Difference between revisions of "Robotic Power System Activity Guide"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| − | The Power System activity is designed to help teachers bring | + | The Power System activity is designed to help teachers bring high tech making into the classroom! |
| + | |||
| + | === Curriculum Connections === | ||
| + | |||
| + | This activity has many specific connections to the Ontario grade 6 curriculum. This makes it easier to dedicate the classroom time to it, since progress is being made on this curriculum. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Science: Electricity unit ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Ontario grade 6 science curriculum is available online here: | ||
| + | http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/scientec18currb.pdf | ||
| + | |||
| + | Core concepts covered: | ||
| + | * Electrical energy can be transformed into other forms of energy. | ||
| + | * Other forms of energy can be transformed into electrical energy. | ||
| + | * Electrical energy plays a significant role in society, and its production has an impact on the environment. | ||
| + | * Society must find ways to minimize the impact of energy production on the environment. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Math ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Ontario grade 6 math curriculum is available online here: | ||
| + | http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf | ||
| + | |||
| + | Core concepts covered: | ||
| + | * Problem solving | ||
| + | * Fractions and percentages | ||
| + | * Collection and Organization of Data | ||
| + | * Representations of mathematical ideas | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Art ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Ontario grade 6 art curriculum is available online here: | ||
| + | http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/arts18b09curr.pdf | ||
| + | |||
| + | Core concepts covered: | ||
| + | * Creating and Presenting | ||
| + | * Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing | ||
| + | * Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts | ||
== Materials == | == Materials == | ||
| Line 34: | Line 70: | ||
* Duct tape | * Duct tape | ||
* Any other craft materials you like! | * Any other craft materials you like! | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Preparation == | ||
| + | |||
| + | In addition to ordering the materials, you must also plan for the sessions. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Seek out a way to present the power system model when it is complete. This gives the kids a purpose - they are going to actually use the model to teach people about our power system. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | == Session 1 == | ||
| + | |||
| + | The goals of the first session are to introduce the concept to get the kids thinking about the power system, and to introduce them to the technologies that they will use to build their model. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Introduce concept === | ||
| + | |||
| + | Start with telling the kids that they are all science centre exhibit designers! This is a real project to | ||
| + | |||
| + | What makes a good exhibit? | ||
| + | - information | ||
| + | - interaction | ||
| + | - fun! | ||
| + | |||
| + | Dissect some existing exhibits | ||
| + | - Name favourites | ||
| + | - Find a picture on Google (assign a student) | ||
| + | - List the good things about them | ||
| + | (Keep a list of these for use in the rubric for assessing the success after the program) | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | === Introduce technology === | ||
| + | |||
| + | === | ||
| + | - Plan the physical model | ||
| + | - Gauge tech interest and existing skills | ||
Revision as of 18:41, 1 June 2016
Contents
Introduction
The Power System activity is designed to help teachers bring high tech making into the classroom!
Curriculum Connections
This activity has many specific connections to the Ontario grade 6 curriculum. This makes it easier to dedicate the classroom time to it, since progress is being made on this curriculum.
Science: Electricity unit
The Ontario grade 6 science curriculum is available online here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/scientec18currb.pdf
Core concepts covered:
- Electrical energy can be transformed into other forms of energy.
- Other forms of energy can be transformed into electrical energy.
- Electrical energy plays a significant role in society, and its production has an impact on the environment.
- Society must find ways to minimize the impact of energy production on the environment.
Math
The Ontario grade 6 math curriculum is available online here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf
Core concepts covered:
- Problem solving
- Fractions and percentages
- Collection and Organization of Data
- Representations of mathematical ideas
Art
The Ontario grade 6 art curriculum is available online here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/arts18b09curr.pdf
Core concepts covered:
- Creating and Presenting
- Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing
- Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Materials
Parts and materials to obtain:
Equipment
- Computer(s)
- Soldering iron and soldering supplies
- 3D Printer
For the 3D printer, we recommend Ultimaker or Printrbot. Both companies make very good quality printers, consistently scoring near the top in Make Magazine's 3D Printer tests. Ultimaker is more expensive, but is also easier to use and maintain.
Electronics
- Particle Photon
- Solderless breadboard
- 5v Power supply
- 1m Neopixel strip 60 LED
- Geared Motors
- Motor driver board
The Particle Photon does not put out enough electrical current to directly power the motors. The motor driver board is required to amplify the Particle's output and power the motor(s).
Craft supplies
- Glue guns
- Recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, boxes, plastic cases
- Craft foam for colour details
- Foamcore sheet for the base
- Duct tape
- Any other craft materials you like!
Preparation
In addition to ordering the materials, you must also plan for the sessions.
Seek out a way to present the power system model when it is complete. This gives the kids a purpose - they are going to actually use the model to teach people about our power system.
Session 1
The goals of the first session are to introduce the concept to get the kids thinking about the power system, and to introduce them to the technologies that they will use to build their model.
Introduce concept
Start with telling the kids that they are all science centre exhibit designers! This is a real project to
What makes a good exhibit? - information - interaction - fun!
Dissect some existing exhibits - Name favourites - Find a picture on Google (assign a student) - List the good things about them (Keep a list of these for use in the rubric for assessing the success after the program)
Introduce technology
=
- Plan the physical model - Gauge tech interest and existing skills
