Blog 15: Independent Component 2 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

For my 30 hours for independent component #1, I plan on working with people at the Guest Services Department at the California Science Center to help the Science Center in creating better Center-Guest relationships and/or improving the experience for volunteers. In the event that I am not able to do this, I plan on working at Planes of Fame to help prepare for its annual, largest Airshow by helping create advertising or something of the like.

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

I will be able to showcase my work by documenting various documents, meetings, photographs, and notes that I hope to take with my fellow Guest Services Department members.

3.  Explain how this component will help you explore your topic in more depth.

I believe that with this component, it will allow me to critically analyze the various aspects of museum engagement (such as engaging a certain kind of visitor, or ways for museum staff to be more friendly) that make up a visitor's experience from multiple viewpoints and resources of those who work in this field, proving or disproving the various aspects that make up my answer(s).

4.  Post a log in your Senior Project Hours link and label it "Independent Component 2" log.

Independent Component 1

• LITERAL
  (a) Write: “I, Benedict Raymon Esquivel Paz, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents an estimated 73 hours of work.”
  (b) Cite your source regarding who or what article or book helped you complete the independent component.
• Professor Au of Citrus College
• Basic Technical Drawing 8th Edition
  (c) Update your hours in your Senior Project Hours link. Make sure it is clearly labeled with hours for individual sessions as well as total hours.
• (d) Explain what you completed.
• For my Independent Component 1, I have completed an Introduction to CAD class under Professor Au at Citrus College. Each 3-hour class was spent discussing a concept about drafting followed by an assignment based off that concept. The first assignments were hand drawn to give us a basic understanding of a concept. When the Professor deemed us ready, we would move to the computer lab where we would replicate our work onto the computer. Quizzes and tests are held on a regular basis to test or knowledge. By the end of 24 classes which accounted for an estimated 73 hours, I have a firm understanding of the AutoCAD software.

• INTERPRETIVE 
• Defend your work and explain its significance to your project and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work.   Provide evidence (photos, transcript, art work, videos, etc) of the 30 hours of work. 
• I believe that this component was significant to my portfolio as it showed me a glimpse into the complicated process behind aircraft construction. This glimpse allowed me to appreciate unique aircraft for the design characteristics behind them for its time prior to computer aided software which would overall affect my interaction with guests. I also see my component as helpful to my project as the skills I learned can be used to help my co-workers when they are restoring airplanes at Planes of Fame.

During the early days of airplanes, drafting rooms for airplanes at companies would look like this.

Now a drafting room consists of a couple of computers in an office environment.

The textbook that I used in my Drafting Class

Some of the tools I use for handrawing

Here I am using a Triangle that is perpendicular to a stopper to create a straight line.

Here I am using a brush to sweep away any pencil shavings I have

I am using a circle guide to trace in accurate circles

I am using an Architecture Ruler to make sure that my lines have the correct dimensions

Now this is the same drawing except I am now putting it on the computer with the AutoCAD software. Here I set up construction lines to help guide me as I make my drawing.

Here are the Object (Blue)  Lines that I constructed using the Construction Lines

Now I have taken the Construction Lines out and am now left with my Object Lines

I have now modified the drawing to include dimensions of each line, circle, or angle.

Here is the end result of my work on the computer on paper.

A portfolio I did for the class which was basically a file of all the computer drawings that I did.

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Assignment 3

Assignment 4

Assignment 5

Assignment 6

Assignment 7

Assignment 8

Assignment 9

Assignment 10

Assignment 11

Assignment 12

Assignment 13

A computer render I did for iPoly Robotics Club

• APPLIED
  How did the component help you understand the foundation of your topic better?  Please include specific examples to illustrate this.
• Through my drafting class, it has given a better understanding of how airplanes or similar machinery is built. This insight into the complicated design process behing airplanes helps my topic by giving me a better appreciation of unique aircraft designs which will allow me to speak more informatively with guests. At California Science Center I once had a discussion with some guests as to how and why certain aerospace craft were designed the way they are. In another instance at Plane of Fame, I was discussing with a couple the design differences between a P-51A Mustang and a P-51D Mustang along with talking about the design characteristics of the A6M Zero. Along with this, I believe that my knowledge of basic drafting principals will allow me to relate to people who were designers in the aircraft / aerospace industry on a more personal level.

Lesson 2 Reflection

1.What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

The thing that I was most proud of about my Lesson 2 was how I was able to cover most of points within the 25 minute time period. I was also proud that I was able to get a majority of my audience's attention as I saw few of them on their phones.

2. a. What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation (self-assessment)?

AE/P

     b. Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 2 component contract.

I think I deserve a AE/P because I was able to do the P requirements on time, engaged my audience, was creative and organized with the material I had, justified my answer with research and my mentorship, and my engaging activity.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2?

I was able to get majority of my audience's attention.

I projected my voice.

I shifted my view between my audience.

My activity was engaging.

4. What didn't work? If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2?

What didn't work was that I should have done less yelling, smile more, and that my points didn't transition as well as I thought they would be. If I had a time machine, I would have fixed and/or implemented the above for my presentation.

5. What do you think your answer #2 is going to be?

Based of my research, my answer #2 will probably be "An effective museum/volunteer system."

Monthly Blog Assignment January: Observation

Hello, everyone. Benny here. Similar to my previous monthly posts, I'll be going over my initial thoughts and observations from whatever specific events(s) I came across. This month's post is pretty much about my "job"/mentorship. Once again, if you want a more descriptive paragraph about my mentorship duties, please refer to my Mentorship Log. Other than that, let's get started.

Every now and then at my work at the California Science Center, I come across some interesting people. Engineers, single parents, annoyingly rude tourists, etc. But every now and then I meet some interesting people that help give me a new perspective on things. This is another story of some of the people I have meet.

It was during the end of my shift that I met him. I was trying to make my rounds in the room before I took my leave. As I was, I noticed this family taking a picture of one their elderly members holding up a jewelry box and that they were taking pictures of him with it. I noticed that the inside contained the patch of the first Endeavor mission along with a piece of jewerly that looked like the picture on the patch. Curious as to know whether it was somebody involved in the space program or just a family that took a picture of some jewelry that they bought from the giftshop I approached them with my usual zeal. I asked who they were and they said that they were visiting the Endeavor exhibit and that the elder in their party was a jeweler for the astronauts. Yes people, of all the people involved in the space industry a jeweler would be one of the last things people consider. From there, the elder introduced himself to me. His name is Paul Dimitriu and he told me that on the first Endeavor mission, the crew approached him to make jewelry for them. Following that, astronauts began to approach and ask for jewelry for themselves and their family members until it became a tradition. I don't remember exactly what we talked about, but I remember that when the family mentioned that their 10 year old grandson wanted to go the Endeavor, I responded saying that he isn't the only person who worked directly with the space program to visit and proceeded to tell him about the support center engineer that I met a few weeks back. I asked him to take a picture with his jewelry and after that said my goodbyes and left. After about 2 minutes, I looked at my camera and saw that the quality was bad. Thinking that I needed a new picture, I looked for him again and saw him taking pictures again, this time with the Endeavor missions on the background. I asked him again about taking a picture and he agreed to take a picture with me and his jewelry. He also gave me his business card and we said our goodbyes again. After 2 minutes, a thought came up to me. I remembered that at Planes of Fame, people who worked in the aircraft industry donate their own stuff. With that in mind, I thought about emailing Mr. Dimitriu about my thought, but was surprised to find that he was still there. I asked him if he was interested in donating his jewerly to the California Science Center since we were going to open a new Air & Space wing in 2018. Mr. Dimitriu and his family loved the idea and he told me to secure him some contact about this potential deal. I told a fellow staff member about this and he referred me to Mrs. Stephanie. I told Mrs. Stephanie my story and showed her the business card as proof. She made a copy of the card and wrote a note on it for the Air & Space Collection Manager to give during the weekday. She told me "good job" and I left the building. As I made my way to the parking lot, my mom came and said she needed to go to the bathroom. While I was waiting, I went to the movie theater lobby to wait but was surprised to see Mr. Dimitriu again. I told him that I talked to management and that they would contact him within the week. After a final goodbye, I left the area.

Reflecting on this event, made me realize a few things about working at guest services.
1. Observing the smallest details is important
2. Be creative when engaging anything
3. Know a few guys to advise you on what to do.
4. Take the initiative.

Well, that's the end of my blog. Even if Mr. Dimitriu does or doesn't decide to donate his collection, this was certainly helped me a reflect a few things. I'll be looking forward to the next developments. Until next time, take care everyone.

- See You Later Space Cowboy

Blog 12: Mentorship 10 hours check

1. Where are you doing your mentorship?

I am doing my mentorship at two places. My first place is at Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino, California. My second place is at the California Science Center at Los Angeles, California.

2. Who is your contact?

My contact at Planes of Fame is Volunteer Director Mrs. Cindy Novak and my contact at the California Science Center is Volunteer Manager Stephanie Hicks.

3. How many total hours have you done (total hours should be reflected in your mentorship log located on the right hand side of your blog like your WB)?

At Planes of Fame, I have about 63 hours and 40 minutes. At the California Science Center, I have about 40 hours.

4. Summarize the 10 hours of service you did.

The 10 hours I have done in both places have been a mix of various duties. At Planes of Fame I am an aircraft Detailer which means that I am responsible for conserving and cleaning the planes along with helping clean the museum. At the California Science Center, I work at the Guest Services Department where my job is to assist guests with any questions, comments, concerns, etc. that they may have.

Blog 11: Holiday Project Update

Note: This Blog Post may be subject to change prior to the January 6th deadline.

1.  It is important to consistently work on your senior project, whether it is break or we are in school.  What did you do over the break with your senior project?

The answer to that question may depend on what kind of Senior Topic one is dealing with. But as a whole, I believe that it is important that any consistently work on the Senior Project. It is important that one constantly sharpens their skills on their project so as not to dull or forget important points about it. Even if you aren't physically doing anything for the Senior project, merely thinking and reflecting about it during break can allow for better approaches when you start working again.

During break, I was working on my Senior Project at the California Science Center and Planes of Fame. I also used the break to reflect on my current progress so far to see if I am heading in the right direction.


2.  What was the most important thing you learned from what you did, and why?  What was the source of what you learned?

The most important thing I learned from what I've did is that in order to heighten the visitor's experience, you need to have a mix of the following considerations:

• Your knowledge about the contents of your museum.
• Your knowledge about similar contents being housed in other museums
• Your knowledge of other museums.
• Your appearance/presentation.
• How you approach a guest.
• How fast you can stereotype/size them up.
• Your tone of voice.
• Eye Contact.
• Body Language.
• Use of vocabulary.

3.  If you were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for your EQ, who would you talk to and why?

If I were to have a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for my EQ, I would ask Mr. Ed Maloney from Planes of Fame. Ed Maloney is the founder of Planes of Fame Air Museum, America's oldest independent air museum. He knows more about the museum industry than anyone I will ever encounter, and will probably give me better answers than anyone else I know.

Monthly Blog Assignment December: Building Connections

Hello, everyone. Benny here. Similar to my previous monthly posts, I'll be going over my initial thoughts and observations from whatever specific events(s) I came across. This month's post is pretty much about my "job"/mentorship. Once again, if you want a more descriptive paragraph about my mentorship duties, please refer to my Mentorship Log. Other than that, let's get started.

Through my works at both the California Science Center and Planes of Fame, I've had the chance to meet up with some interesting people. Some of them were friendly with me, some of them were ***s to me, but all of them made my job a little less boring. Here are a few of the many people I've met over the past few months.

Michael Adams

Within the California Science Center, lies a room named the California Story. The California Story contains within it various artifacts from the Endeavor such as Food hydrate and heater, Fuel Cell, Tires, Toliet, an astronaut's personal belongings, and the Rocketdyne Operations Support Center. A staff member told me that the room is one of the least broing rooms out of the entire center and that I was lucky to be assigned there. We'll I think that is true for the first hour, but anything after that I just want to go home and leave already. But one guy I meet last week made me change my perception of it. Michael Adams, an engineer at the disbanded Rocketdyne Operation Support Center, was forced to go to the California Science Center by his wife. I was previously warned of his coming by a staff member, but I didn't notice him until he was over the railing and on the Rocketdyne exhibit answering questions. For me, it was interesting to finally meet someone who worked in one of the exhibits which gave it a more human feel . He confirmed some of my suspicions such as the artifacts being fakes (they weren't), but at the same time leaving with more questions (are the videos on the screens real?). Though I may never know, it at least made things a little more interesting for me every time I go back to that room.

Michael V. Ciminera, Former Vice President Northrop Grumman

The title pretty much says it all, Michael was the previous vice president of Northrop Grumman. I had previously mentioned that I met him on October during one of Planes of Fame's monthly events. Since then, I see him every now and then such as last November when I met him during our book fair event. We talk about some stuff such as various colleges that I should go to. His appearances aren't really announced, but looking forward to whenever he shows him makes things a little interesting.

Muriel P. Engelman, Army Nurse at the Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge, one of the deadliest conflicts on the Western Front of the Second World War. It was during this conflict where Americans for once suffered a lot of casualties since the Battle for Monte Casino. Tending to the wounded was Muriel P. Engelman, one of several nurses who was located at an evacuation hospital which was later to change to a field hospital. During Planes of Fame's December monthly event, she talked about she spent the month hiding in trenches, avoiding "Buzz Bombs" / V-1 Bombs, tending to the wounded, and always worrying abouttu capture from a crippling Allied line. After her time speaking, I was able to aslk her for a picture. While I was waiting, she complained that she had a book that she signed with the wrong name and that she didn't know what to do with it. In a joking manner, I asked if I could take it. She said that its half price from $17 to $8.50. I told her that I only had $6 on me, and she grudgingly accepted. Until and even after I got my picture taken, she kept commenting that I better enjoy her book.

Picture of me with her and her book

Well with this I will end my monthly blog. Sometimes it is not the artifacts or the places, but the connections you make with people that can really make an experience memorable. Until next time, take care everyone.

- See You Later Space Cowboy - See You Later Space Cowboy