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James McLurkin
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James McLurkin
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Students' CornerBe a Geek“Be a geek. It’s too difficult to be cool and do science at the same time. I don’t try.”
Anyone can learn to be an engineer or inventor, at any age, even beginning in kindergarten. Anyone can learn to be a geek. Whether one emulates McLurkin’s route or writes his or her own equation; the process is all about recognizing one’s environment and learning how it works… and embracing the Inner Geek. “Everybody has one; acknowledge it; embrace it; give it a name.”
Disciplines for the Successful Robotics EngineerAll students can learn about artificial intelligence and the art behind crafting one’s own robot. McLurkin emphasizes three crucial disciplines before tackling robotics: Mechanical Engineering - Engineering that concentrates on the generation and application of heat and mechanical power and the design, production, and use of machines and tools.* “It’s just manipulating the world and understanding how it works. It’s so easy to get your hands on and head literally around it.” Mechanical engineering can happen as soon as you stack two blocks on top of each other. It also is learned through model trains, Lego™ bricks and BMX bicycles. Electrical Engineering - Branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity, especially the design and application of circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control, and communications.* “As long as they’re in business, go to Radio Shack. They still carry discrete electric components.” Electrical engineering is also concrete, because one has to build things in the physical world to understand it. Electronic kits are essential to learning this field. Such kits can teach one to turn a motor on and off, make a beeper buzz when the light turns, or send a message via a telephone line from point A to B. These techniques are often best learned before venturing into a robotics project, which can become quite complex. “The real problem with electronics is that electrons are too small to see. You have to develop a feel for what the electrons are; learn how they move and operate.” Recommended starter book: Intro to Electronics by . Computer Science - The study of computable processes and structures.* “An abstract science revolving around symbols and words on a computer screen.” VIDEO GAMES: a fundamental for learning computer science. (Yes, tell your parents this…) Not only does an aspiring engineer need to play them, but it is also imperative to write them. Begin on a primitive level (think of Gameboy from the early 90’s) - not with the expectations of learning to program modern-day video games, because they are very complicated. Two critical languages to learn are Basic, which is targeted for beginner programmers, and Java. “Computer science can be the most challenging because there is nothing to see or touch. However, because you’re working with digital information, it is easy to make changes.” As a practicing engineer, the Web is an amazing resource. “Learn to swim in this sea of knowledge.” Take advantage of free software development tools. But as wonderful as the Web is, it is essential to also refer to books from a library or book store to learn about mechanical or electrical engineering, or even robots. “Anyone who ventures into robotics as a hobby, should be aware that building robots is expensive - it requires a job to fund your projects, or parents who love you…” One comprehensive list of robotics sites recommended for people in kindergarten through college is: Kids Online Resources - Science, Robots and Robotics *Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University James McLurkin |
