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[Savannah-hackers] submission of Kids Robotics Class - savannah.gnu.org
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reto |
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[Savannah-hackers] submission of Kids Robotics Class - savannah.gnu.org |
Date: |
Fri, 06 Sep 2002 17:44:25 -0400 |
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A package was submitted to savannah.gnu.org
This mail was sent to address@hidden, address@hidden
Reto Stamm <address@hidden> described the package as follows:
License: fdl
Other License:
Package: Kids Robotics Class
System name: krc
Type: 2
Description:
I have volunteered to do a robotics class at the local school.
I will write material for it, probably in latex or as info files, create dia
diagrams, and have a makefile that compiles the Book, converts the diagrams,
and does all the latex stuff.
The Book will teach kids about electricity, how to use logo, how to control
Hardware from a computer, how to take apart your toys and make them into remote
controlled robots.
It will be targeted at (smart) Kid\'s from 9 to 11, and also provide loose
sheets for the experiments (instructions etc).
This is a basic, preliminary outline of the plan.
Robotics: What to do?
=====================
LESSON 1: ELECTRICITY
Explain Electricity. Use Water equivalence.
Points:
- Electricity always goes around in a circle. If there is an
interruption somewhere, it does not go past
- Explain Switches and electric \"switching machines\" like relays and
transistors
- Sources: Explain danger of AC. Explain Batteries (water balloon)
example. Explain what not to do, to keep batteries from exploding.
- Loads: Motors, coils (for relay), lights, and LED\'s. Note that
direction of current makes a difference for LED\'s and
Motors. Explain when and why things blow up.
Lab:
- Do simple tasks, create circuit with wires, batteries, switches and
loads. Encounter practical problems. Repeat.
- \"Put a battery, a motor, a light bulb and 2 switches together so
that you can turn everything off, or either the bulb or the motor
on. \"
- \"Use a switch to make the motor go backwards and forwards.\"
LESSON 2: PROGRAMMING
Lesson
- Pick simple language (which one? Logo? Basic?)
- Explain how computer does things (follow instructions).
- Have 1 Child be computer and one instructor, move ball from a to b.
- Show debugger of hello world (step trough).
- Maybe introduce loops
Lab
- Start Computers, write Hello World.
- Write small program that counts to 10 with loop
- Use debugger (?)
LESSON 3: PUT IT TOGETHER
Lesson
- Introduce new command that controls Hardware.
- Repeat lesson 1
- Repeat lesson 2
- Show example (debugger, lamp)
Lab
- Make lights blink with program.
- Make wheels turn with program.
LESSON 4: VOLTAGE AND CURRENT
Lesson:
- What is a Voltage?
- What is a Current?
- What\'s analog/digital (on/off vs a little on or more on than off)
- How to measure Voltages and Currents
Lab:
- Read back signals (analog and digital) and measurements into
computer. Show them on screen.
- Measure Battery Voltages. Compare on screen. Add loads. !?!?
- Change outputs and read them back.
LESSON 5: RESISTORS AND OHM\'S LAW
Lesson:
- Why does the Voltage go down when the Motor runs?
- How to measure Resistance.
- U/R=I and derivatives.
- Resistors and Potentiometers
Lab:
- Measure Potentiometers.
- Maybe: Use Pot to change Angle of a Motor. (first real Robotics
thing).
LESSON 6: TAKE THINGS APART AND WIRE THEM UP
Lesson:
- Review how to measure things, etc.
- How to cut cables without getting hurt.
- Measuring things that are not supposed to be measured.
Lab:
- Take apart toy, measure internal voltages when it\'s working.
- Disconnect Wire and remote control from computer.
Other Software Required:
To run: Latex, Dia, gmake
To use: Logo (I will modify the free version, there may be a patch for that to
control the HW.)
Other Comments:
- [Savannah-hackers] submission of Kids Robotics Class - savannah.gnu.org,
reto <=