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The Lunch-Bot

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Students are challenged to design and program Arduino-controlled robots that behave like simple versions of the automated guided vehicles engineers design for real-world applications. Using Arduino microcontroller boards, infrared (IR) sensors, servomotors, attachable wheels and plastic containers (for the robot frame), they make "Lunch-Bots." Teams program the robots to meet the project constraints—to follow a line of reflective tape, make turns and stop at a designated spot to deliver a package, such as a sandwich or pizza slice. They read and interpret analog voltages from IR sensors, compare how infrared reflects differently off different materials, and write Arduino programs that use IR sensor inputs to control the servomotors. Through the process, students experience the entire engineering design process. Pre/post-quizzes and coding help documents are provided.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Author: Mark Supal

COVID-19 & Health Equity, Middle School Science

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The unit focuses on the question How can people help end pandemics? It is designed to teach students about the COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and the impacts of the pandemic on communities. Over the course of the unit, students will study the COVID-19 pandemic in light of historical pandemics to build an understanding of the following key concepts: • How the COVID-19 virus spreads from person to person and through communities, • How strategies to reduce transmission of COVID-19 work, • How the actions of individuals can help to end pandemics. The unit also supports the development of two social emotional competencies: self awareness and social awareness.

Material Type: Lesson, Lesson Plan, Unit of Study