Robot Construction · SHS3 Robotics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.3.2.LI.1 - Create robots using robotic kits and/or local materials to implement basic mechanics for actuations that make use of the following: Gears Transmitting Rotation with rubber bands or chains, Transmitting Rotation over long distances, Off-centre axes of rotation, Changeover mechanism using rotational Direction, Universal Joints.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Construct a working gear train using robotic kit gears or locally cut wooden gears, rubber bands, or chains to transmit rotation between two parallel shafts.
Build a mechanism that transmits rotation over a long distance using a chain and sprockets or a rubber band loop, and explain why this is more efficient than a direct gear connection.
Design and assemble an off-centre (eccentric) axis mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear or oscillating motion, such as a crank and slider.
Construct a changeover mechanism that reverses the direction of rotation using an idler gear, and demonstrate it working in both forward and reverse.
Assemble a universal joint from two yokes and a cross piece (or from locally available materials such as bent wire and rubber tubing) that transmits rotation between two shafts at an angle.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Robot Construction and Programming (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Robot Construction (3.2)
Content standard: 3.3.2.CS.1 - 3.3.2.CS.1 Final Year project Demonstrate ability to create fully functional prototypes of robotic systems that address an identified glocal issue. 3.3.2.LO.1 Create robots using fabricated robotic materials or local materials to implement basic mechanics.
Indicator: 3.3.2.LI.1 - Create robots using robotic kits and/or local materials to implement basic mechanics for actuations that make use of the following: Gears Transmitting Rotation with rubber bands or chains Transmitting Rotation over long distances Off-centre axes of rotation Changeover mechanism using rotational Direction Universal Joints Vehicles Suspended Wheels Steering Mechanisms Moving Without Tires Moving through vibrations Arms, Wings & Others Using attachments to change motion Changing the angle of rotation freely
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 18 (Week 38 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.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

strand name - printed with an ampersand in this year and spelled out in Year 2 and in the scope and sequence; renamed to the scope form. Printed form: Robot Construction & Programming
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 167

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for Learning: Leads a discussion on how the arrangement and combination of different gears can be used to realise Transmitting Rotation with rubber bands or chains, Transmitting Rotation over long distances, Off-centre axes of rotation, Changeover mechanism using rotational Direction and Universal Joints in control systems. Experiential Learning:
- Use cases for problems that will require the use of gears for achieving Transmitting Rotation with rubber bands or chains, Transmitting Rotation over long distances, Off-centre axes of rotation, Changeover mechanism using rotational Direction and Universal Joints in control systems. Learners will 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: a. Learners brainstorm Ideas & Solutions for the given Use Case b. Learners discuss the brainstormed design ideas. c. Learners consider building components needed and available. d. Choose the best design. e. Sketch out their design ideas on paper. f. Learners build a prototype of the best design using robotics kits or local material
- Discuss the following items with your team and be prepared to share them with the rest of the class. a. How did the team arrive at the final design solution? b. Is the design realistic and well proportioned? c. How did each team member contribute towards the overall design? d. Do you feel like everyone had an equal opportunity to contribute to the creative process?

Assessment (3.3.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Video, online resources
- Laboratory
- Robotics kits
- Electronic components and Local materials (e.g., wood, boxes, glue, springs, etc.), Access to robotics lab with requisite tools (e.g., screwdrivers, glue guns, pliers, multimeters, function generators, etc.)