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!