Step 1: Measuring Your Robot
Teacher Toolbox
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Activity Outline
- This exploration will introduce students to scaling and converting units by sketching and designing a Race Course. The students will work in groups to find an area where they can lay out their course. They will then measure the area they have for the course and sketch this area with the proper dimensions in their engineering notebook. Once the students have the sketch of the actual size of the course, they will use unit conversions to scale the course down so that it fits in their engineering notebook.
- Once the course is scaled-down. They will also draw a scaled down-version of the Speedbot on their course so that they can visualize how large/small the robot is compared to their course. This will help them to decide how the robot can navigate the course. For example, are the turns wide enough? Can the robot get through easily? Once the group has designed their scaled-down course, they will use these dimensions to lay out their actual-sized course using tape or other materials. They will then drive their robot through the course using the Driver Program to test and ensure their measurements and calculations are correct. The students will be encouraged to test and edit the dimensions of their course as they see fit.
- There is the option to scale using graph paper instead of carrying out multiple conversions.
- These skills will help them succeed in the Robo Rally Challenge where they will be required to combine their course with another group and drive the robot through the new combined course the fastest!
Hardware/Software Required:
| Quantity | Hardware/Other Items |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Engineering Notebook |
|
1 |
Roll of Tape |
|
1 |
VEX V5 Speedbot with a charged battery. |
|
1 |
VEX V5 Controller |
|
1 |
Meter Stick or Ruler |
Teacher Tips
Use the measurements of the robots while designing the race courses to ensure that the robots have enough room to move and turn without crossing the lines of the course.
Step 1: Measuring Your Robot
Measure the length and width of the VEX V5 Speedbot using a meter stick or ruler and write its dimensions in your engineering notebook.