Update - Video Montage!

Hiya
 Just a quick update, in preparation for my presentation, I have created a video containing pictures and video clips of my time at the University. I have also started filling in my GoldCrest award card, so I am still working on my project!

 Here is the video:

Day 18 - My Last Day!

Hi guys!


 Today I am a little sad, as it is my last day working on the JunkBots project, but also really pleased as I now have the chance to look back and see what I have achieved during my time here. 
I have produced 4 different projects, all with instructions and worksheets so that the projects can be produced at home, or in schools. I have also produced and Adult Resource sheet, which contains all of the solutions to the problems suggested on the worksheets, and further ideas for activities and projects.
I have also produced working models of each of my projects, so i know that they all work. Today I also looked at programming with Scott, and discussed how it works between the computer and the equipment, so I also learnt something new!


 Today, I completed all of my worksheets, checked them, and they are now ready to be given out to anyone involved in the project. Myself and Scott also worked on the JunkBot challenge, and Scott wrote the programming to control the walking of the JunkBot. This has now been added to the Worksheets and the adult resource sheet. This means that all 4 projects are now complete!


 Here is a video of my Programmed JunkBot walking:

So now, I am all done. Thank You Scott for all you have done to help me in my project, and I shall be applying for the Gold Crest ward as a result of my project. Thank you also to Nuffield for arranging my placement, I have had a great time, and I shall never forget my time at the JunkBots project!


So for the last time, this is Killafist: Signing off! 

Day 17 - Worksheet completions

Hiya
 Today I have been completing my final worksheet, the JunkBot challenge. I also revised some aspects of my poster, at Scott's suggestion. Tomorrow, I shall be completing the worksheet, and adding to the Adut resource Pack.


Killafist: Signing off!

Day 16 - Modelling and tying up loose ends!

Morning!
 So today I began by Modelling my Programming Insect JunkBot, made from 6 straws and only took 10 minutes to make. Pleased with the prototype, so I shall use this design for the worksheets and final project. Here are some photos of my Model and prototype:

Ok, now, as Scott is not in today and I need his help to use the programming software, I have decided to start my Poster which I need to do for my presentation about what i have been doing. Therefore, I will start that and then start the programming tomorrow when Scott is here.

Day 15 - Designing the Programming Project

Hi guys!
 Sorry this post is late! Anyways! On Friday, I designed the insect programming bot, so I basically designed the actual physical parts that will move. The design is very simple, easy and quick to build, however the programming will be slightly more complex. Here is my design, which shows the different movements as the JunkBot walks:

I also checked through all of my sheets, and they are now all ready for printing when I get the chance!

Killafist: Signing off!

Day 14 - Worksheets! (Yet again!)

Hey everyone!
 Today I completed the resource sheet, meaning all of my worksheets are now competed and ready for printing. I am pleased with them, they are ll easy to follow, understand and look pretty!  So anyway, here is the resource sheet :

Yes, that is a RoboSapien, because they are cool!

Plans for tomorrow: 

• Design the insect powered by a programmable car
• Check all my worksheets for grammar, spelling and layout.

Killafist: Signing off!

Day 13 - Maybe not programming!

Hey guys,
 I have spent the afternoon continuing with my worksheets and resource sheet, as we couldnt get the software onto my laptop. therefore, I will now use one of the University's computers when I want to program, as it has the software I need.
 I have now completed ll my worksheets, and just need to do the resource sheet for the adults. Therefore, plans for tomorrow and Friday:

• Complete the Resource sheet
• Design the insect JunkBot which uses wheel rotation
• Check grammar and punctuation all my worksheets
• Print copies to check the sizing ect.

Killafist: Signing off!

Day 13 - Programming

Morning all!


 This morning I have been adding to my worksheets, and now have all 3 completed and ready to go! I am quite pleased with them, they look professional and are simple to follow, with clear instructions! I used one yesterday with the  children who came in, and they found it simple to follow, although I had to read the instructions to them!

The first child-made FlyBot! (and the 2 children!)

  This afternoon Scott has said that I can start programming, and we are going to download the software! Looking forward to that, as I have always wanted to learn to program!

Day 12 - Worksheets Continued!

Morning all!
 Today I am continuing with my worksheets! I hope to complete both the FlyBot worksheet and the HoverBot worksheet, and then maybe start on the parental/teacher notes if I have time, pictures to follow!


Hmmm, change of plan! Today Scott brought in his son, and a colleagues daughter, aged 6 and 5, and together we made a FlyBot. Had some really positive feedback as well!


Thomas - "They are wonderful, and nothing can be better than wonderful. It can do lots of things.  I like the drawings it does. My favourite is the PicassoBot!" :)


Afternoon Now!


 I have basically been adding to my worksheets slowly, will continue again tomorrow!


 Killafist: Signing off!

Day 11 - Worksheets!

Hello, 
 Just a quick update, today I have been adding to my FlyBot worksheet! I completed almost all of it, however I have hurt my hand so one-handed typing has slowed down progress! I shall continue tomorrow!  


Killafist: Signing off!

HoverBot Go Crazy!

Afternoon!


 Ok, so after going out for supplies I have built my prototype Hovercraft, and its fun to play with! As Scott noted, there are so many experimental possibilities with this project, the number of CD's, the amount that you inflate each balloon, the angles between the CD's, there are endless possibilities! However, for the basic Craft, the best solution is just to have 2 Cd's Joined by 2 straw supports, (though personally I prefer 3) and then the balloons on top for the power. Therefore, this is the basic model I will include in my worksheet, however I will add a list of suggestions of experiments that can be done, which would be great for  design class or a bored teenager on holiday!


 So anyways, as I went through building my hovercraft, I photographed each stage, though i may need more photos for the work sheets.  I also tried out Scott's 'skirt' idea, though it didn't work too well on the actual craft, maybe I could look into that the next time I am in :)

Anyways, here is a video of the craft in action!

So anyways, plans for the next day:

• Look at modifications for the HoverBot and add write a list for the worksheet
• Start the worksheets for the FlyBot or HoverBot
• Maybe see if adding a fan or balloon to HoverBot would allow the Craft to be directed, without being too heavy.

Killafist: Signing Off! 

Hovercraft.. Do I need a motor? :)

Hey Guys,
 Well I have been experimenting with the hovercraft idea, and have made a few discoveries!

1. The CD is easier to control if it has a 'skirt' around it, as this creates a smaller airflow area
2. The shorter the skirt, the faster it will move
3. If you add straws at the side of the side of the 'skirt' it slows the craft down, and makes it easier to control.

So here are some photos of all these little discoveries!

SO! After this, I have had a little look on Youtube. The thing I dont like about this project is how it is so difficult to make it move, it has to be at the exact angle, and even then it is hard! But guess what? YouTube has the answer XD!

 

This is what I want to use! Basically, a balloon has replaced the fan and motor, as the air is released it pushes the CD upwards enough to allow movement, which is what I like, however , it is uncontrollable. BUT! I have a plan! I would like to attach four of these together on a frame, and then inflating the balloons different amounts should allow different patterns of movement! I want to use straws for the frame to keep it as light as possible, and then add a skirt to improve the air flow, and maybe some straws depending on how well it works! So, I am having a quick break now to go and fetch some balloons and eat, but I will be back! Hovercraft away!! :)

Day 10 - Hmm...Hovercraft Anyone? :)

Morning Guys,


So there has been a slight change of plan! This morning when I came in, Scott was playing with a CD and a propeller  trying to make it Hover. After a few minutes, success! So, after a lil' consideration i have decided to scrap the trike idea and build a hovercraft instead! It looks much more fun and interesting. 
 The basic plan is to use CD's with skirts and a handheld propeller above to make it move, nice and simple! So I shall have a play and get back to you soon!  

Day 9 - The Fan Racer comes to Life!

Morning All,
 Today I am building the first FanRacer, and photographing it at each step so I have something to work with when producing the instruction sheets. However, along the way I would like to  look at possible ways of replacing the supports with something else, though it was suggested by Scott that asking the kids to think of possibilities could be a good way to get them being creative :D So anyways, I shall be making my FanRacer and listing modifications later on! 


Afternnooon :)


Hello again, I am back!! Well i found a way to make the can stop rolling, I have added 'insect leg' supports! Basically the supports run the full length of the can, then come off at an angle to keep the fan at the back counterbalanced. (Theyare called insect supports because the FanRacer now looks like a Fly haha, perhaps I can rename it...any suggestions, let me know!)


So as I was making my modifications, I tried wheels, and skis, but I found using pens as skis made the Racer too heavy to move, and wheels as previously stated didn't rotate, though Scott did suggest I try and solve that issue, it may be a future project. 
Also, as I went through I have photographed each stage meaning that I now have instructions(Though they need to be edited) and photographs for my worksheet, meaning I can design my next worksheet when I work from home next week!


So anyways, Here is a video of the FlyBot No. 1! (Yes, it is now called FlyBot!)

Soo... plans for tomorrow:

• Look at designing a prototype for the 13-15 project, based on the design I have done, though I can see I may want to make some changes to make it more exciting!
• Possibly start the worksheet for the FlyBot, though it depends on how quickly I complete the prototype for my other project.

Killafist: Signing Off!

Day 8 - Age of the FanRacer!

 Morning,
 So far today I have completed my worksheet for the PicaasoBot, I got the photos I needed and inserted them, so now that is all done!  
 Well, it is now afternoon! I got a bit distracted so my blog had to wait I am afraid! I have spent the last few hours building and modifying my FanRacer. The FanRacer has had 4 wheels, 2 wheels, supports, skis, and now I have settled on supports. The supports are lightweight, and stop the Racer from falling over when the fan is going. Anyway, here are the photographs:

It looks a little like a plane! Just realised haha!

And here is a video of the FanRacer in motion. It works both with the battery in  and the battery held above:

Anyway, plans for tomorrow:

•  Possibly make a prototype for the other project, look at the age it is meant for, and be age appropriate.
• See if there are any modifications I could make for the FanRacer
• Make a first model of the FanRacer and photograph for worksheets

Killafist: Signing off!

Day 7 - Worksheets Continue!

Hello!
 Today i have been continuing with my worksheets. For this I have written the instructions for building the FanRacer, and I have completed as much of the PicaasoBot worksheet as I can, however I do need some more photos to fill in some gaps!
 The instructions are as follows:

1. Using the template provided, cut out 2 small wheels and 2 big wheels from the thick card.
2. ASK AN ADULT to help you make 4 holes in you drinks can. The two holes at the front must be opposite each other, as must the 2 at the back. Make sure the ones at the back are more than 5cm from the back of the can and under 2 cms from the bottom, and the front holes are level with the back holes.
3. Take a straw, and but one of the big wheels onto the end of the straw. Stick a piece of bluetack on the end of the straw, and put the straw through the hole at the back. Then add the other wheel, and other piece of bluetack. 
4. Take the second straw, and cut 5 cm off the end of it. Repeat step 3 with the smaller wheels and the rest of the bluetack.
5. ASK AN ADULT to help you cut the middle part of the can away,and the hole at the back for the motor. see the photos:
6. ASK AN ADULT to help you  attach the motor to the battery. Do this by attaching the wires from the motor to the battery, one red and one black. 
7. Insert the motor and battery into the can and secure with tape. Make sure it is held tightly in place.
8. Place a piece of tape over the hole in the can. Rest the battery on top of this centrally, and secure with tape. WELL DONE! You are now finished and your FanRacer is ready to go!

Today I also finished as much of my worksheet as I could:

Killafist: Signing off!

Day 6 - The Worksheets Begin!

Heya
 Today I began by doing a rough design for my trike. After some thought I realized that skis may be better than wheels, because it was suggested by Scott that using wheels may stick unless they are proper Meccano wheels. Therefore, I have scrapped the front wheel, and replaced it with a single ski which is attached to the bottom of the body. Hopefully this will create a minimum point of friction if the point of contact is small enough, fingers crossed! So anyway, here is my design:

Today I also added the photos to my instructions, and began making my worksheet for the  PicassoBot. It is not ready yet, however you can see the progress I have made:

Ok, so Plans for tomorrow:

• Continue work on the worksheet, complete it if possible!
• Think about the instructions needed for the other two projects and begin writing them

Killafist : Signing Off.