Normandy SC

Class One – Coding

Today is centered around getting materials out and getting acquainted with everything.   We’ll start with coding.  Don’t worry if we have problems with the computers that’s why we are doing this early in the session.  We’ll need to know what is working and what is not as early as possible.

Project Make It Video

Caine’s Arcade

Coding 

For the Project Make IT Mini-Golf Challenge we are using the Micro:bit controller combined with the Crickit robotics controller. We’re going to program the Micro:bit using the MakeCode programming language from Microsoft. 

Materials:

  1. Chromebook or Laptop
  2. Micro:Bit & usb cable
  3. Crickit for Micro:Bit
  4. 5v Power Supply
  5. LEDs, Servo, IR sensor
  6. Alligator clips

Activities:

These basic activities will introduce you to MakeCode and acquaint you with how to upload code to the Micro:bit. Go to the MakeCode for Micro:bit page scroll down one row to the tutorials and start with these two tutorials in order. 

  1. Blinking Heart
  2. Dice

After you’ve learned the basics we can start playing with the Crickit robotics controller. 

  1. Make LEDs light
  2. Turn a Servo

 

Extra Links for today

  1. Student Entrance Survey
  2. Firmware for Micro:bit
 
Project Make It:
Instagram:  @project_make_it
Twitter: @project_make_it
facebook: @projectmakeit

Classes Two & Three – Micro:bit Pet

Now that you know how to program the Micro:bit, let’s break out our building materials and make a mini pet. Please be patient, these early activities are more about finding materials and starting to visualize the process.

Your pet should:

  1. be made out of recycled materials
  2. use the Micro:bit with the Crickit controller and at least one motor or servo. (max of 2)

Examples:

These examples do not all use the same controllers you are using but they all all good examples of basic projects with movement. You will have to adapt your Micro:bit and Crickit to work with your pet design. Use these examples to help you understand the different ways you can use motors to make your pet come alive. Keep your pet simple.

Materials:

  1. Chromebook or Laptop
  2. Micro:Bit & usb cable
  3. Crickit for Micro:Bit
  4. 5v Power Supply
  5. Anything else specific to your project.

Examples:

Inchworm

Extra Links for today

  1. Student Entrance Survey
  2. Firmware for Micro:bit
 
Project Make It:
Instagram:  @project_make_it
Twitter: @project_make_it
facebook: @projectmakeit

Class Four – Getting Started with the Mini-Golf Challenge

Today we are designing, planning and getting started.  Building your mini-golf hole is a process: imagine, plan, make, evaluate, and improve your project.   We’ll tackle the first two of these today, imagine and plan.  

Divide into teams and brainstorm

Imagine your project

A good place to start is picking a theme and doing some rough sketches.

Check the internet for inspiration

Project Make It Video

Caine’s Arcade

Plan your project

Here is a breakdown of the planning stage

Start by laying out and sketching the design. Use the layout page to draw your overall shape and features. Make a list of materials. Divide up jobs.

Grab some cardboard and build a mini-mockup of your plan.