Moravian Academy
Dr. Lawlis
This is a science elective that presents an introduction to Engineering and Robotics through hands-on activities and programming. It meets on even or odd days in the cycle. Although the course assumes no prior knowledge of robotics or computer programming, students will be able to work on advanced engineering and robotics projects if they desire. Students with no prior robotics experience learn to assemble robotic chassis using Actobotics parts that have a modular design. They will have an opportunity to design and build the FRC robot, which uses an aluminum chassis, motors and motor controllers to perform various functions such as pick and place, launching objects or having the robot climb up a chain or pole. We begin the course by learning CAD techniques in Fusion 360, culminating in a design and construction of a 3D-printed fidget spinner. Students will have their choice of advanced projects, but everyone will be required to work on select engineering projects throughout the year. Students should be expected to work effectively in groups and demonstrate proficiency in design, construction, and programming of a robot.
Scoring rubric
| Eng. Notebook | 20% |
| Fusion CAD | 20% |
| Projects | 20% |
| FRC Robot | 20% |
| Final Project | 20% |
Late assignments
Engineering notebooks and projects should be turned in through Google Classroom. Any assignment not turned in by the deadline will receive a late penalty, and no credit will be given after two weeks. Failure to press the Turn In button will count as an assignment being late. Exception: Students may receive additional time if they have an excused absence (e.g. medical appointment or an illness).
Software used in this course
We will be using Autodesk Fusion for 3D designs, and OnBot Java, Eclipse or similar editor for java programming. Other languages, such as Python, may be an option depending on student experience. We will also learn programming using Sketch with Arduino projects. Students will need to use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for some robotics projects. There may be additional software used, depending on the project.
Notebook
All students will be expected to keep an engineering notebook in which they document their design and construction for course projects. The notebooks will be created electronically as a Google doc and shared with me using Google Classroom. Notebooks will be graded every 8 class days, so it is important to document every step of a project on a daily basis. If you are absent more than four times during the course of the semester, you will need to make up any work that you missed during Office Hours. Any work that is not made up will result in point deductions from the engineering notebook (12.5% deduction for each absence).
FRC Robot
FRC Robotics is a club that meet outside of school and on Saturdays, and is separate from this course. FRC stands for FIRST Robotics Competition, where teams build a robot in two months with the purpose of competing against other schools in two robotics competition. The top 60 teams in the Mid-Atlantic division (comprised of eastern PA, New Jersey and Delaware) go on to the district competition, held at Lehigh University. Students will be working on designing and building the robot during class, with the purpose of assisting the FRC team. Students are encouraged to join the FRC club if they are interested.
Projects
In addition to working on the FRC Robot, we work on various projects throughout the semester. Past projects have included the Yale Open Hand project, working on a robotic arm, drone technology and a ping pong ball launcher. Some Excel assignments will also be part of the project grade.
Absences
It is important that you contact me to see the work that you missed during your absence. Since this is primarily a project-based course, you may need to complete additional assignments outside of class to make up for the work that you missed. Failure to complete make-up work may result in a lowered project grade, unless exemptions are made for illnesses. Some Fusion CAD projects have video tutorials, and coming to Office Hours is not expected for these assignments.
Smart phone policy
Smart phones may be used during class for the sole purpose of taking pictures of the robot assembly and uploading them to Google Drive. For the remainder of the class, they must be stowed in the phone caddy on the wall.