Level 2

Level 2 of the Thimble.io curriculum that allows students to expand their knowledge of hardware and embedded programming. The Maker Level will start off with students building a robotic arm to add to their WiFi Robot. This level will be complemented by the addition of a new project that introduces students to Weather and Agricultural Technology. Students will interact with familiar components and learn how to apply them in creative ways.

Kit #1: Robotics & Mechatronics
(Module 4 - The Robotic Arm)
It’s time to add the finishing touches to the WiFi Robot. In this project, students will build a 3-axis robot arm and attach it to their robot. Students will also learn advanced kinematics behind controller devices in a 3D space.
Topics Covered in this Kit:
- Level 2 Chassis construction
- Servo Motors
- Servo Board Driver
- Line Finder Module
- Taped Acrylic Sheet
- Using Acrylic Mounts
- Nylon Stand-offs
- Male-to-male Jumper Cords
- Jumpers/Rubber Bands
Kit #2: Climate Science & Technology
(Module 1 - Weather Station Sensors)
This is the first project in a series of weather-themed kits that will give students an opportunity to learn about weather and agricultural technology. Included parts: temperature, humidity, pressure, UV-index, and ambient light sensors; LED Bar Graph.
Topics Covered in this Kit:
- What is Weather?
- Building the Weather Station
- How to Use Wrappers
- LED Bar Graph
- Indoor Pressure Experiment
- Datasheets


Kit #3: Climate Science & Technology
(Module 2 - Remote Sensing, Internet Protocols, and Internet Services)
In the second installment of this project, students will upload their weather data to a database of other weather stations. Students will view their weather data remotely and from any internet connected device.
Topics Covered in this Kit:
- What is Serial Communication? (UART vs SPI vs I2C)
- First Time WiFi Module Setup
- Getting Weather Data
- Using Chainable RGB LEDs
- Creating Super Simon Game
- Further reading on HTML and CSS
Kit #4: Climate Science & Technology
(Module 3 - Rain Gauge Design, Magnets, and Magnetic Fields)
In this project, students will construct a tilt-bucket rain gauge. When it starts raining, water is funneled into the bucket. It fills up one side of the seesaw-like actuator - causing the actuator to tip and trigger a magnetic switch.
Topics Covered in this Kit:
- Why and how to collect and measure rainfall data
- Assembling the Rain Gauge
- Testing the Rain Bucket
- How do Magnets Work?
- Magnetic Intruder Alarm
