Guess the Constellation

Student Activity Instruction Sheet 3.1

In this activity, teams will build a rover, which will travel over a hidden constellation.  Teams must program their robots to travel over the hidden area and look for light intensity difference to determine the hidden constellation.  Teams will gather data from the robot on the layout of the constellation and prepare a written diagram of the robots findings, defining the hidden constellation.

            Procedure:

1.      Build a moveable robot

2.      Program the robot to enter the Hidden area, make 4 passes over the hidden constellation, and exit the Hidden area.

3.      As the robot makes the four passes across the hidden constellation make sure that the program takes as many light readings as may be needed to identify the constellation

4.      Team are limited to making 4 passes across the hidden area - SO, make sure to carefully plan out the pattern in which you will program your robot to move over the area.  Make an attempt to cover as much of the area as possible in only 4 passes.

a.       A pass is defined as a single forward movement across the area.

b.      Teams may want to use touch sensors to ensure that the robot stays on course.

5.      Upon the robot exiting the hidden platform, return to workstations.

6.      Draw a diagram of the constellation, the team identifies from the mission.

7.      Share your results with other classmates.

8.      Were your results different from other teams?

9.      If so, which team is correct?

10.  Repeat the experiment.