Alpha+Volf+-+Project+Journals

Week One (Nov 29 - Dec 3)
This week featured the introduction of the project and a brainstorming period right after. Our group, which we've named Alpha Volf, has decided to create a chess set made of ice, with holiday-themed figures as the chess pieces. The chess set will be resting on a table, which will also be consist entirely out of ice. We decided on this idea after considering several options, including an ice castle, the Empire State Building, and the CN Tower.

During the brainstorming period, we created rough sketches of our ice sculpture, decided upon its dimensions, created list of necessary materials and tools, and delegated the work between our group members. We decided that Stefan would be responsible for making the Wiki as well as creating the chess board. Group delegation determined that Andrew and Yu Hao would be responsible for creating the chess pieces, and also the table's base.

Near the end of the brainstorming period, we collectively decided to prepare for our next work period by collecting necessary materials, tools, and creating ice blocks at home.

Things To Be Completed This Week And Next:

 * 1) Collection of Necessary Materials and Tools
 * 2) Creation of Project Diagrams
 * 3) Making of Ice Components and Preliminary Sculpting
 * 4) Acquisition of Wiki Membership

Week Two (Dec 6 - Dec 10)
This week featured a single work period for our class, which was scheduled for Thursday. Our team spent this work period working on our ice sculpture, which can be found within the courtyard, on the leftmost picnic table.

During the work period, we started to make the base of the table, by using a large pot lined with garbage bags. This proved to be successful. We also began to paint the dark squares of the chessboard by using dark blue food coloring, and sanded some of these blocks in order to make them level. Towards the end of the work period, we formed a revised materials list, and delegated the work that remained, ensuring that everyone knew what their responsibilities were.

Things To Be Completed This Week And Next:

 * 1) Painting of the Dark Chessboard Squares
 * 2) Creating the Base of the Ice Table
 * 3) Sanding of the Chessboard Squares
 * 4) Making of the Chess Pieces
 * 5) Making the Chessboard

Final Week (Dec 13 - Dec 17)
This is the final week of the project.

We are close to finishing, but have experienced several setbacks that have made things very difficult for us. For instance, our tabletop, which took several days to freeze all the way through, was broken into several pieces, which have made it ultimately unusable. In addition to this, several of the dark squares we made broke, leaving us with a shortage of both dark squares and the food coloring we colored them with.

However, we are taking the necessary steps to accommodate for these setbacks. Five extra-curricular hours were spent by Stefan alone, who attached the new tabletop, and began making the board. He also cannibalized several of the transparent squares in order to make them dark. The missing transparent squares will be replaced with icy snow, leaving the board with a slightly altered composition.

Things To Be Completed This Week And Next:

 * 1) Completing the Chessboard
 * 2) Completing the Chess Pieces
 * 3) Final Touches
 * 4) Judging!