Educational robotics is an interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of computer science, engineering, and technology to design, build, program, and operate robots. It is a hands-on learning experience that encourages students to develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities.
Makeblock’s Educational Starter Robot Kit is a great way to introduce students to the world of educational robotics. This kit comes with everything needed to build and program two different robots: a tank and a car. In this article, we will explore how to craft these two robots using Makeblock’s Starter Kit and learn about Arduino programming along the way.
Introduction to Makeblock Educational Starter Robot Kit
Makeblock is one of the leading educational robotics companies, providing a range of products and resources for students to learn about robotics. The Educational Starter Robot Kit is designed for beginners and is suitable for children aged 8 years and above.
The kit contains over 400 mechanical parts including beams, plates, connectors, motors, sensors, and more. It also includes an Arduino-based mainboard called “mCore” which is the brain of the robots. The mCore board is compatible with both Arduino and Scratch programming languages, making it versatile for students to learn how to code.
Building a Tank with Makeblock Starter Kit
The first robot we will build with the Makeblock Starter Kit is a tank. This tank is equipped with two motors that control its tracks and a distance sensor that helps it avoid obstacles.
Step 1: Assemble the Chassis
The first step in building the tank is to assemble its chassis using beams and plates from the kit. The instructions for this can be found in the user manual provided with the kit. Once assembled, you will have a sturdy base for your tank.
Step 2: Add Motors and Wheels
Next, we will add the two motors to the chassis using motor brackets. These motors will be responsible for controlling the tank’s tracks. We will also attach wheels to the motors to help the tank move smoothly.
Step 3: Install the mCore Board
The next step is to install the mCore board on top of the chassis using the screws provided in the kit. This is the brain of our robot and will control its movements and sensors.
Step 4: Add Ultrasonic Sensor
We will now add an ultrasonic sensor to the front of the tank using a sensor bracket. This sensor will help the tank detect obstacles in its path.
Step 5: Connect Motors and Sensor to mCore Board
Using cables provided in the kit, we will connect the motors to ports M1 and M2 on the mCore board. The ultrasonic sensor will be connected to port 3. These connections will allow us to control the tank’s movements and receive input from the sensor.
Step 6: Program the Tank
Now that our tank is assembled, it’s time to program it using the mBlock software. This is a block-based coding platform that makes it easy for beginners to learn programming. We will use the “Tank with Ultrasonic Sensor” template provided in the software and customize it according to our needs.
Step 7: Test and Refine
After programming, we can test our tank by placing obstacles in its path and seeing how it responds. We can also make modifications to the code to improve its performance. This step is crucial as it allows students to think critically and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Building a Car with Makeblock Starter Kit
The second robot we will build with the Makeblock Starter Kit is a car. This car is equipped with two motors, four wheels, and an infrared sensor that allows it to follow a line on the ground.
Step 1: Assemble the Chassis
Similar to the tank, we will start by assembling the chassis using beams and plates from the kit. This can be done by following the instructions provided in the manual.
Step 2: Add Motors and Wheels
Next, we will add two motors to the chassis using motor brackets. We will also attach four wheels to the motors to help the car move smoothly.
Step 3: Install the mCore Board
Similar to the tank, we will install the mCore board on top of the chassis and secure it with screws.
Step 4: Add Infrared Sensor
We will now add an infrared sensor to the front of the car using a sensor bracket. This sensor will detect a line on the ground and allow the car to follow it.
Step 5: Connect Motors and Sensor to mCore Board
Using cables provided in the kit, we will connect the motors to ports M1 and M2 on the mCore board. The infrared sensor will be connected to port 3. These connections will allow us to control the car’s movements and receive input from the sensor.
Step 6: Program the Car
Using the mBlock software, we will program our car using the “Line-following Car” template. We can customize this code to change how the car responds to different line patterns.
Step 7: Test and Refine
As with the tank, we will test our car and make any necessary modifications to improve its performance.
Introduction to Arduino Programming
The Makeblock Starter Kit uses an mCore board which is based on the popular Arduino platform. This allows students to learn how to program using both block-based coding (Block) and text-based coding (Arduino). By building the tank and car robots, students will get hands-on experience with both types of coding.
Block Programming
The mBlock software uses block-based coding that is similar to Scratch. This makes it easy for beginners to understand and start programming without worrying about syntax errors. Students can drag and drop blocks to create code for their robots, allowing them to focus on logic and problem-solving.
Arduino Programming
The mCore board also supports text-based coding using the Arduino programming language. This allows students to take their coding skills to the next level and create more complex programs for their robots. Arduino is widely used in the robotics industry, making it a valuable skill for students to learn.
Conclusion
Educational robotics is an exciting field that combines hands-on learning with coding and building robots. With the Makeblock Starter Kit, students can learn how to build and program their robots using both block-based and text-based coding. By building a tank and car, students will get practical experience with motors, sensors, and programming concepts such as logic and problem-solving. This not only teaches them about robotics but also prepares them for future careers in STEM fields. So don’t wait, start your educational robotics journey with Makeblock’s Educational Starter Robot Kit today! So let your imagination run wild and explore the endless possibilities of educational robotics with Makeblock. Happy building!
