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Year 11 - Computing

Creating an autonomous vehicle

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 synchronise components and systems.

Key Notes

LEDs can be used for lighting, signals or effects.
Multiple outputs can be controlled sequentially.
Code can be used to synchronise systems through logic and timing.
Modular code can be used to improve system management.

Vocabulary To Learn

vehicle: a machine used for transporting people or goods
autonomous: something that operates independently without human intervention
synchronise: when two or more things work together in a certain way

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The microcontroller controls all systems at the same time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

LEDs can be used for lighting, signals or effects. Multiple outputs can be controlled sequentially.

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

a machine used for transporting people or goods. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: The microcontroller controls all systems at the same time. Correction: In reality, most microcontrollers execute code sequentially, one line at a time. It may appear that microcontrollers are doing many things at once, but they're actually switching between tasks quickly or handling them step by step.

More Lessons In This Unit

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