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PIPER COMPUTER

Everything you need to teach STEAM effectivly using the Piper Computer Kit.

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Teach fundamental STEM skills while providing a bridge to career connected learning.

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ALL MAKE GUIDES


  1. Security Zone
  2. Ultrasonic Drum
  3. Resistor Piano
  4. Walker Race
  5. Walker Dance
  6. Walker Detect
  7. Runaway Rover
  8. Rover Sensor Steering

  1. Lighthouse
  2. Frog Frenzy
  3. Game Controller
  4. Minecraft Controller
  5. Retro Racer

  1. Security Zone
  2. Ultrasonic Drum
  3. Resistor Piano
  4. Ther-Mood-Stat
  5. Color Coded
  6. Pulse

  1. Beam Break
  2. Car Race
  3. Motion Ball

  1. Solar House
  2. Soil Sensor
  3. Air Guitar

  1. Light Show
  2. Light Show Animation

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Robotics expedition

Mission 1 of 8

Robotics expedition: Mission 1 of 8

Security Zone


Intermediate

1 hour

Grades 3 - 8
MISSION OBJECTIVE

Learn how to set off an alarm when an object breaches a set perimeter.

In this mission, you will help Piperbot and Pip detect when an object breaches a set perimeter using the Ultrasonic Range Finder and sound an alarm. Ask students: “What do you think home security systems use as the sensor? What about smart doorbells?”

View student interface at make.playpiper.com
MISSION CHARACTERS

Piperbot

Pip
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the Cast
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MISSION MATERIALS
MISSION RESOURCES Learning Goals Career Connections Hardware Diagram Tutorial Steps Blueprint Troubleshooting Tips
EXPANDED RESOURCES Term Glossary Standards Alignment
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MISSION MATERIALS

Computer with USB port and Chrome or Edge browser
Piper Make Base Station or Starter Kit
Ultrasonic Range Finder
MISSION RESOURCES

Learning Goals

  1. Students will build a “security zone” around their Ultrasonic Range Finder and sound an alarm when a Zomar breaches the zone.
  2. Students will learn to use if/then statements in code to create conditional statements.
  3. Students will understand how the Ultrasonic Range Finder measures distance using sound waves reflected off objects.

Career Connections

Robotics Engineer: Salary $104,600/yr
Automotive Engineer: Salary $95,300/yr
Civil Engineer: Salary $88,050/yr
Electro-Mechanical and Mechtronics Technicians: Salary $60,570/yr

Hardware Diagram






Tutorial Steps

Security Zone

Blueprint

DOWNLOAD BLUEPRINT

Have an different version? Look for more information on the Support Page.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Is the Range Finder not measuring distance?
    • Pay extra attention to the wiring diagram for this one.
    • Verify all your electrical connections, including that your Pico is connected to your computer.
    • It is common for the connections to be off by 1 or 2 holes. We recommend going through each build to ensure the connections are correct.
    • Don’t worry! One of the wires (NC) does not need to be connected.
  • How does the Ultrasonic Range Finder work?
    • The Ultrasonic Range Finder emits sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to bounce back. Measuring this determines the distance.

Our customer support specialists are on hand to ensure your implementation of Piper runs seamlessly.
View Support Docs or Contact Support
EXPANDED RESOURCES

Term Glossary


Robot A device that can execute a task independently of direct human control or activity.

Feedback Sensors Instruments that robots can use to make adjustments based on their readings.

Servo Motor Self-contained electric devices that precisely rotate or push machine parts.

Autonomous Vehicle A vehicle that can operate without direct human control, usually through a built-in autopilot system.

Bionics When we use biological systems (e.g., dogs, humans) to develop and design new robots.

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Standards Alignment


CSTA Framework   Robotic Walker Standards Alignment   Robotic Rover Standards Alignment
ISTE Framework   Robotic Walker Standards Alignment   Robotic Rover Standards Alignment
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