Mechatronics Unit of Work ‘iBot’ – CASE

Summary of Unit

Students will explore a range of local, national and global innovation solutions before developing fundamental skills of mechatronics. Using an engineering design process (iSTEM Process) and the Pitsco Tetrix platform, students will collaboratively build robotic prototypes to meet specifications and solve a variety of construction challenges. Students investigate the scientific principles of motion as the experiment, with a variety of actuators to develop an understanding of manual remote control of robotic functions and movement. While computer coding is not a specific goal of this unit, an opportunity to apply or develop coding skills (block or text based) to include sensor inputs and outputs for movement control exists for high achieving students. Students continue to develop communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills to overcome construction and design challenges.

STEM Learning Activities

Suggested Activity 1: Tetrix Robotics

Using the Tetrix robotics kits in groups students complete a series of engineering and robotics construction challenges using the Pitsco Tetrix platform; 

Prime Kit –

1. 1. Activity 1 – Think like an Engineer: Build & Run a Robot
   2. Activity 2 – Drivetrains: Build the Car Bot
   3. Activity 3 – Drivetrain modifications
   4. Optional: Drive and Speed Challenge (Students choose one of the 4 activities to complete Activity 6 -9)

Max Kit –

• 1. 1. Activity 1 – Build the Robot, run the maze
     2. Activity 2 – Wave the flag
     3. Activity 6 – Inch Worm
     4. Optional: Design Challenges (Students choose between challenge 1 – 4)

Note: This Unit requires the purchase of a Tetrix Robotics system available for purchase in Australia by Kookaburra Educational Supplies