Before You Begin

In this unit, students will learn about the Motorized Hook Module in the VEX AIR Flight Simulator. They will learn how this module allows the VEX AIR Drone to pick up and move orbit balls from one area of the field to another. Throughout this unit they will also explore how different objects affect drone flight both in the simulator and in real-world applications.

Be sure students have the following ready for use before you begin:

• A charged VEX AIR Drone Controller
• A USB-C cable
• A computing device with access to VEXcode AIR

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the purpose of the Motorized Hook Module on the VEX AIR Drone. 
• Demonstrate how to use the motorized hook to pick up and deliver orbit balls in the simulator.
• Demonstrate precision while flying and interacting with orbit balls.

Standards Alignment

The following standards can be reached in this unit. To learn how these standards are met, and view a comprehensive standards alignment, go to standards.vex.com.

Common Core English Language Arts (CCSS ELA)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 - Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10/11-12.3 - Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10/11-12.4 - Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grade level topics.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

• Empowered Learner – 1.1.c – Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
• Empowered Learner – 1.1.d – Students understand fundamental concepts of how technology works, demonstrate the ability to choose and use current technologies effectively, and are adept at thoughtfully exploring emerging technologies.
• Knowledge Constructor – 1.3.d – Students build knowledge by exploring real-world issues and gain experience in applying their learning in authentic settings.
• Global Collaborator - 1.7.c - Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal. 

As students encounter these words in the unit, it can be helpful to reframe them using common or shared experiences. For example:

• Suspended Payload: “Like carrying a backpack on a string instead of wearing it.”
• Drag: “The feeling of wind pushing against your hand when you stick it out of a car window.”

Encourage students to use vocabulary terms from the entire course in their reflections and Mission Logs. This helps them to continuously revisit terminology and ensure they are using it in the correct context.