In my freshman project class, I collaborated with other engineering students for the first time to create an interactive display that educates the public on the impact of carbon emissions and the benefits of using public transportation. I proposed focusing on the importance of reducing car usage to lower carbon emissions. The display was designed to be interactive and visually engaging, encouraging people to consider alternative transportation options.

We built the display using plywood and tracks, with a figure that moved along a carbon emissions scale. If the user chose a car, the figure moved in one direction, indicating higher emissions. If they chose public transportation, it moved in the opposite direction, indicating lower emissions.

Technical Implementation

To make the display functional, we used a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino to control the movement of the figure along the tracks. Users could enter their destination, and the system would calculate the distance and estimate the carbon emissions based on average car gas mileage and carbon output. This involved programming the Raspberry Pi to handle the calculations and the Arduino to control the servos that moved the figure. The display was designed to be user-friendly and informative, providing real-time feedback on the environmental impact of transportation choices. My contributions included laser cutting the wood and designing the overall structure of the display. I also created a poster to showcase our project at the expo, highlighting the importance of sustainable transportation and the impact of individual choices on carbon emissions.

Achievements and Reflections

Our interactive display was a great success. It was incredibly fulfilling to work with a team of talented peers, and our project received significant recognition. We won three awards: Best Project in Section, Best Teamwork, and Best Design. It was also an honor to be invited to present our display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which was an amazing experience. This project not only honed my technical skills but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the impact of engineering projects in raising awareness and promoting positive change. It was my first time working closely with other engineers, and it was a truly rewarding experience.