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The Curriculum section of this website includes information on using K'NEX in the ICT curriculum. The main purpose of this section is to provide some specific examples of K'NEX computer control projects, using computer control interfaces such as Flowgo (pictured).
K'NEX Computer control projects
We would recommend that when using K'NEX for computer control, pupils are set K'NEX challenges, rather than simply building a computer controlled model from instructions. This approach will make the project more enjoyable, and also develop the designing and making skills of pupils.
Some suggestions for K'NEX computer control challenges are shown below.
Burglar alarm
Level 1 - Make a K’NEX house, which sounds an alarm and flashes lights when the door is opened
Level 2 - As level 1, with a second way of sounding the alarm if a burglar enters
Crane
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled crane
Level 2 - Use the crane to pick up a weight, turn through 180 degrees, and put the weight down again
Ecodome
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled Ecodome with opening windows, covered in transparent plastic film (eg cling film).
Level 2 - As level 1, and use a temperature sensor to open the windows when the temperature reaches a set level.
Level 3 - As level 2, and also a device which waters the plants when the humidity drops below a set level
Fork lift truck
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled fork lift truck, with a fork on the front to carry a weight
Level 2 - Use the truck to pick up a weight, take it to another location, and put it down again
Golf-playing robot
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled robot that will hit a golf ball along the floor
Level 2 - As level 1, and the robot can turn to hit the ball in different directions
Ice cream van
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled ice cream van that will run around the floor
Level 2 - As level 1, and the ice cream van plays a tune and flashes lights
Level 3 - As level 2, and the ice cream van will stop when it goes close to a person
Intelligent insect
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled insect
Level 2 - As level 1, which will crawl around a table top.
Level 3 - As level 2, and it uses antennae to change direction when it reaches the edge of the table
Level crossing
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled level crossing barrier which can be opened and closed to let cars cross
Level 2 - As level 1, and the barrier closes automatically when a train is coming, and opens again afterwards
Robot arm
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled robot arm that will turn 90 degrees
Level 2 - As level 1, and the arm will go down to touch the tabletop, and back up again
Level 3 - As level 2, and there is a ‘hand’ on the end of the arm that can pick up a small K’NEX model
Lift
Level 1 - Make a block of flats with two floors
Level 2 - As level 1, with a simple computer-controlled lift that goes from the ground to the first floor
Level 3 - As level 2, with doors that open automatically when the lift stops
Lottery machine
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled lottery machine that will mix up coloured balls, with lights and music
Level 2 - As level 1, and the machine can select a number of winning balls after mixing
Rock concert
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled stage with coloured lights
Level 2 - As level 1, plus some music
Level 3 - As level 2, plus a spotlight that can be pointed by computer control at different parts of the stage
Theme Park
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled Theme park ride
Level 2 - As level 1, with music and flashing lights.
Level 3 - As level 2, and improve it to make it as scary as you can
Tower bridge
Level 1 - Build a computer-controlled model of tower bridge
Level 2 - As level 1, with magnetic switches that open the bridge when a ship comes near, and close it again afterwards
Traffic lights
Level 1 - Make a set of computer-controlled traffic lights that follow the correct light sequence
Level 2 - As level 1, but the traffic lights always go to green after 3 seconds if a car is waiting
Walking robot
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled robot that will ‘walk’ along the floor
Level 2 - As level 1, with eyes which light up, and the ability to make sounds
Level 3 - As level 2, and the robot will walk around obstacles in its path
Washing Machine
Level 1 - Make a computer-controlled washing machine, with a drum which turns in two directions to wash the clothes, and can also spin continuously to dry them
Level 2 - Create a wash programme that washes the clothes and then spins them, with a light that stays on whilst the programme is running
Level 3 - Add a door to your washing machine, and a switch which stops the programme if the door is opened
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