SHS2 Robotics · Semester 2 Week 12: Robot Construction

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Create robots using robotic kits and/or local materials to implement basic mechanics for actuations that make use of gears, swinging mechanisms, reciprocating mechanisms, cam mechanisms, and intermittent motion.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify and explain at least three mechanisms (swinging, reciprocating, cam, or intermittent motion) and describe how gears are used to achieve each one.
Sketch a labelled design for a robotic subsystem that uses gears to produce a specified actuation (for example, a swinging arm or a reciprocating pusher).
Construct a working prototype of a mechanical subsystem using robotic kits or local materials that demonstrates at least one of the listed mechanisms.
Test and refine their prototype, explaining how gear arrangement affects the speed, force, or direction of the output motion.
Present and justify their group’s design solution, including how each member contributed to the creative and construction process.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Robot Construction and Programming (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Robot Construction (3.2)
Content standard: 2.3.2.CS.2 - 2.3.2.CS.2 Demonstrate the ability to create robots, vehicles, and other contraptions with moving parts. 2.3.2.LO.2 Create robots using fabricated robotic materials or local materials to implement basic mechanics.
Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Create robots using robotic kits and/or local materials to implement basic mechanics for actuations that make use of the following: Gears Swinging Mechanisms Reciprocating Mechanisms Cam Mechanisms Intermittent Motion Vehicles Using Caster Wheels Crawlers Moving Without Tires Moving like an inchworm Arms, Wings & Others Shooting robots Automatic Doors Raking up or out Creating Wind
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 12 (Week 32 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 121

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for Learning: Lead a discussion on how the arrangement and combination of different gears can be used to realise Swinging Mechanisms, Reciprocating Mechanisms, Cam Mechanisms and Intermittent Motion in control systems.

Experiential Learning: Provide use cases for problems that will require the use of gears to achieve swinging mechanisms, reciprocating mechanisms, cam mechanisms, and intermittent motion in control systems. Learners work in groups to build fully functional robotic subsystems for the actuation of controls that satisfy conditions in the given use cases. The following steps should be adapted for this activity:
- Learners brainstorm Ideas & Solutions for the given Use Case
- Learners discuss the brainstormed design ideas.
- Learners consider building components needed and available.
- Choose the best design.
- Sketch out their design ideas on paper.
- Learners build a prototype of the best design using robotics kits or local materials.

Discuss the following items with your team and be prepared to share them with the rest of the class.
- How did the team arrive at the final design solution?
- Is the design realistic and well-proportioned?
- How did each team member contribute towards the overall design?
- Do you feel like everyone had an equal opportunity to contribute to the creative process?

Assessment (2.3.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Robotic kits and Virtual labs (PC with software such as MATLAB-Simulink, LabView, Proteus, Electronic workbench, Crocodile, etc.)
- Local materials.