Model 2: Action Timer

Time is always frustrating!

Grade

5-7

Time required

1 double hour

Difficulty level

Model: easy, Programming: easy

Model type

Desktop device as timer for time games or measurements

Download didactic material

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

The pupils (SuS) plan and implement a timer for all types of games where time is of the essence. Three different countdown times can be set using three buttons. The selected time is confirmed by an LED lighting up briefly. The countdown is then started via another button. The remaining running time is indicated by the flashing of the respective LED. Shortly before the time, all three LEDs flash quickly and then go out. The action timer can now be restarted for the next game round.

EVERYDAY RELEVANCE

Variable time loops (hard, medium and soft for egg timers or tone sequence for a distance warning device or running times and acoustic output for sonar devices ...) as well as simple options for the output of detected processes have a strong reference to everyday life for the pupils. The topic could be integrated into prevocational orientation with regard to information technology professions. Here, time loops and the synchronization of times are required in almost all apps or types of software.

Key questions:

What function must a time fulfill? (Communication)
Which step sequences for controlling time loops must be taken into account? (critical thinking and collaboration)
How could the timer be optimized in terms of material savings and effectiveness? (creativity)

Subject reference

Computer sience

Basics of programming

Sport

Measuring reaction times

Technology

Develop contructive solutions for technical problems, manufacturing and optimizing an object

Physics

Recording and displaying times

Lesson progression

Information and notes

Methodical and didactic tips

Differentiation options

Depending on the desired application, the three usable running times of the Action Timer can be adapted to individual requirements, e.g. use as an egg timer (hard, medium, soft) or adapted playing times (e.g. for timed games, brain teasers and guessing games). The running times can be reprogrammed for this purpose.

Motivational aspects

Pupils are familiar with the problem of timing and possible resulting disputes in the course of a board game, as well as other possible uses of time measurements and their functions in everyday life. As a rule, the pupils themselves know that clear rules for timing have positive effects on social interaction.

Additional material

If necessary, use a real object in the form of an egg timer or a stopwatch to introduce the topic.
Optional drawing media (paper, white board or projection screen).

Building instructions

Circuit diagram

Functions of the model and their technical solutions

Function of the timer

Technical solution

Select the desired term (1,2 or 3)

Press one of the three buttons for the respective time loop

Confirmation of the selection made

Flashing of one of the three associated LED´s

Start of a timing process

Pressing the start button

Output of the countdown function

Flashing of the associated LED (every second)

Shortly before the set time expires

Rapid flashing of all three LED´s (half second cycle)

Expiry of the entered time

All three LED´s go out

Differentiation: Adaption of the time loops to specify areas of application (e.g. egg timer)

Changing the time loop

Material list

Material list for the basic circuit

Sensors

Function

4 buttons

Input

Actuators

Function

3 LEDs, yellow, green, red

Display

1 motor

Alarm transmitter