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Movable Bridge Challenge

Integrated Engineering Challenge Challenge Packetv3.0

Team Members:

1. 3.

2. 4.

Challenge OverviewIn this challenge, teams will create an automated, movable bridge. Teams will be required to utilize a pair of light gates (using transmitters and receivers) to complete the challenge.

Click here to explore the entire Kid Spark Curriculum Library.

Learning Objectives Design and engineer a movable bridge. Create a program that can be uploaded to the Spark:bit and used to control the bridge. Demonstrate/present a working prototype to peers.

ScenarioSpark City is looking to install a new bridge that can be used to cross a river that runs through the city. The bridge will need to be able to raise and lower to allow large ships to pass through.

Design & Engineering ChallengeYour challenge is to develop an automated, movable bridge that can raise and lower on command.

*Building instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge are located on page 3.

Activity Time: 120+ Minutes

Targeted Grade Level: 6 - 8

Student Grouping: Teams of up to 4

Additional Lesson Materials: - Teacher Lesson Plan- Example Solutions Video

Kid Spark STEM Lab: STEM Pathways orEngineering Pathways (w/Spark:bit)

Prerequisite Kid Spark Units: 1. Kid Spark Basics2. Simple Machines3. Compound Machines4. Robotics & Coding 1015. Exploring Sensors6. Loops & Variables

Passage Area

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Challenge Criteria and Constraints1. Teams must work through each step of the Kid Spark Design & Engineering Process (see page 5) to design, prototype, and refine a movable bridge.

2. The movable bridge must be controlled using the Spark:bit. Teams will be responsible for developing a custom program that raises and lowers the bridge on command. See pages 7 - 9 for assistance in developing a program.

3. Teams must use two light gates (High Power IR Transmitters + IR Sensing Receivers) to activate the movable bridge. The bridge should feature an entry light gate that lowers the bridge when a vehicle pulls up to the bridge, and an exit light gate that raises the bridge once a vehicle has crossed. Teams can integrate additional sensors to the design if they desire.

Advanced Challenge: Develop a program that allows vehicles from both directions to enter/exit the bridge. *Teams are encouraged to review example programs from previous Kid Spark robotics units/lessons as needed.

4. When raised, the bridge must have a passage area of at least 10 cm in length and 10 cm in height to allow large ships to pass through. The passage area does not need to be centered between the entry and exit ramps of the bridge. See image below.

5. With each building component costing $2, the mechanical system must cost less than $110. The materials that were used to assemble the bridge structure will not count towards the budget of $110. See page 10 for assistance in calculating the total cost of the design.

6. The movable bridge must be structurally stable, well-proportioned, and aesthetically appealing.

7. Each team will be required to effectively explain all aspects of brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and improving their design. Teams will also be responsible for explaining the program they developed to control the design.

Passage Area

Length - 10 cm

Height - 10 cm

3

InstructionsFollow the step-by-step instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge.

1 2

2x Beams

6x Blocks

3

4x Blocks

4

4x Risers

2x Half Beams

4x Roadway Inclines

2x Beams

4x Risers

2x Half Beams

4x Roadway Entries

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InstructionsFollow the step-by-step instructions to assemble the structure of the bridge.

5 6

4x Risers

2x IR Receiver Sensor

2x High Power IR Transmitter

Teams must develop a movable bridge that can raise and lower on command. When raised, the bridge must have a passage area of at least 10 cm in length and 10 cm in height to allow large ships to pass through. The passage area does not need to be centered between the entry and exit ramps.

Make sure sensors are pointed towards each other.

Passage Area

Length - 10 cm

Height - 10 cm

5

Design & Engineering ChallengeFollow each step in the Design & Engineering Process to develop a solution to the challenge. Place a check in the box as each step is completed. Fill in the blanks when necessary.

1. Identify The Challenge

Challenge: ________________________________________________________________

Review challenge criteria and constraints. See page 2

2. Brainstorm Ideas & Solutions

Discuss design ideas.

Sketch out ideas and consider which input sensors and output modules will be used in the design. See page 7

Consider building components and cost.

3. Build A Prototype

Build a working prototype of the design including an example program. See pages 7 - 8

4. Test & Improve The Design

Test & improve the design for performance and consistency.

Review grading rubric (page 11), as well as the challenge criteria and constraints (page 2).

Consider ways to reduce cost without sacrificing quality or performance.

Fine tune the program. Look for ways to make the program more efficient.

5. Explain The Design

Determine the specifications of the design that was created. See page 10

Discuss the following items with your team and be prepared to share with the rest of the class. a. How did the team arrive at the final solution? Discuss how each step in the Design & Engineering Process was used to develop the design.

b. Is the design realistic and well-proportioned? Does it function consistently well? How could it be improved?

c. How did each team member contribute towards the overall design? Do you feel like everyone had an equal opportunity to contribute in the creative process?

d. Is the team prepared to share detailed specifications of the design to others?

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Idea 1Single-Hinged Bridge

Idea 2Vertical-Rise Bridge

Idea 3Double-Hinged Bridge

Movable Bridge: Solution IdeasUse one of the following ideas to develop a movable bridge or come up with a solution of your own design.

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Idea SketchpadUse the space provided below to sketch out design ideas. Make sure to consider the mechanical system as well as which sensors and output modules you would like to include in the design.

Sketchpad

Inputs Outputs

Motor Module

Light Module

Light Sensor

IR Receiver Sensor

Low Power IR Transmitter

High Power IR Transmitter

Bump Sensor

Angle Sensor

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Identifying Inputs & OutputsList all of the input sensors and output modules used in the design. This information will be important as you develop a program that will be uploaded to the Spark:bit and used to control the design.

InputsList all of the sensors that are used in the design and identify which input ports they are connected to.

OutputsList all of the output modules that are used in the design and identify which output ports they are connected to.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Developing a ProgramThe Spark:bit can be programmed to read information from sensors connected to input ports, process that information into relevant commands, and send those commands to modules connected to the output ports. On the following page, start writing out what you want your build/project to do based on the input sensors and output modules that were used in the design. This will be helpful as you prepare to create an actual program on a computer. Once you have everything written out, you can go ahead and create a program on your computer.

Example: If the Bump Sensor that is connected to Input port 1 is pressed, then rotate the Motor Module that is connected to Output Port 1 Clockwise (at full speed) for .5 seconds and then stop.

* Sensor names listed on page 7.

* Output Module names listed on page 7.

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Developing a ProgramWrite out what you want your build/project to do based on the input sensors and output modules that were used in the design. Once you are finished, you can use this information to start creating the actual program on your computer.

*If teams are having trouble developing a program, try reviewing example programs from previous Kid Spark robotics lessons.

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Design SpecificationsDetermine the specifications of the completed design/project. Teams can use these specifications as they prepare to present their design to others.

cm

Engineering materials used: x 2 = Total Cost $

Project Dimensions

How does the design work? Are there any key engineering materials that make the design function well? Does it include any simple machines or mechanisms? Briefly explain the program that is used to control the design.

Length Depth Height

cm cm

Project Dimensions

Cost Analysis

Engineering Notes

On Budget

Over Budget

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Challenge EvaluationWhen teams have completed the Design & Engineering Challenge, it should be presented to the teacher and classmates for evaluation. Teams will be graded on the following criteria:

Design and Engineering Process: Did the team complete each step of the Design and Engineering Process?

Design Specification: Did the team complete the design specification?

Team Collaboration: How well did the team work together? Can each student describe how they contributed?

Program Development: Was the team able to develop a working program for the design? Did it perform well?

Presentation: How well did the team communicate/explain all aspects of the design to others?

Design Specification

Team Collaboration

ProgramDevelopment

Complete/well-detailed and of high quality

Every member of theteam contributed

Complete/well- developed

Most members of theteam contributed

Complete/opportunities for improvement

Incomplete/opportunities for improvement

No program was developed

Few members of the team contributed

Team did not work together

Presentation

Points

Total Points

Proficient4 Points

Advanced5 Points

Partially Proficient3 Points

Not Proficient0 Points

/25

Grading Rubric

Complete/opportunities for improvement

Incomplete/opportunities for improvement Incomplete

Great presentation/very well-explained

Good presentation/well-explained

Poor presentation/poor explanation

No presentation/no explanation

Design & Engineering Process

Completed all 5 steps of the process

Completed 4 steps of the process

Completed 3 steps of the process

Completed 2 or fewer steps of the process

1255-02125-300

4 Output Ports

Motor Override Switch

LED Screen

Microphone

Power Switch

Speaker

Spark:bit Robotics ControllerThe Spark:bit can be programmed to read information from sensors connected to input ports, process that information into relevant commands, and send those commands to modules connected to the output ports. Users can create custom programs using Microsoft’s MakeCode programming environment. The Spark:bit is powered by 3 AA batteries and can be connected to a computer using the provided USB-C cable.

Program ResetTo reset the Spark:bit, press and hold the Reset button. This will reload the last program that was downloaded to it.

Motor Override ModeUsers can control Motor Modules and Light Modules without having to program the Spark:bit using Motor Override Mode. Once Motor Override Mode has been activated, connect a Motor Module or Light Module to output 1, then press the A & B buttons on the top of the Spark:bit to control the connected device.

Note: The Spark:bit must be powered on in order for Motor Override Mode to work. A flashing blue light indicates Motor Override Mode is activated. Make sure to deactivate Motor Override Mode when using the Spark:bit in programming situations.

Input Sensors & Cables

Bump Sensor

Light Sensor

Angle Sensor

High PowerIR Transmitter

Low PowerIR Transmitter

IR SensingReceiver

SensorCable

Sensor CableExtender

Light Module

Motor/Output Cable

Motor Module

Motor/OutputCable Extender

Output Modules & Cables

8 Input Ports

USB-C Port

(B) Button

(A) Button

Battery Door

Reset Button

Tip: Make sure cables are pressed

firmly into connecting ports to ensure a good connection.