Let’s go head to head! With V1 of Beam Break, set up two side by side tracks and use the two IR beams to measure which car breaks the beam first. With V2, use the Beam Break mission and compare it to your neighbor’s time. Discuss how you would compare the two times in code to determine a winner.
In this project, students will apply what they've learned about loops and wiring in order to create a program that tracks the speed of a moving object.
Students will understand the differences between Potential and Kinetic Energy.
Students will demonstrate computational thinking core concepts, including:
Algorithm Design by creating an ordered series of instructions for solving similar problems or performing a task, such as turning a light off and on in the right order.
Simulation by developing a program to imitate the real-world process of a stoplight.
Build on the understanding of Beam Break Lesson 1 by coding to identify the winner of a race when it is too close to see.
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Troubleshooting Tips
Are you receiving a ZeroDivisionError?
Check the wiring between your sensor and the Pico.
Check to make sure your track is not covering the sensor.
Are you concerned that your sensor is not working? Let’s test it!
Open a new project in Creative Mode and use the Beam Break Sensor Test Code. Once uploaded, send your car down the track and your Yellow LED should light up. You can also test this by placing your finger in front of the emitter sensor.
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CA 3-PS2.A Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. (1.ESS1.A; 4.PS4.A; MS.PS2.A; MS.ESS1.B)
CA 4-PS3.B Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide. (K.PS2.B; 3.PS2.A; MS.PS2.A; MS.PS3.A; MS.PS3.B; MS.PS3.C)
Computer with USB port and Chrome or Edge browser
Piper Make Base Station or Starter Kit
Beam Break
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