Exploration
The VEX V5 Speedbot is meant to get you comfortable working with the system as quickly as possible. Now that the build is finished, explore and see what it can do. Then answer these questions in your engineering notebook.
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How can this robot build be more beneficial in some scenarios compared to a bigger and more complex build?
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If this robot had the task of pushing a ball forward, very similar to a basketball or bowling ball, what features of the robot build would be important? What characteristics of the ball would have to be considered?
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If you were tasked with designing a new version of this build, what would you add to or remove from the build to improve its ability to push objects? Explain with details and sketches.
Teacher Toolbox
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Answers may vary but can include instances such as the benefit of its small size. It has the ability to travel underneath objects that a larger build cannot. The Speedbot may also be faster compared to a larger and heavier build.
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Possible answers include stability, balance, power, or speed. Characteristics of the ball such as its size and weight would have to be considered.
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Answers may vary but can include removing parts for speed or adding parts to have more control over pushing objects - similar to a bulldozer. If students are struggling, another way to ask this question is, "What parts could be added to or taken off of the robot?"