STEM Coding Max

Model 1: Roxy

I'm getting my act together!

Grade
5-7
Time required
1 Double lesson
Difficulty level
Model: easy Programming: easy to medium
Model type
Mobile device, can be positioned individually and used for transportation / movement
Download didactic material

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

The students plan and build a driving robot that can navigate an obstacle course. The robot turns on and starts its driving program when the On/Off button is pressed. The same button can be used to stop the robot's movement.

EVERYDAY RELEVANCE

The automatic triggering of a process and the autonomous driving of a robot have a strong motivational effect on students. Up to four extensions of the basic task allow for the individualization of the topic.

Integrating this topic into pre-vocational orientation can be beneficial with regard to information technology career fields. Automated switching by capturing physical quantities is used in many areas. Automated movement of objects is becoming increasingly important, particularly in home technology (e.g., vacuum robots, lawn mowing robots) and automotive technology.

Key questions

  • Where can an automated driving robot be used in daily life? (Communication)
  • What functions does the robot need to fulfill? (Collaboration)
  • Under what conditions should the system switch on or off? (critical thinking)
  • What needs to be considered so that the robot can be used at different locations and the system functions as robustly as possible? (creativity)


Subject reference
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Informatics
Basics of programming, Time loops
Mathematics
Circumference, length untis, angles
Technology
Stable building, construction technology
Physics
Change of movement
Biology
Movement of individuals

Lesson progression
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Introduction phase

Classroom discussion (without app)

  • Announcing the topic, possibly showing "Robots from Film and Television".

  • Discussing what distinguishes these robots, automation vs. living beings.

  • Querying scenarios where automatically driving robot systems are used (vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, automobiles).

  • Discussing possible applications of the collected scenarios (e.g., vacuum cleaner robots, lawn mowers, and/or automobiles).

  • Determining requirements for the chassis.

  • Discussing advantages and disadvantages of different types of drives (tracks/wheels).

  • Justifying the need for an emergency stop switch.

Providing assistance if necessary.

  • Showing sensors, actuators, and components from the construction kit, using presentation media as needed.

Planning phase

Classroom Discussion

  •  The approach to building the model and the intended function are developed together.
  • Sequential steps of the app are provided or discussed.

Partner or individual work (with app)

  • Students familiarize themselves with the app and download the corresponding task.
  • Students define meaningful functions of an autonomously driving robot.
  • Using the app, students create the requirements list for the robot to be built.

 

Optional partner or group work (without app)

  • Students sketch possible robots.
  • Students discuss the results and agree on a design.
Construction phase

Partner or individual work

  • Students use the app to build the driving robot. The app guides step-by-step through the program.
Programming phase

Partner or group work

  • Students write the program for the driving robot (2x motor / On/Off button). The app guides step-by-step through the program, offering help within the app.
  • The program is transferred to the RX controller.
Experimentation and test phase

Partner or group work

  • The driving robot is put into operation.
  • Initial runs are conducted with the robot.
  • Possible disruptions in functionality need to be identified and resolved.
  • Troubleshooting suggestions are available through the app.
  • Potential hardware optimizations (e.g., wheel attachment, rotation roller) and programming adjustments can be made.
Final phase

Plenary Discussion

  • Review of the project within the class group.
  • Clarification of future practical applications (application of the topic in everyday life), e.g., vacuum robots, lawn mowers, automobiles, drones, etc.

 

Information and notes

 

Methodical and didactic tips
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Differentiation options

Depending on the duration of the series of lessons and the strength of the pupils

  • the position of the obstacle blocks and the routes can be specified,

  • the position of the obstacle blocks can be measured by the pupils,

  • the route program blocks can be specified,

  • measure the routes themselves,

  • program the routes themselves,

  • obstacles are collected using arms.

Motivational aspects

All students are familiar with the topic of autonomous driving robots from daily life. In many househoulds, robotic vacuum ceaners and lawn mower have long been part of daily life, along with many other smart applications. Semi-autonomous cars are becoming increasingly common on the roads.

Additional material

  • If available, a robot from film and television (BB8, R2D2, Wall-E), a robot vacuum cleaner or another real object from the field of robotics/conveyor vehicles can be used for the introductory phase of the topic. Drawing media (paper, whiteboard or projection screen)

Building instructions

Circuit diagram

Functions of the model and their technical solutions
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Functions of the sensors/actuators
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Technical solutions

 

Performing a straight-ahead movement

 

Simultaneous and uniform control of the two drive motors
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Executing a left-turn movement

 

Controlling one of the two drive motors
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Executing a right-turn movement

 

Controlling one of the two drive motors
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Start of a robot run

 

Inputting a signal at the On/Off button of the controller
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End/emergency stop of a robot run

 

Inputting a signal at the On/Off button of the controller
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Differentiation:Rapid spinning on the spot (left/right)

 

Smooth and simultaneous control of the two drive motors in different directions

Material list
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Material list for the basic circuit of the driving robot
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Sensors

 

Function

 

1 On/Off button on the controller

 

1. Turning the robot on

2. Emergency stop of the robot
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Actuators

 

Function

 

2 motors

 

 

Movement

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