This kit was built for use with the Microsoft® Hacking STEM Project, Building Machines That Emulate Humans.
This activity integrates life science with robotics, while incorporating crucial 21st-century technical skills like data science and software, mechanical, and electrical engineering for an authentic learning experience.
Emphasis is placed on the importance of combining science and technology to reflect the mechanics of the human body.
Build and Learn
- Students build a sensor that measures the flexion and extension to learn about tracking the movement of a human finger.
- Next, they assemble a cardboard glove and attach multiple sensors to visualize how bones work within the skeletal system.
Connect Your Tools
- Students connect their sensor-enabled glove (and/or finger) to the Excel® workbook via an Arduino Uno microcontroller.
- Utilizing the graphics in Excel®, students determine the flexion extended by fingers when contracted.
Visualize the Data
- Students run trials with the sensor-enabled glove and robotic hand to generate ideas to improve the range of tasks it can accomplish.
- Using a customized Excel® workbook, students can see real-time data input and analyze it.
Project instructions, technical requirements, and lesson plans are found at the Microsoft Hacking STEM website.
Classroom kit includes materials for 6 student stations and takes 1-1/2 to 3 weeks of classroom time.
Project requires materials from the Arduino Microcontroller Kit (STEM3.00)
Microsoft® Hacking STEM Projects are a collection of inquiry-driven, standards-aligned lesson plans that integrate visualising data into existing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum.
These hands-on activities engage students in computational and design thinking and situate them in solving real-world problems.
Note:
- This kit is supplied with US-style plugs, so travel adaptors will be required