Intro to Robotics Level C and Level D Classroom Set
Regular price $0.00
Levels C and D are the final two of four levels in the Intro to Robotics series. Intro to Robotics is designed to start at the very beginning and systematically teach students electronics, programming, and then how to combine those skills to build a functional robot.
Along the way they will learn how to use common electrical components, read schematics, troubleshoot, and craft every line of computer code.
Please note, student must complete Levels A and B prior to moving on to Levels C and D. They will need both the skills and equipment from Levels A and B to complete the projects in Levels C and D.
Ordering Information
Orders can be placed here on the website or feel free to contact us for a custom quote or to submit a purchase order. Each web order or institutional purchase order must include the following three line items:
- SKU 455 Levels C and D Base Bundle (Includes Level C and Level D curriculum, 5 student licenses, 2 sets of Level C and Level D component kits)
- SKU 456 Levels C and D Student License (for >5 students)
- SKU 457 Levels C and D Component Kits (for >2 sets of component kits)
We recommend including the classroom teacher's email address on the PO so we can set up a download account for the teacher at the time the order is created. This will allow the teacher to access the curriculum without delay.
Levels C & D Classroom Curriculum and Student Licenses
- 660 page Level C curriculum containing 18 step-by-step lessons
- 460 page Level D curriculum containing 18 step-by-step lessons
- The curriculum is available as a downloadable PDF only. We do not offer printed copies.
- In addition to the curriculum, one license should be purchased per student. Please note, five student licenses and two component kits are included in the base kit bundle.
Levels C & D Component Kit
Purchase one component kit for every 1-3 students. Each component kit contains:
- Audio Amplifier x1
- USB Audio Adapter x1
- Microphone x1
- Camera Mount x1
- Camera Cable x1
- Camera x1
- Speaker x1
- Infrared Receiver x1
- Infrared Remote with Battery x1
- Transistors x4
- Relay Module x1
- Accelerometer x1
- Servo Motor x1
- Dual-Color LED 18mm x1
- Screwdrivers x2
- Upper Chassis Plate with Breadboard Attached x1
- Lower Chassis Plate x1
- Assorted Chassis Hardware x1
- Rear Caster Assembly with Ball Bearing Wheel x1
- Male-to-Male Jumper Wires x1
- Male-to-Female Jumper Wires x2
- IR Obstacle Sensor x 2
- IR Line Sensor x 2
- Plastic IR Sensor Mounting Hardware x1
- Ultrasonic Range Sensor with Plastic Mounting Plate x1
- Camera and Ultrasonic Sensor Mounting Hardware x1
- Raspberry Pi Chassis Mounting Bracket and Hardware x1
- Motor Drive Integrated Circuit x1
- Small Screwdriver (#2 Phillips) x1
- DC Motor with Wires and Mounting Hardware x2
- Wheel and Tire Assembly x 2
- 6xAA Battery Pack with Velcro Mounting Strips x1
- 9-Volt to 5-Volt Voltage Regulator x1
- Digital Multimeter x1
Please note, all components are ready to use. Any soldering or other critical modifications have been made to each piece of equipment to ensure a student can use the component without issues. Please contact us if replacement components are needed. Part compatibility or required prep work (soldering, etc.) is a potential issue when purchasing components from other sources.
For each component kit purchased, you will also need the following items (not included):
- A Desktop Computer, Laptop, or Chromebook
- Anti-Static Mat
- Highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera; click here to find one at a bargain price. This is particularly needed in Level C.
- AA Batteries x6
- These will power the robot, we recommend rechargeable batteries, click here to learn more
- 9v Battery
- USB Drive
- Minimum 4gb
- Electrical Tape
- Used to build a track on the floor for the robot to follow; use black electrical tape if you have light colored flooring, use white electrical tape if you have dark colored flooring
- USB to SD Card Adapter (optional)
- Optional activity in Lesson D-1 shows students how to back up their SD card to their computer, click here to see links to adapters
Besides the items above, you’ll need the same items you have on hand from working through Levels A - B:
- Level A and B Curriculum and Component Kits
- Computer Monitor
- A television can also be used provided it has HDMI inputs
- Please note, a laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose
- HDMI cable
- Likely attached to your computer monitor
- AA Batteries x2
-
Keyboard and Mouse
- Please use a wired keyboard and mouse if possible. Wireless models do not work reliably with the Raspberry Pi. Visit the Level A Resource List for a list of inexpensive keyboard and mouse options.
-
Internet access (wired or wireless)
- For this level of the course, internet access is required to download libraries and modules.
Please note, none of the equipment needs to be exclusive to the Raspberry Pi. Students may be able to use monitors, keyboards, and mice currently in the computer lab. Double check for the proper inputs and cables.
Levels C & D Scope and Sequence
- Expand project flexibility with networking and remote access.
- Write Bash scripts and using Bash programming
- Use microphones, speakers, audio amplifiers, and audio software.
- Work with servo motors to add movement to projects.
- Multiple methods for gathering data from internet feeds and databases including API data access as well as how to use data in projects.
- Work with accelerometers and gyros to allow for multi-axis measurements in projects.
- Use relays to control high-powered devices.
- Create your own Graphical User Interface (GUI) using the popular module Tkinter to create a user-friendly interface for programs and display data.
- Build a web server using popular (free) server software packages like Bottle and Apache to add web page control to projects.
- Use a camera to gather data and see real-time events.
- Learn to protect and recover operating files and project data
- Use a digital multimeter (included in kit)
- Construct the robot chassis including wheels, motor mounts, and motors
- Control the robot remotely via VNC
- Add and configure various sensors, an audio amplifier, and speaker
- Use a camera to collect information and see the world from the robot's point of view
- Set up the mobile power system including gaining understanding of benefits and drawbacks of various battery power options
- Learn to drive and troubleshoot motors through code including coordinating multiple motors
- Set up keyboard control of robot while accounting for focus, keypress, and repeat rate issues
- Build a webpage and use CGI scripts to control the robot remotely
- Use a web page to view video generated by the robot and trigger the robot to play audio files
- Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electrical circuits and computer programs.
- Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online.
- Gain the skills to systematically plan large projects including identifying needed functionality, part compatibility, and keep appropriate documentation
Samples
- Click here to view the Scope and Sequence for Level C
- Click here to view sample Lesson C-6
- Click here to view sample Lesson C-11
- Click here to view sample Lesson C-18 (Final Project)
- Click here to view the Scope and Sequence for Level D
- Click here to view sample Lesson D-2
- Click here to view sample Lesson D-11
- Click here to view sample Lesson D-16
Levels C & D FAQ
Q. What age is this curriculum appropriate for?
A. We've designed Levels C and D to be used by high school students. We do not recommend Levels C and D for middle school students in a classroom setting unless the students are academically gifted and working with a low student to teacher ratio.
Q. How will I receive my order?
A. The PDF files containing the curriculum can be downloaded following purchase. Printed copies of the curriculum are not available. The component kits will be shipped to you.
If ordering via PO, please include the email address for the classroom teacher so a download account can be set up at the time the order is placed.
Q. How many lessons are in Levels C & D and how long does each lesson take?
A. There are 18 lessons in each level. Each lesson will take 2-3 hours to complete. If students are meeting five days a week, Levels C and D can be completed in a semester. If students only meet 2-3 days a week, we would recommend planning a full academic year to complete both levels.
Q. What if we have a question or run into a problem?
A. We are here to help! Click here to contact us and we will help you get back on the right track.
A. With proper care, most of the components are non-consumable. In reality some of the more fragile parts (LEDs, resistors, etc.) may need to be replaced fairly regularly but those particular components are inexpensive to replace. Contact us for information on replacement parts so we can help ensure compatibility and help you find a bulk solution if you are teaching large numbers of students.