Computer Control in KS2
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| MindStorms and activities in Design & Technology [09-03-2003] The Lego MindStorms equipment revolves around the RCX brick (con
Project 1 - A Robot Vehicle QCA Practical Task - DT/IT 5E/6C To assemble components to make working models. As a first step to lead them into the control interface, wire the robot to a battery pack and steer by activating the motors independently.
Design brief Using the RCX and software, wood strip, cardboard, two standard Lego motors and wheels, sketch out a design for a vehicle which can be steered through a maze drawn out on a sheet of wallpaper.
Example solution A simple framework was constructed from wood strip and hot glued joints. Corner joints were strengthened with cardboard gusset plates. A Lego strip hot glued to the framework mounted two standard Lego motors with wheels (not from the MindStorms kit). The vehicle runs on two skids - two Lego strips hot glued to the framework. Important - This vehicle has no gearboxes so in compensation, large Lego wheels are used. Additionally, in the Robotics Invention Software, use the Set Power option in Small Blocks to reduce the voltage/speed.
Extension work (QCA 6C) - switched sensor Parts required: Lever operated microswitch, OR use switch assembly from the MindStorms kit Add a switched input which allows the vehicle to respond to objects in its path.
Gifted and Talented children Pupils could add additional sensors which allow the vehicle to better explore its environment.
Wood strip frame and Lego parts Lego front 'skids' Finished product with RCX
Model constructed from 'found'
materials
The car opposite uses a dual motor and gearbox cannibalised from an old toy. The RCX is clipped onto two Lego strips hot glued to the motor assembly. A micro switch (40p)on the front detects any collisions or objects, and on the back is mounted a low voltage horn. Note no front wheels! The buggy skids on a cut down pen pushed into a drilled hole.
QCA Scheme of Work IT Unit 6C and DT Unit 6D
Possible teaching activity Practical - IT Task 2 Design a simple lighthouse using a bulb, a cardboard tube and a light sensor. Write a procedure (My Blocks) to make the bulb flash every second. Ask the children to draw a diagram of their lighthouse and show where the wires are plugged into the RCX. Allow them to test and amend their procedures. Now ask them to use the light sensor to make the sequence occur when it is dark and not when it is light (i.e. introducing the light sensor into the circuit and control system).
Children who find this work easy could vary the sequence of flashes (e.g. four flashes in two seconds, one second break and repeat). Gifted and Talented children Pupils could research flashing sequences of lighthouses around the UK and simulate their flashing sequences.
Project 2 Outline - A Lighthouse Research... lots of background information can be found on the Internet, including instructions to make models entirely from cardboard. The model detailed below is made from a range of found materials and requires only basic tools. Excellent website - http://www.musiccorner.co.uk/Lighthouses.htm Design brief As set out above under 'possible teaching activity'
Extension work - rotating reflector Parts required: motor with gearbox. To improve the performance of the lighthouse, add a rotating reflector.
Example solution A simple framework was constructed from wood strip and discs. hot glued joints. All joints were hot glued. Painted white card was used as an outer skin and was glued to the framework. Note the motor assembly in step 2 below to rotate the reflector.
Step 1 - Base with discs + uprights Step 2 - Uprights assembled Completed lighthouse
Alternative model A simple low tech lighthouse could be made from a cardboard tube and a lemonade bottle. Example under construction!
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trol box).
Featuring three inputs and outputs, an infra red link to a computer system, an
LCD screen, and
five individual program slots. The RCX offers tremendous opportunities for
activities in Design and Technology in KS 2 and above. Projects could include
the use of some of the 700+ parts supplied with the kit or as in the examples
featured below, low tech projects can be built from wood, card and plastic and
parts cannibalised from broken toys.
