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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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Sensors expedition

Mission 1 of 6

Sensors expedition: Mission 1 of 6

Security Zone


Beginner

1 hour

Grades 3 - 8
MISSION OBJECTIVE

Learn how to set off an alarm when an object breaches a set perimet

In this mission, you will help Piperbot and Pip detect when an object breaches a set perimeter using the Distance Sensor 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
Distance Sensor
MISSION RESOURCES

Learning Goals

  1. Students will build a “security zone” around their Distance Sensor 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 Distance Sensor 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

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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 Distance Sensor work?
    • The Distance Sensor 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


Engineer Someone who designs, builds, or fixes things to solve problems.

Sensor A device that produces an output signal to sense a physical phenomenon.

Conditional Statement A coding instruction used to compare values and express and make decisions, like an if-then statement.

List A sequence of several values grouped under a single name in code. A group of items or components. A tool used to store multiple pieces of information at once.

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Standards Alignment


Individual Standards
  • CA 3-5.CS.1 Describe how computing devices connect to other components to form a system. (P7.2)
  • 3-5.AP.18 Perform different roles when collaborating with peers during the design, implementation, and review stages of program development.
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