Entry-level-models

to become familiar with the components and programming

Grade

5-7

Time required

1 hour each / possibly with differentiation groups

Difficulty level

Model: easy, Programming: easy

Models

Circuit with LED and button, Circuit with LED and gesture sensor, Motor with rotational movement, Motor with vertical movement

Download teaching materials

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

Eight simple basic tasks are designed to introduce pupils (SuS) to working with the STEM Coding Max experiment box. First, the structure of the RX controller, the controller configuration and the structure of the programming interface are clearly described. Simple switching operations are triggered using a sensor as an example. This processes information within a self-created program in the control system and, if necessary, switches an actuator or performs a function.

Key questions

What function can a switch fulfill? (communication)
What types of switches are there? (Communication)
Where is a function remotely switched or a switching operation triggered in everyday life? (Communication)
Which sensors can trigger actions? (Creativity)
What functions must a repetition loop and a time loop fulfill? (Communication)
Which actuators can be triggered by a switching operation? (Creativity)

Subject relevance

Information technology

Basics of programming

Physics

Sensors, actuators

Technology

Gear theory, basics of electr. circuit

Lesson plan

Information and notes

Methodological and instructive tips

Differentiation opportunities

Depending on the prior knowledge of the respective groups, they can work independently on the eight introductory tasks one after the other at their own pace.

Differentiation tasks can be set for particularly fast groups.

Examples:

Installation of a second LED of a different color, which then flashes alternately with the first LED.
Programming task in which one LED should light up when the motor is running clockwise and the other when it is running anticlockwise.

Motivational aspects

Building the basic circuits, which can be programmed using a “mini-computer”, has a motivating effect on many pupils. It is important to ensure that fears of the system or the possibly unfamiliar working methods are reduced or do not arise in the first place. Working independently with the support of an app is also becoming increasingly popular. The working rhythm and speed can be determined by the groups themselves. An additional motivating factor is that more complex construction tasks with an everyday relevance can be completed later on.

Additionals materials

If necessary, use drawing media (paper, whiteboard, or projection screen) to introduce the topic.

Building instructions model 1

Circuit diagram model 1

Building instructions model 2

Circuit diagram model 2

Building instructions model 3

Circuit diagram model 3

Building instructions model 4

Circuits diagram model 4

Python programming reference

Functions of the entry-level models and their technical solutions

Function of the sensors/actuators	Technical solution
a.) Switch an LED on and off	Displaying a signal with an LED
b.) Switch an LED on and off with a button	Evaluate a button signal and activate and LED
c.) Switch an LED on and off with a time delay using a button	Evaluate a button signal and acticate an LED after a time delay using a time loop
d.) Allow LED to flash after pressing the button	Evaluate a button signal and modulated control of an LED
e.) Manually switch an LED on and off	Evaluate the signal from a gesture sensor and activate an LED
f.) Automatically switch an LED on and off in the dark	Evaluate the signal from a brightness sensor and control of an LED
g.) Turn a motor left and right	Evaluate a button signal and motor control
h.) Raise and lower a motor slightly	Evaluate a button signal and motor control with independent return

Material list

Entry-level model 1 (circuit with LED and button) – Basic tasks a) to d)

Sensors	Function
1 button	Trigger the switching signal

Actuators	Function
1 LED, white	Lighting

Entry-level model 2 (circuit with LED and gesture sensor) – Basic tasks e) to f)

Sensors	Function
1 RGB gesture sensor	Trigger the switching signal

Actuators	Function
1 LED, white	Lighting

Entry-level model 3 (motor with rotational movement) – Basic task g)

Sensors	Function
1 button	Trigger the switching signal

Actuators	Function
1 motor	Rotary movement

Entry-level model 4 (motor with vertical movement) – Basic task h)

Sensors	Function
1 button	Trigger the switching signal

Actuators	Function
1 motor	Linear movement

Differentiation

Sensors	Function
1 button	Trigger the switching signal

Actuators	Function
1 motor 1 LED red 1 LED green	Linear movement Lighting Lighting