November 16, 2024
Three Weeks to Go!

With only three weeks left until their final showcase, the team has kicked their preparations into high gear. They began by revisiting the fundamentals of effective presentation, discussing the importance of clear communication, engaging the audience, and managing body language. Ian highlighted the value of speaking clearly, Max suggested avoiding excessive hand gestures, and Wesley stressed the need for consistent eye contact.

To refine their skills, each team member practiced presenting their projects, receiving constructive feedback from peers and the coaches. Max introduced the autonomous submarine he built. His peers praised his detailed explanation but advised him to speak more clearly and reduce filler words like "um." Ian showcased his sea turtle and innovative seaweed farm, highlighting its sustainable products like seaweed-based goods and solar-powered accessories. Feedback encouraged him to engage more with the audience instead of focusing solely on his materials. Alina presented a three-layered fish shelter designed to accommodate different fish sizes. Her peers suggested standing more still, projecting her voice better, and avoiding fillers like "um." 

Haoyang discussed his autonomous vessel for transporting seaweed from farm to land and bringing people back to explore the ocean. Feedback focused on minimizing hand movements, a skill Coach Xiaoxu helpfully demonstrated. Wesley showcased his coding contributions to the submarine. Feedback encouraged him to add clarity in his technical explanations. Coach Xiaoxu reminded the group that consistent practice is key to improvement, motivating everyone to put in the effort to perfect their delivery.

After the presentation practice, the team engaged in a discussion about their core values, reflecting on the principles that guide their collaboration. They emphasized innovation, teamwork, discovery, impact, fun and inclusion, which have been central to their progress throughout the year.

Finally, the team reviewed photos documenting their journey, celebrating their hard work and accomplishments. These moments of reflection reminded them of how far they’ve come and inspired them to push forward during these critical final weeks.

As the deadline approaches, the team is determined to refine their models, enhance their poster designs, and perfect their self-created Scratch games. With dedication and support from one another, they’re ready to make a splash at the final presentation.