment service allows users to turn their mobiles into wallets in their daily lives to achieve fast and secure payments. Of course, Alipay is the most advanced mobile payment at present.
The consumer uses the mobile billing option during checkout at an e-commerce site to make a payment. After two-factor authentication involving the consumer’s mobile number and a PIN or one-time password (often abbreviated as OTP), the consumer’s mobile account is charged for the purchase.
When making a mobile payment, a collection code or payment code will be required. Collection code: It is a QR code that remains unchanged over a long period. Others could scan the QR code to pay you.
Payment code: It consists of a barcode and a QR code, which updates every minute. The purpose is that when the merchant’s special device scans the code, the payment is completed. It is equivalent to using a point-of-sale (POS) machine to swipe a card for payment.
Figure: Collection code Source: PayLands
Mobile payment is convenient for making contactless payments on the go, speeds up tap-and-pay transactions, and enhances security through tokenization. The future of mobile payments is expected to encompass digital wallets, voice payments, facial recognition, and other advanced technologies. Advanced technologies like 5G and 6G will further improve mobile commerce’s speeds and user experience.
NHL Prediction
Science Fair Project
Digital Poster made with Canva.
Video of a 3D model of the prototype. Made with Nomad.
Screenshot of Arduino code used to rotate clinostats that simulated microgravity.
MidJourney Posters
The first piece, ChronoGuardian, was awarded 1st place in the FIRA 2024 AI Art Contest.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and The Barren Grounds Podcast/Video.
It was made with Canva + iMovie.
3D-modelling with Nomad
Some practice models. I was experimenting with different tools to convey the human form.
This is a series of images that I have created using the AI image generator on photoshop. They depict unrealistic scenes that are rare or impossible in real life.
Technology News Articles
Chat GPT Use Amongst Adolescents
On November 30th, 2022, Chat GPT, an “artificial intelligence chatbot”, was released. It was meant to make life easier for people who wanted to do some quick research, or get some ideas for a project. However, soon enough, some issues arose. Adolescents began using Chat GPT for work that they were supposed to be doing themselves, and incorrect AI use became a common problem, as access to the software was easy. Since adolescents were no longer doing the work by themselves, they were not developing the skills they needed to have, and it was unclear what their personal abilities were.
Personally, I believe that there are both advantages and disadvantages surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. For example, some advantages are that people looking to get a general answer to a question, with evidence from different sources, could refer to open AI for answers, as it gathers information from sources all across the web. Additionally, when looking for ideas for something like an open-ended writing assignment, or a topic for a big project, AI can give you a place to start so that you can build off of that with more unique ideas. On the other hand, Chat GPT can take away people’s independence, and can make them too tempted to lean on the help of AI for work that is intended to be completed by them. Furthermore, I think that there should be more use of AI detectors around pieces of work that can easily be completed by Chat GPT.
Article 2 – Social Media Age Limits
Currently, Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms amongst youth, has a minimum age limit of thirteen years old. The same goes for Snapchat, but with mandatory consent from a legal guardian when between the ages of 13-17. Australia has put in a law where social media is not allowed for anyone under the age of sixteen. This has become popular amongst governments, and has become something that can be expected in the foreseeable future.
In my opinion, I think that when taking into consideration the effects of social media on young people, putting in an age limit is a reasonable thing to consider. Social media has shown to influence youth in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, social media allows people to connect despite whatever distance may be between them, and to find people that they can connect with. However, social media can also allow for youth to be exposed to things that can be potentially harmful. It is common for teens to find themselves comparing themselves with people that they see online, which is emotionally hurtful, and can result in them degrading themselves and their self-worth. I think that these are both important things to take into consideration when discussing social media age limits for youth. All in all, I think that how social media is used depends on the person, and that parents/guardians should take this into thought before allowing social media to be used.
Article 3 – Robots in the Work Force
“Robots are increasingly taking over jobs, particularly those involving repetitive or dangerous tasks, but also some that require specific skills or knowledge, and they are also assisting humans in various roles.” By 2050, it is estimated that robots will have taken over the jobs of truck drivers, taxi drivers, pilots, bus drivers, parking enforcement officers, cashiers, and fast food workers. Robots have also been built to be able to have more humanoid builds.
Personally, I think that there are both pros and cons to robots being able to perform human jobs. Cons will be that there will be losses in the amount of jobs available, which will put people into unemployment. However, it is also estimated that there will be more opportunities for new jobs to come up. On the pro side, robots will be able to perform jobs that are potentially dangerous for humans, which can improve people’s quality of life.
