NOESIS SpaceTech by Robotixlab

For students of D’ Elementary – B’ Gymnasium

A series of independent thematic workshops (Robotics, Electronics, Video Games coding, 3D modelling – 3D printing) on the common theme of Space Technology.

Robotics
Missions and challenges based on real-life problems of NASA’s Terraforming Project. We work with Theta Robot and the award-winning microcomputer microbit v.2.0, we discover by programming magnetic field, acceleration, ultrasound, etc. sensors, we reach its limits by testing the micro-motors against friction, center of gravity and inclined level. Will the robot be able to collect the rocks from the surface of the Red Planet and take them to the laboratory for analysis? Will you be able with your team to create an external temperature control device of the Mars Lander, so that you can put it in rotation in case of overheating? Will you be able to clean the photovoltaics from dust and repair the telecommunications tower after the stellar storm?

Electronics
Star Wars, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Apollo 11, Wall -E are just some of the films about space. In the Electronics section we enter the magical world of special effects and more specifically the sound effects of space films. We leave the digital world and “play” old school analogue. Design and manufacture of electronic laser effect circuit. We discover the oscillations of sound waves, play with materials and learn about resistors, capacitors, transistors and piezoelectric elements. We design our circuit and test it in simulation. When we make sure that everything works as it should, we “start” the soldering irons and stick our own electronic boards. We check, test and repair potential problems by doing problem solving. George Lucas get ready, we’re coming!

Video Games Coding
Design and programming of video games on the theme of space. We analyze the video games from the designer’s perspective. Does thematic scenario, the sound, the graphics, the mechanics and the rules of the game play a role? We learn Microsoft’s Makecode Arcade programming language that enables us to program our own game in a simple and easy way. We use physics rules and put speed and acceleration in the game, we learn and use coordinates on the X and Y axes, finally seeing the real usefulness of mathematics. We use variables and make point counters, stopwatches and “lives” to make our game interesting and competitive. We start with something classic for introduction like Space Invaders and end up with our own platformer adventure game with many levels and of course space theme!

3D modelling – 3D printing
We are inspired by the Ingenuity Helicopter, the autonomous drone that flies to the planet Mars and helps the Perseverance Rover and we use the technology of digital fabrication (CAD / CAM system) to build a flying machine. 3D design with CAD (computer aided design) technology and construction of the three-dimensional model with the help of 3D printer (CAM computer aided manufacture). Through this whole process we understand the operating principles of the 3D printer, the various techniques, the concept of slicing and the translation of the model into machine language, as well as the maintenance procedures of the machine. Will it be able to fly your own 3D printed model? What role does the weight of the central axis play? The angle of call of the impeller? The number of wings?

By participating and successfully completing each workshop you become the recipient of the unique honorary badge of each activity. Participants who manage to collect all the badges will participate in a special surprise project at the end of the year!

Age: D’ Elementary – B’ Gymnasium
Cycles of 2 meetings for each topic
Duration of each meeting: 120 ́
Number of participants: 15 people
Cost: 50€