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Year 11 - Computing

Chassis design and build

Using physical computing to create a robot buggy

Unit Summary

This unit introduces pupils to physical computing by building a robotic buggy. They will use a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to explore inputs and outputs, and utilise a range of hardware components, including motors, reflective optical sensors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to build and test a buggy chassis.

Key Notes

  • A buggy chassis provides structural support for all the components.
  • A chassis must be strong enough to enable the buggy to function reliably.
  • Visual inspections can help identify and fix issues before they become problems that are harder to fix.
  • Motors can be controlled through code to change the direction of a buggy.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • chassis: the base frame or structure that supports and holds components
  • strong: able to withstand force, pressure or wear
  • visual inspection: looking at something carefully to see if you can find any problems

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • As long as the components are attached the buggy will work fine.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

A buggy chassis provides structural support for all the components. A chassis must be strong enough to enable the buggy to function reliably.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'chassis'

the base frame or structure that supports and holds components. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: As long as the components are attached the buggy will work fine. Correction: A good chassis design isn't just about holding parts. Care should be taken when positioning and securing components to ensure the buggy is reliable, easy to fix and functions as intended.

More Lessons In This Unit

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