dtsUnit 6: Robots, using the Finch [ Student Guide ]

 

Finch Robot Daily Overview Chart


Instructional Day

Handouts

Topic

1 - 3

Journal: What do you think of when you hear the word "robot"?

What is a robot? Identify the criteria that makes an item a robot. Evaluate robot body designs and create algorithms to control robot behavior.

 

4 Journal: Describe at least 8 visible features of the Finch robot design.
Programming the Finch.
Use the Scratch programming blocks that control the robot.

5

Journal: Could a robot like the Finch perform any actual, useful work other than as a tool for learning?

Discuss design considerations of the Finch robot.

6 - 7

Journal: What are some ways you could vary the motion of the Finch robot?

Mechanical Technology: motion, servos, dead reckoning and intelligent keyboard control.

8

Journal: What does the digital representation of sound look like? How would a digitial sound like a siren look different from a digital sound like a drum beat?

Making sound and music

9 - 10

  • Reading and Commenting Code
    • or
  • Algorithm Development

Journal: List at least 2 reasons why programmers add comments to code.

Journal: What are the rules of tic-tac-toe?
Reading and Commenting Code Algorithm Development: Robot tic-tac-toe

11 - 12

Journal: What makes one dance better than another?

Dancing Robot. Use functions/procedures. Come up with plans, compare advantages/ disadvantages then program.

13 - 15

Journal: Describe 1 way that robots use their senses the same way that people do , and 1 way that is different.

Robot sensors.  Identify the sensors on the Finch robot and interact with them.

16 - 18

Journal: What is an application of optical technology in robotics?
Optical Technology: responding to light. Light following robot

19 - 20

Journal: How does a computer tell time?

Robot Alarm Clock Project

21 - 22

  • Thermistors
  • Temperature change program
Journal: What could a robot with heat sensors do that robots without heat sensors cannot?
Thermal Technology:

23 - 25

Journal: What does an accelerometer measure and how do you think it works?

Accelerometer: Pong game: the Finch as a controller

26 - 33

  • Computing for good
  • Controlling a virtual character with scene changes
  • Final project rubric
  • Final project evaluations

Journal: What is a benefit of computer technology to humanity?

Final projects and presentations

originating from Exploring Computer Science exploringcs.org and finchrobot.com
compiled and written by Dianne O-C

Introduction, installation and setup of Finch Robots using Snap! and Scratch

Unit Overview with MSDE Tech Requirements covered.