Session 3

The Navigator

Build a handheld device that allows you to navigate in the dark

 

SESSION ROLES:

🐙 = Site Coordinator

🦉= Mentor

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A Note for Site Coordinators and Mentors

This session guide provides a detailed outline for the Navigator activity, but feel free to improvise or put your own spin to things. If you have an idea for a challenge or prompt that will get students excited, go for it! If something is not working well, change course and experiment another path forward. 

If you do change things up, we would love to hear what has been successful for you!  

Session Overview

Students will use the littleBits Invention Cycle, and an understanding of the basics of circuitry and environmental sensors, to construct a handheld device that allows you to navigate in the dark. Students will then modify their navigators to make them function for different users and environments. Conclude the activity by having students create 30-second commercials to pitch their product.

Session Details

Difficulty:

Beginner

Duration:

2 hours

Subjects:

Engineering

Design

Science

Empathy

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Intro to littleBits

Invention Cycle

Supplies

Bits + Accessories:

STEM Inventor Kit

Device:

Mentors will need to bring a connected device (phone, tablet, or computer) to access instructional videos

Other Materials:

Extra 9V batteries

Tape

 

Nice to Have:

Colored Paper

Markers

Scissors

Description

Theme: Sensors

Objectives: By the end of the session, students will be able to:

  • Create and test a circuit containing a power source, inputs and output

  • Construct a prototype of a handheld navigation device using littleBits and other materials 

  • Test their prototypes and make improvements 

  • Self-assess their work based on the outlined success criteria and constraints 

  • Demonstrate their ability to Create, Play, Remix and Share an invention through the littleBits Invention Cycle

  • Summarize their process and Share the resulting invention by creating commercials to pitch their product

Resources

Inspirational Links:

Bat Vision Invention

Helpful Links:

DCI STEM STEM Kit Overview

DCI STEM STEM Kit Bit Index

littleBits Basics

littleBits Troubleshooting

 

littleBits Invention Cycle

Set Up

🐙SITE COORDINATORS: 

  • Make sure all the supplies for this session are prepped and ready to go.

  • We suggest handing out the kits during the CREATE phase, after the introduction.

🦉MENTORS: 

  • Make sure to bring a charged connected device (phone, iPad, or computer) to access instructional videos during the session.

Meet Up

5 MIN

🐙SITE COORDINATORS: 

Take attendance and make sure mentors are paired off.

🦉MENTORS: 

Take turns asking each other questions. Example prompts:

  • What's one thing you created or invented this week?

Introduce

10 MIN

🐙SITE COORDINATORS INTRODUCE THE SESSION

Begin the activity by leading a short review of littleBits basics (e.g. magnetism, order matters, color-coding).

Today, we will learn about sensors and construct a handheld device that allows you to navigate in the dark. Then, you will modify your navigators to make them function for different users and environments. We will conclude the activity by creating 30-second commercials to pitch your new product.

Discuss with the group prior to starting:

  • What types of alarm devices are there? Ex: lights, sound

  • How are they triggered?

  • What is their purpose?

Inspire

10 MIN

🦉MENTORS REVIEW SESSION INSPIRATION VIDEOS AND PROMPTS 

Career Exploration

As a warm up activity, mentors will explore two women in STEM who have made significant contributions to their field. Please take a few minutes to review the bios provided in the postcards below and brainstorm with your mentee what contributions she would make as a leader in this field fifteen years from now. Ask your mentee(s) the following:

- Can you see yourself in her job?

- Are you interested to learn more about her job?

- What inspires you about this role model?

(Expand on some phrases or words that may be difficult to understand.)

 

*The purpose of the postcards are meant to provide girls with the career endeavors and examples of STEM positions of successful women in STEM to inspire them and explore different types of careers in STEM.*

KatherineJohnson.png

 

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Download Women in STEM postcards here:

KATHERINE JOHNSON DR. JEDIDAH ISLER

INSPIRATIONAL INVENTION VIDEO OF THE DAY

Kid Inventor Anahit invented echolocation device for detecting obstacles in low/no visibility conditions and for blind people.

Create

35 MIN

 

🦉MENTORS: 

Facilitate the CREATE, PLAY, & REMIX activities with mentees.

🐙SITE COORDINATORS: 

During the CREATE, PLAY, & REMIX activities, float around the room and observe/help out where needed. You will also monitor the time and announce when the group should come together to share.


The Navigator

Build a handheld device that allows you to navigate in the dark.

littlebits_base_inventor_kit_5_-_tejar.jpg

CREATE: Watch the video playlist for build instructions:

  1. Intro to Wearables

  2. Create Navigator

Play

5 MIN

PLAY: Try out your invention! 

Click the image to play the video

  • Once the prototypes have been constructed, students should test their navigators to make sure they work and to explore the circuit functionality. 

  • Students should try using their navigators with different sized objects, objects made out of different materials, different lighting situations, etc.. Does the circuit behave differently when you change these variables?. What is the ideal distance for sensing objects in front of you?

  • In small groups, ask students to discuss/explain how the circuit works. A clear understanding of how it works will help them explore and experiment during the Remix phase. 

Remix

25 MIN

Now it’s time to put Engineering Design skills to work and customize the Navigator. How can you use Bits and craft materials to improve or customize your invention? If there is time, try out more than one remix idea! Here are some ideas:

  • Try using your Navigator in different places/scenarios. 

    • Can you use for something else besides navigating? Can it be a prank? An intruder alert?

nav 3.png

  • Experiment with Bits

    • Try swapping the Sound Trigger Bit in place of the Proximity Sensor. Bit How does this change the function of your navigator. Hint: try shaking your arm :)

    • Try adding other Bits. What happens if you add a Long LED. How could this improve your wearable device?

    • How could the navigator be adjusted for someone with a hearing disability?

  • Add Materials

    • Customize your Navigator. How would someone know it is yours? Use stickers or add other craft materials.

    • Wrap a paper cup or cone around the speaker to make it louder.

Ask students to explain their remix choices and the resulting change in functionality and outcomes.

Share

15 MIN

🐙SITE COORDINATORS: 

  • Gather students together to share their remixed inventions

  • Have students share their unique devices by creating 30-second commercials (to “sell” their product). Be sure the device has a name, a price, an intended user and a story around how it can be used.

  • Snap photos of the final invention!

Give a preview of the next session:

  • Next week, we will learn about smart objects and build trash-chomping monsters.

Reflect

5 MIN

🦉MENTORS: 

Reflect with your mentee: “What is one new thing that you learned during this challenge?”

Close

10 MIN

Wrap Up

🦉MENTORS: 

  • Make sure to power off the Power Bit and disconnect the battery.

  • Deconstruct inventions: Make sure to take pictures of what students have made. 

  • Clean up: Make sure you have all the parts shown on the side of the box and put them away in the kit.

🐙SITE COORDINATORS:

  • Store kits away for next time