Movable BridgeChallenge

Systems of Technology: Integrated Engineering Challenges Challenge Packetv2.1

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Team Members:

1. 3.

2. 4.

Challenge OverviewIn this challenge, teams will create an automated, movable bridge. Teams will be required to utilize a pair of light gates (using transmitters and receivers) to complete the challenge.

Click here to explore the entire Kid Spark Curriculum Library.

Learning Objectives & NGSS Alignment Design and engineer a movable bridge. Create a sketch/program that can be uploaded to the ROKduino and used to control the bridge. Demonstrate/present a working prototype to peers.

Scientific/Engineering Practice - Developing & using models Crosscutting Concept - Structure & function

ScenarioSpark City is looking to install a new bridge that can be used to cross a river that runs through the city. The bridge will need to be able to raise and lower to allow large ships to pass through.

Design & Engineering ChallengeYour challenge is to develop an automated, movable bridge that can raise and lower on command.

*Building instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge are located on page 3.

Activity Time: 120 - 180 Minutes

Targeted Grade Level: 6 - 8

Student Grouping: Teams of up to 4

Additional Lesson Materials: - Teacher Lesson Plan- Example Solutions Video

Kid Spark Mobile STEM Lab: Engineering Pathways

Prerequisite Kid Spark Units:

Passage Area

Appl

icat

ions

in

Desi

gn &

Eng

inee

ring

Syst

ems

of

Tech

nolo

gyKid Spark Basics

Compound Machines

Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing

Loops & Variables

Simple Machines

Robotics & Coding 101

Exploring SensorsST

EM

Fund

amen

tals

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Challenge Criteria and Constraints1. Teams must work through each step of the Kid Spark Design & Engineering Process (see page 5) to design, prototype, and refine a movable bridge.

2. The movable bridge must be controlled using the ROKduino. Teams will be responsible for developing a custom program/sketch that raises and lowers the bridge on command. See pages 7 - 9 for assistance in developing a program/sketch.

3. Teams must use two light gates (High Power IR Transmitters + IR Sensing Receivers) to activate the movable bridge. The bridge should feature an entry light gate that lowers the bridge when a vehicle pulls up to the bridge, and an exit light gate that raises the bridge once a vehicle has crossed. Teams can integrate additional sensors to the design if they desire.

Advanced Challenge: Develop a program/sketch that allows vehicles from both directions to enter/exit the bridge. *Teams are encouraged to review example programs/sketches from previous Kid Spark robotics units as needed.

4. When raised, the bridge must have a passage area of at least 10 cm in length and 10 cm in height to allow large ships to pass through. The passage area does not need to be centered between the entry and exit ramps of the bridge. See image below.

5. With each building component costing $2, the mechanical system must cost less than $110. The materials that were used to assemble the bridge structure will not count towards the budget of $110. See page 10 for assistance in calculating the total cost of the design.

6. The movable bridge must be structurally stable, well-proportioned, and aesthetically appealing.

7. Each team will be required to effectively explain all aspects of brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and improving their design. Teams will also be responsible for explaining the sketch/program they developed to control the design.

Passage Area

Length - 10 cm

Height - 10 cm

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InstructionsFollow the step-by-step instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge.

1 2

2x Beams

6x Blocks

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4x Blocks

4

4x Risers

2x Half Beams

4x Roadway Inclines

2x Beams

4x Risers

2x Half Beams

4x Roadway Entries

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InstructionsFollow the step-by-step instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge.

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4x Risers

2x IR Receiver Sensor

2x High Power IR Transmitter

Teams must develop a movable bridge that can raise and lower on command. When raised, the bridge must have a passage area of at least 10 cm in length and 10 cm in height to allow large ships to pass through. The passage area does not need to be centered between the entry and exit ramps.

Make sure sensors are pointed towards each other.

Passage Area

Length - 10 cm

Height - 10 cm

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Design & Engineering ChallengeFollow each step in the design & engineering process to develop a solution to the challenge. Place a check in the box as each step is completed. Fill in the blanks when necessary.

1. Identify The Challenge

Challenge: ________________________________________________________________

Review challenge criteria and constraints. See page 2

2. Brainstorm Ideas & Solutions

Discuss design ideas.

Sketch out ideas and consider which input sensors and output modules will be used in the design. See page 7

Consider building components and cost.

3. Build A Prototype

Build a working prototype of the design including an example program/sketch. See pages 7 - 8

4. Test & Improve The Design

Test & improve the design for performance and consistency.

Review gradic rubric (page 11), as well as the challenge criteria and constraints (page 2).

Consider ways to reduce cost without sacrificing quality or performance.

Fine tune the sketch/program. Look for ways to make the sketch/program more efficient.

5. Explain The Design

Determine the specifications of the design that was created. See page 10

Discuss the following items with your team and be prepared to share with the rest of the class. a. How did the team arrive at the final solution? Discuss how each step in the Design & Engineering process was used to develop the design.

b. Is the design realistic and well-proportioned? Does it function consistently well? How could it be improved?

c. How did each team member contribute towards the overall design? Do you feel like everyone had an equal opportunity to contribute in the creative process?

d. Is the team prepared to share detailed specifications of the design to others?

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Idea 1Single-Hinged Bridge

Idea 2Vertical-Rise Bridge

Idea 3Double-Hinged Bridge

Movable Bridge: Solution IdeasUse one of the following ideas to develop a movable bridge or come up with a solution of your own design.

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Inputs

Idea SketchpadUse the space provided below to sketch out design ideas. Make sure to consider the mechanical system as well as which sensors and output modules you would like to include in the design.

Outputs

Motor Module

Light Module

Light Sensor

IR Receiver Sensor

Low Power IR Transmitter

High Power IR Transmitter

ROK Star Sensor

Bump Sensor

Angle Sensor

Sketchpad

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Identifying Inputs & OutputsList all of the input sensors and output modules used in the design. This information will be important as you develop a sketch/program that will be uploaded to the ROKduino and used to control the design.

InputsList all of the sensors that are used in the design and identify which input ports they are connected to.

OutputsList all of the output modules that are used in the design and identify which output ports they are connected to.

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2.

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Developing a Program/SketchThe ROKduino can be programmed to read information from sensors connected to input ports, process that information into relevant commands, and send those commands to modules connected to the output ports. On the following page, start writing out what you want your build/project to do based on the input sensors and output modules that were used in the design. This will be helpful as you prepare to create an actual program/sketch on a computer. Once you have everything written out, you can go ahead and create a program/sketch on your computer.

Example: If the Bump Sensor that is connected to Input Port #1 is pressed, then the Motor Module that is connected to Output Port #1 should rotate Clockwise (at full speed) for 3 seconds and then stop.

* Sensor names listed on page 12.

* Output Module names listed on page 12.

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Developing a Program/SketchWrite out what you want your build/project to do based on the input sensors and output modules that were used in the design. Once you are finished, you can use this information to start creating the actual program/sketch on your computer.

*If teams are having trouble developing a sketch, try reviewing example sketches from previous Kid Spark robotics lessons.

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Design SpecificationsDetermine the specifications of the completed design/project. Teams can use these specifications as they prepare to present their design to others.

cm

Engineering materials used: x 2 = Total Cost $

Project Dimensions

How does the design work? Are there any key engineering materials that make the design func-tion well? Does it include any simple machines or mechanisms? Briefly explain the program/sketch that is used to control the design.

Length Depth Height

cm cm

Project Dimensions

Cost Analysis

Engineering Notes

On Budget

Over Budget

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Challenge EvaluationWhen teams have completed the design & engineering challenge, it should be presented to the teacher and classmates for evaluation. Teams will be graded on the following criteria:

Specifications: Does the design meet all specifications as stated in the design brief?

Performance: How well does the design work? Does it function consistently?

Team Collaboration: How well did the team work together? Can each student describe how they contributed?

Design Quality/Aesthetics: Is the design of high quality? Is it structurally strong, attractive, and well proportioned?

Material Cost: What was the total cost of the design? Was the team able to stay on or under budget?

Presentation: How well did the team communicate all aspects of the design to others?

Specifications

Performance

Team Collaboration

Design Quality/Aesthetics

Meets all specifications

Design performs consistently well

Every member of team contributed

Great design/aesthetics

On budget ($110 or Less)

Great presentation/well explained

Good presentation/well explained

Poor presentation/explanation

No presentation/explanation

Over budget ($121-130)

Significantly overbudget ($131+)

Most members of team contributed

Good design/aesthetics

Average design/aesthetics

Poor design/aesthetics

Some members of team contributed

Design performs well often

Design is partially functional

Design does not work

Team did not work together

Meets most specifications

Meets some specifications

Does not meet specifications

Material Cost

Presentation

Points

Total Points

Proficient4 Points

Advanced5 Points

Partially Proficient3 Points

Not Proficient0 Points

/30

Grading Rubric

Slightly overbudget ($111-120)

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ROKduino BasicsTo download all necessary ROKduino software, visit: KidSparkEducation.org/Downloads.

ROKduino SmartBlock:

The ROKduino is a programmable smartblock that can be used to create different types of robots. It is powered by (3) AA batteries that can be replaced by removing the cover on the bottom of the block. A bright green LED on the top of the block indicates if the ROKduino is ON or OFF. Make sure to power OFF the ROKduino when finished using it to prevent the batteries from running out of power.

Power Indicator

ON/OFF Switch

Sensors:

There are a variety of sensors that can be connected to the input ports on the ROKduino. The ROKduino can be programmed to read information from sensors connected to input ports, process that information into relevant commands, and send those commands to modules connected to the output ports.

Light Sensor

Quantity Included: 1(Input Ports 1-8)

Bump Sensor

Quantity Included: 2(Input Ports 1-8)

Angle Sensor

Quantity Included: 1(Input Ports 1-8)

Low PowerIR Transmitter

Quantity Included: 1(Input Ports 1-8)

High PowerIR Transmitter

Quantity Included: 2(Input Ports 1-8)

IR ReceiverSensor

Quantity Included: 2(Input Ports 1-8)

ROK-StarSensor

Quantity Included: 1(Input Port 8)

8 Input Ports

Modules:

There are two modules that can be connected to the output ports on the ROKduino. The ROKduino can be programmed to send out specific commands to the modules to perform different functions. Light Module

Quantity Included: 2(Output Ports 1-4)

Motor Module

Quantity Included: 4(Output Ports 1-4)

Cables:

There are six types of cables that are included with the ROKduino. These cables are used to connect sensors and modules, as well as to connect the ROKduino to a computer so it can be programmed. Make sure cables are pressed all theway into connecting ports to ensure a good connection.

USB Cable

Quantity Included: 1Length: 18”

Sensor Cable

Quantity Included: 8Length: 18”

Sensor Cable Extender

Quantity Included: 2Length: 18”

Motor/Output Cable

Quantity Included: 2Length: 12”

Motor/Output Cable

Quantity Included: 3Length: 18”

Motor/Output Cable Extender

Quantity Included: 2Length: 12”

4 Output Ports

Inputs

Outputs

USB Port

Batteries

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ROKduino TroubleshootingThe following guide can be used to troubleshoot common issues that may arise when working with the ROKduino and Arduino/Ardublock software.

Software Installation Issues

1. Can’t locate Arduino software on the computer ?

Mac - In the applications folder, locate and select Arduino. If Arduino is missing from the applications folder, visit kidsparkeducation.org/downloads to download ROKduino software for MacOS.

PC - In the applications folder, locate and select Arduino. If Arduino is missing from the applications folder, visit kidsparkeducation.org/downloads to download ROKduino software for Windows.

2. Can’t locate Ardublock software on the computer ?

Mac - Visit kidsparkeducation.org/downloads and run the MacOS installer to download all ROKduino software including Ardublock.

PC - Visit kidsparkeducation.org/downloads and run the Windows installer to download all ROKduino software including Ardublock. Note: Each new user will need to run the User Installer that will be downloaded on each user’s desktop. Look for the Kid Spark icon located on the desktop.

Operating Issues

1. Can’t get the sketch/program to upload to the ROKduino?

a. Make sure the ROKduino is plugged in to the computer via USB.

b. Make sure the correct USB port is selected.

- Go to Tools -> Port -> ROKduino Note: If the ROKduino option is not available, try unplugging the USB and reconnecting it to a USB port. Repeat this with a different USB port if neccessary.

c. Make sure the selected board is set to ROKduino.

- Go to Tools -> Board -> ROKduino

d. Reset the ROKduino.

- Press and hold the reset button on the top of the ROKduino while simultaneously uploading a program to the ROKduino. Release the reset button after the program has started uploading.

2. Program will upload to the ROKduino, but not powering Motor Modules or Light Modules?

a. Make sure the ROKduino is powered on.

b. Make sure the program that you created is correct.

- Double check each step of the program and change if needed. Note: pay special attention to inputandoutputvalues,andlookforpossibleconflictswithinthesketch.

For further support please contact rokduinosupport@kidsparkeducation.org.

55-02125-201