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

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  1. Security Zone
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  3. Resistor Piano
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  1. Security Zone
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  3. Resistor Piano
  4. Ther-Mood-Stat
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  1. Solar House
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  1. Light Show
  2. Light Show Animation

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Robotics expedition

Mission 2 of 8

Robotics expedition: Mission 2 of 8

Ultrasonic Drum


Intermediate

1 hour

Grades 3 - 8
MISSION OBJECTIVE

Learn how to play the Ultrasonic Range Finder as an instrument.

Piperbot and Pip need help soothing Baby Zomar to sleep. Play your Ultrasonic Range Finder as an instrument to help. Ask students: “How does your instrument know when and what sound to play? How does an electric keyboard know how to make a sound?”

View student interface at make.playpiper.com
MISSION CHARACTERS

Piperbot

Pip

Baby Zomar
Meet
the Cast
  Print Educator Guide   Student Worksheet    Student Quiz    Support
MISSION MATERIALS
MISSION RESOURCES Learning Goals Career Connections Hardware Diagram Code 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 use the distance measured by your Ultrasonic Range Finder to play different notes like an instrument (particularly like a drum!).
  2. Students will understand how to use variables, loops, and conditionals to convert distances to different notes using list mapping.
  3. Students will understand how the Ultrasonic Range Finder measures distance using sound waves that bounce 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




Code Diagram




Tutorial Steps

Ultrasonic Drum

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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