Maker
(Level 2)
The Maker Level is the second tier of the Thimble 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. Students will use sensors to measure and analyze the fundamental units of weather. 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
