Project #3 this semester is called "I Am Robot" and the tool of choice is the Hummingbird robotics kit. This is the third semester of usage for hummingbird and with each subsequent go round I learn something new about this wonderful platform. This semester, I have a few groups who needed to do more with motors than the provided DC motors would easily allow. They have decided to de-construct some old remote control cars, and are integrating the parts into their project. While one can program the standard DC motor to spin, and can even add a 3D printed wheel, how much more fun is it to take an existing car chassis and rewire the motors to accelerate and/or turn through coding, and build in a sensor to detect objects?
Project criteria is as follows:
Design something, using the Hummingbird robotics kit and any materials found in class or otherwise acquired, that senses the environment, analyzes the data, and reacts in some manner (sound, movement, lights). The process is Sense, Think, Act. Students work in pairs or individually to develop the code, make all necessary connections, build and test the project.
I believe that going through projects #1 (simple circuit) and #2 (automata) has helped to prepare students for this current project. They've had experience in working with LEDs, motors, switches, power, as well as exploring the way parts interact and move. Students therefore approach the robotics unit with more background knowledge and skills than groups in the past. To add to the knowledge and skills, there is a certain level of fearlessness that they have grown accustomed to, given their ability to try things out in the previous two projects, make adjustments, make mistakes, and make improvements.
In terms of process, having students go through the design, build, iterate process for each project provides a good deal of necessary practice. In a sense, therefore, the process itself has gone through its own iterations. My ultimate hope is that they take all of this experience into their personal projects. Below are some short clips of students at work.
Project criteria is as follows:
Design something, using the Hummingbird robotics kit and any materials found in class or otherwise acquired, that senses the environment, analyzes the data, and reacts in some manner (sound, movement, lights). The process is Sense, Think, Act. Students work in pairs or individually to develop the code, make all necessary connections, build and test the project.
I believe that going through projects #1 (simple circuit) and #2 (automata) has helped to prepare students for this current project. They've had experience in working with LEDs, motors, switches, power, as well as exploring the way parts interact and move. Students therefore approach the robotics unit with more background knowledge and skills than groups in the past. To add to the knowledge and skills, there is a certain level of fearlessness that they have grown accustomed to, given their ability to try things out in the previous two projects, make adjustments, make mistakes, and make improvements.
In terms of process, having students go through the design, build, iterate process for each project provides a good deal of necessary practice. In a sense, therefore, the process itself has gone through its own iterations. My ultimate hope is that they take all of this experience into their personal projects. Below are some short clips of students at work.
| | | |
