This morning, we finished work on our package sorting machine. We learned there are many ways to accomplish the same tasks through programming and worked to identify bugs, decompose our code, and debug our programs.

Today we divided into new working pairs. The purpose of this exercise was to provide an opportunity to apply teamwork strategies to a new dynamic. Our new teams are off to a fantastic start!

Next, we focused on autonomous driving machines. We began with a simple driving base and learned how to execute controlled movements (e.g., straight move, point turn, curved move, turn with sensor, drive in a shape). We learned about drift, backlash, and the tradeoff between speed and accuracy.

We also added an arm sensor to our driving base to drive around and avoid obstacles. We used estimation to stop at an object and the distance sensor to detect an object. This project allowed students to exercise their math brains as we interpreted statements of inequality. We then combined control structures including nested loops and compound conditionals to develop our programs.

During our snack break, we watched a music video by the Swedish folktronica band Wintergaten on YouTube. One of their members, Marten, built an amazing musical marble machine. The children were mesmerized. With the permission of their adults, they can learn more about Marten’s design process and the many iterations and tests he conducted here: The Wintergatan Music Box – Now For Everyone! (youtube.com)

Tomorrow we will learn about biomechanical engineering! We will compare and contrast two grabber devices. Students will use the engineering design process to make prostheses for a client with an upper limb reduction.

Dinner table questions: