Robotics Fun Patch
Patch Activities
I. Anyone who is a member of a FIRST Robotics team who participates in a competition or tournament has earned Robotics Fun Patch.
II. FIRST Robotics team students or mentors can invite scouts to attend a FIRST Robotics competition or tournament to earn a Robotics Fun Patch. What a great way to inspire others in science and technology.
III. FIRST Robotics team students or mentors can lead a scout meeting to learn about robotics.
Complete the following activities to earn a Robotics Fun
a. Gather the following supplies:
i. Lego Mindstorm Robot Kit(s) (one robot for every 3 people is ideal)
ii. Laptop Computer(s) With Lego Mindstorm Programming Software
iii. Instructions for Building Your Robot (Printed or YouTube Video) Sample instructions: http://nxtprograms.com/NXT2/castor_bot/index.html
iv. This Robotics Fun Patch Activity List
b. Discuss the following items:
i. What is a robot?
“A mechanical device that sometimes (not always!) resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or being programmed in advance.” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/robotic
ii. What kinds of robots do you know about?
Toy robots, Roomba vacuum, robotic surgery, mars rover, bomb site robot, car assembly robots, deep sea robots.
iii. There are five fields robotics. Discuss with a sample robot or video of a FIRST Robotics Competition robot.
1. human-robot interface (e.g. joysticks or remote control)
2. mobility (e.g. wheels, tracks, propellers)
3. manipulation (e.g. arms/lifts to move balls or Frisbees)
4. programming (downloaded from computer to robot processor.)
5. sensors (e.g. range sensors, light sensors)
c. Break up into groups. Each group will have one robot kit.
d. Build a robot using the printed or video instructions as a guide (e.g. castor bot).
You can find instruction on the links below:
http://www.damienkee.com/home/2013/8/2/rileyrover-ev3-classroom-robot-design.html
https://www.fllcasts.com/materials/282-lego-mindstorms-castor-bot-building-instruction#is-js-viewer
e. Program your robot using the Lego Mindstorm Programming Software. Start with one or 2 block programming instructions (e.g. move forward for 3 seconds, then stop), then test it. Add more programming instructions. Change the instructions. If you have time left in your meeting, add sensors to your program (e.g. start your robot with a clap using the sound sensor).
IV. Invite your scouts to have a lot more fun with robotics by joining a FIRST Robotics team!
Find your Robotics Fun Patch here http://www.girlscoutshop.com/THINGS-GIRLS-DO/ROBOTICS-SEW-ON-PATCH. If out of stock, contact ayershirleyfirst@gmail.com
Cad 3D Printing Patch
Patch Activities:
I. Anyone who is a member of a FIRST Robotics team who used CAD to design a part and used a 3D printer to print it has earned CAD 3D Printing Fun Patch.
II. FIRST Robotics team students or mentors can lead a scout meeting to learn about CAD and 3D printing. Complete the following activities to earn a CAD 3D Printing Fun Patch.
a. Gather the following supplies:
i. A 3D printer with plenty of spool material for printing.
ii. Computer(s) With CAD Software (e.g. SolidWorks or
iii. Instructions for designing or modifying a simple
iv. This 3D CAD Printing Fun Patch Activity List
b. Discuss the following items:
i. What is CAD? “CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. CAD is PTC Creo) product using the CAD software (Printed or YouTube Video)
ii. What are applications for CAD and 3D printing?
Instead of printing with the use of computers to create 2D and 3D designs. Common types of CAD include two-dimensional layout design and three-dimensional modeling.” http://techterms.com/definition/cad Architects use CAD to create overhead views of building floor plans and outdoor landscapes. CAD is used in developing video games and animated films. It is used in product design, civil engineering and simulation modeling.
iii. How does the 3D printer work?
Instead of printing with ink on a piece of paper, a 3D printer can use plastic filament to print a 3 dimensional object. The plastic is on a spool and is fed into the printer head where it is melted to a gooey or liquid state. The printer prints the object in thin layers from the bottom to the top. The melted plastic solidifies quickly creating a printed version of your drawing that you created using your CAD software.
c. Break up into groups. Each group will have one computer with CAD software.
d. Create a simple product using the printed or video instructions as a guide
e. Take turns printing your product on the 3D printer. Everyone should get an opportunity to observe the 3D printer in action. Take into account the amount of time it takes to print each product. Consider having pre-made products for everyone to bring home.
III. Invite your scouts to have a lot more fun with CAD and 3D printing by joining a FIRST Robotics Competition team!
Find your CAD 3D Printing Fun Patch here:
https://www.adafruit.com/products/490. If out of stock, contact ayershirleyfirst@gmail.com to find a patch.