Description
Students design small amusement rides with motorized parts, testing and modifying for improved movement.
You Will be Able to know:
Students design small amusement rides with motorized parts, testing and modifying for improved movement.
Key Tools & Materials
- Building kits with motors
- Craft supplies
- Motor speed controller
Course & Syllabus Details
Students explore what robots are, where they are used, and basic safety in the lab.
- Icebreaker: What is a robot?
- Hands-on demo of simple robots
- Lab safety rules and toolkit introduction
- Understand the definition and types of robots
- Learn safe handling of robotics kits and tools
Students learn about the core components of a robot and begin building their first moving model.
- Introduction to motors and wheels
- Assembling a basic moving robot
- Experimenting with direction and speed
- Identify main parts of a robot
- Assemble and test a simple drive system
Students are introduced to block-based programming to control robot movement.
- Programming basics (loops, sequencing)
- Move robot in a square pattern
- Challenge: navigate a simple obstacle course
- Understand coding fundamentals
- Program a robot to follow simple paths
Students explore sensors and how robots interact with their environment.
- Experiment with touch and light sensors
- Build a robot that stops when it detects an object
- Group challenge: line-following robot
- Explain how sensors work
- Use sensors in simple problem-solving tasks
Students work in teams to design robots that solve specific tasks.
- Brainstorming and sketching ideas
- Building prototype robots
- Testing and iterating designs
- Collaborate in small groups
- Apply design thinking to robotics
Students extend their coding knowledge with conditional logic and loops.
- If/else programming challenges
- Robot decision-making tasks
- Timed obstacle course challenge
- Write conditional programs
- Apply logic to robot navigation
Students complete their team robots for the end-of-semester showcase.
- Final robot build and testing
- Adding finishing touches and decorations
- Preparing short presentations
- Build a fully functional robot
- Demonstrate teamwork and creativity
Students present their projects to peers and parents, reflecting on their learning journey.
- Team presentations and demos
- Peer feedback and discussion
- Certificates & future robotics pathways
- Present technical projects with confidence
- Reflect on skills gained and next steps
Homework Assignment
Draw an improved version of their ride and explain the changes.
