Partner Resource Physical Computing Using Arduinos: Making LEDs Blink and Fade PostedOctober 14, 2020 Posted byTeach Engineering Team https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/nyu_physical_computing_activity... Students download the software needed to create Arduino programs and make sure their Arduino microcontrollers work correctly. Then, they connect an LED to the Arduino and type up and upload programs to the Arduino board to 1) make the LED blink on and off and 2) make the LED fade (brighten and then dim). Throughout, students reflect on what they've accomplished by answering questions and modifying the original programs and circuits in order to achieve new outcomes. A design challenge gives students a chance to demonstrate their understanding of actuators and Arduinos; they design a functioning system using an Arduino, at least three actuators and either a buzzer or toy motor. For their designs, students sketch, create and turn in a user's manual for the system (text description, commented program, detailed hardware diagram). Numerous worksheets and handouts are provided. Read More Q&A0
Partner Resource A Zombie Got My Leg Challenge: Making Makeshift Legs PostedOctober 6, 2020 Posted byTeach Engineering Team https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/uoh_pirates_lesson01_activity1 Students experience the engineering design process as they design and construct lower-leg prostheses in response to a hypothetical zombie apocalypse scenario. Like the well-known Apollo 13 story during which engineers were challenged to fix the crippled spacecraft with limited supplies in order to save astronauts' lives, in this activity, students act as engineers during an imaginary disaster in which a group member's leg was amputated in order to survive a zombie attack. Building on what they learned and researched in the associated lesson, they design and fabricate a replacement prosthetic limb using given specific starting material and limited additional supplies, similar to how engineers design for individuals while working within constraints. A more-advanced scenario challenges students to design a prosthesis that is able to provide a more-specific movement function. Read More Q&A0
Partner Resource 1 Experience Red Light, Green Light: Forces of Friction, Roads & Tires PostedOctober 6, 2020 Posted byTeach Engineering Team https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_mechanics_lesson05 Building upon their understanding of forces and Newton's laws of motion, students learn about the force of friction, specifically with respect to cars. They explore the friction between tires and the road to learn how it affects the movement of cars while driving. In an associated literacy activity, students explore the theme of conflict in literature, and the difference between internal and external conflict, and various types of conflicts. Stories are used to discuss methods of managing and resolving conflict and interpersonal friction. Read More Q&A0