Tag: Phase II

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Communication ECA Phase 2 Class 1: Insect Wheel Walker 20200108

Last week we started our Phase 2 class. Everyone did really well! This was a very complicated build with lots of detail. The build used a rotating rod in the middle of the body to spin a small arm on either side around. This arm was connected to one front and back leg. With every rotation the legs would get pulled pushed allowing the build to walk forwards on its own. Lower down by the feet (which were wheels), we used gravity controlled locks to only allow the wheel to turn in one direction allowing for maximum grip and efficiency while walking. Like I said before, VERY complicated! Everyone did awesome! Looking forward to seeing you all next class for more fun!!!!

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walky

  More partner works and tougher object to be done today.  We built a walker with a motor.  Since it is a hard one, they are working in pairs.  They show different ways of working as a group.  Some decides to work together at the same page and solve the same problems. Meanwhile some decides to work on different booklets to finish the project as quickly as possible. Once they know there would be a prize for the first one to finish, the competitiveness has risen. “It was lit” said by Roy.  The most common mistake they have made is the use of lock.  Either they forget to put one or the locks are on the wrong side of the leg. After a few pointers, they have managed to solved the problem and have fun.  They start racing and robot battling. 

Once again, IT WAS LIT

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PBP Phase 1 Combined: Class 7: Walker

Today we built the walker and used the material that we learned in the past two classes about screws, worms, gears, and levers in order to make the walker walk. The kind loved playing around with their walkers almost as much as they did building them. I apologise for posting these classminutes late as my PC ran into a hardware issue and could not be booted until recently.

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PBP Phase 2 Combined: Class 5: Simple Machines Part 1

Today we built a few demonstration models on simple machines. the students all appeared to have fun. We learned about the different classes of levers as well as steering mechanisms for wheels. Ray and Selina both reverse engineered a differential today from a model that I built, a task normally reserved for students in later Phases.

Next week we will be learning about a few more simple machines in preparation for the big build in two weeks. I decided to move the walker build behind the Simple Machines builds as the walker is a very complex models that requires a good understanding of simple machines.

Please ask the students to do some basic research into Simple Machines such as the Wedge, Pulley, Gear, and Inclined Plane.

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PBP Phase II Combined Class 3: Dragster

Today we built the Dragster, a fast car that it shot forward using the energy stored in it’s wheels and “charged up” using an accelerator stand. Many of the students finished on time however a few did not manage to finish.  Most of the students loved the Dragster and had a lot of fun testing them in the classroom. Parents ensure the kids pick up all the pieces as we found quite a few pieces on the ground today and had various missing part issues throughout the build.

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PBP Phase II Combined Class 2: Windmill

Today we built the Windmill and learned a little bit on how wind power was used. The kids had fun testing their windmills using using a fan that provided the wind with nearly all of them finishing on time. The topic for next week is the dragster. Please be prepared. Additionally ask the children to clean up a bit better as some parts were found on the floor.

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PBP Phase Combined: Class 2 Letter Balance

Today we made the letter balance, which is also known as a weigh scale, and learned about moments. The students reacted favourably with most getting their models done on time, Richard however needs to improve his building time. The topic for next week is the Windmill Please ask the students to organise their kits a but better as we found various pieces out of place and also to use their indoor voices, I cannot talk loudly enough to be heard.

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PBP Phase II Class 1 Power Car Trailer

Today We built the power car, which is the basis of all electric cars.
After explaining the rules of the class the students were able to follow them very well. The students were excited to start building and after a brief lesson on gear ratios, they were allowed to start building. The students listened to lecture and come were able to put it into practice, and with experimentation others found that as the wheels got bigger the cars got faster. They all finished their projects sooner than the allotted time which was marvellous. Every week, the project will build on previous week’s work and will get slightly more difficult, as well as tech new physical principles. This way the kids will also have more fun by facing a challenge. I thank the children who all contributed to keeping their kits tidy and well organised. I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

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Communication ECA Phase II Class 7: The Dogbot 20180418

The project we built today is the Dogbot. A Dogbot uses many mechanical mechanisms including Belt drives, gear drives, cam drives, levers, and linkages. Two students built the model as a group, then they conducted experiments by using different settings for cam drives, levers structures, and belt drives. The cam drives, levers structures, and belt drives (pulley structures) control the dogbot’s eye motion, the dogbot’s jaw motion, and the dogbot’s tail motion respectively. The STEM information behind this section are the motion transition mechanical mechanisms including belt, gears, and linkages. These are the key components composing the motion transition system of almost all existing mechatronics products in our daily lives.

All students finished the model and experiments with a lot of fun. They enjoyed the class and understand deeper of the key physics concepts behind these important mechanical mechanisms.

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