Electronics Robot Project
About
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, Electronics, or Computer and Electrical Engineering, stand out as among the most promising and in-demand career fields. Just like in the realm of software engineering, these disciplines offer exciting prospects for aspiring professionals. According to industry experts, job prospects in Electrical and Computer Engineering are rated as "very high," and starting salaries often range from $50,000 to $100,000, making it an attractive and financially rewarding career choice.
This course is for students who are interested in Electronics and Embedded Programming.
The Importance of Electronics
The significance of Electronics extends beyond the traditional boundaries of the field. In the digital age, the ability to understand and work with electronic systems is a valuable skill for individuals pursuing careers in various domains, including:
Web Development
In the world of web development, knowledge of electronic components and electrical systems can provide a deeper understanding of how web applications interact with hardware devices, enhancing the quality of user experiences.
Data Science
For data scientists, a strong foundation in electronics and electrical engineering is crucial for designing data collection systems, sensors, and instrumentation that gather critical information for analysis.
Game Development
Game developers benefit from a solid grasp of electronics and electrical engineering to create immersive gaming experiences that leverage hardware capabilities to their fullest potential.
Business Analytics
In the realm of business analytics, understanding the underlying electronic infrastructure is essential for making informed decisions and optimising operations.
IT and Telecommunication
Professionals in IT and telecommunications rely on electronics and electrical engineering principles to maintain and enhance communication networks, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Robotics and AI
Robotics and artificial intelligence thrive on a foundation of electronic and electrical engineering, enabling the development of intelligent machines that interact with the physical world.
~~~ Big Ideas in Electronics ~~~
The discipline of Electronics embodies whanaungatanga. Outcomes are made by people, for people, within cultural, social, and environmental contexts
It means that electronic outcomes are created by people for people and deeply connected to culture, society, and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of technology serving society's well-being, respecting various cultures, and being eco-conscious. This approach ensures that Electronics innovations are meaningful, sustainable, and closely tied to human experiences.
Electronic outcomes are created for a purpose by following established processes
Electronics outcomes are meticulously crafted for a specific purpose by following well-established processes. Students are taught to adopt an iterative approach which involves a cycle of designing, constructing, testing, refining, and re-testing their outcomes.
The discipline of Electronics embodies auahatanga. Outcomes solve problems and enhance and expand human possibilities.
Here, outcomes are designed to address real-world problems and expand human possibilities. Electronics and computers are versatile tools, leveraging data and algorithms to solve complex problems and perform tasks beyond human capability. Students learn how knowledge, skills, and collaboration empower them to improve existing solutions and create innovative responses. They understand that possibilities are limited only by their imagination, making Electronics a fast-moving field driven by creative thinking and experimentation.
All digital technologies are underpinned by algorithms and computer science principles
Electronics is inherently built upon the foundation of algorithms and computer science principles, where computers excel in rapidly processing extensive data. Algorithms play a pivotal role as precise instructions guiding computers in solving problems, providing the flexibility that makes them invaluable in various applications. In the field of Electronics, students will delve into these fundamental principles, gaining a deeper understanding of the core concepts that underpin the technology and its vast potential.
~~~ OVERVIEW OF COURSE ~~~
The course starts with 6 weeks of developing skills and understanding basic circuit design, electronic components, constructions techniques, and test and measurement. The next two units is about developing embedded programming skills using Arduino C and C++ skills. This is an opportunity to develop all the skills that you'll need without any assessment or risk and have some fun. This will end in a 5-credit assessment, AS92004 - Create a Computer Program.
After you have an idea of your own capabilities and the capabilities of the software, you develop a robot for a specific purpose. For this you will need to develop soldering skills. This will be assessed at the end with a 5-credit standard, AS92005 - Develop a digital technologies outcome.
The next step is to design your own electronics outcome, including enclosure design. For this unit you will also develop Fusion 360 skills to develop the enclosure for your electronic design. This could be evaluated against the Materials and Processing standard. AS92012 - Develop a Materials and Processing Technology outcome in an authentic context. (6 credits). You will create a portfolio of work that will be assessed at the end as part of an external DCAT exam against, AS92007- Design a digital technologies outcome, a 5-credit standard.
The students should have access to
Soldering
Soldering irons
Extractor fans
Solder
Veroboard or protoboard for soldering practice.
A range of wires and resistors
Multimeters
A range of basic electronic components:
Resistors, capacitors, LDR, diodes, LEDs, transistors, 555 timers, Op amps .
Arduino Uno
Breadboard with a variety of Dupont cables and breadboard wire.
Basic tools such as electronic pliers, side cutters, wire strippers, helping hands
Arduino Uno Robot kit
Software:
Fusion 360 (Educations License).
Simulation Software(Yenka, Circuit Wizard, CircuitLab) or other program that can simulate circuits using schematic diagrams.)
~~~ TIMELINE ~~~
~~~ COURSE MATERIAL ~~~
Unit 1: Basic Electronic Skills and Understanding
(approximately 6 weeks)
You will enhance your understanding of electronics concepts and components through simulations, theoretical analysis, and the construction of practical circuits. You will learn how to interpret schematic diagrams and apply them in circuit construction.
You will gain proficiency in fault-finding techniques and the use of multimeters for both debugging and component testing.
Unit 2: Embedded Programming
(approximately 2 weeks)
This unit leverages C++ to enhance your Arduino C development skills. Covering docstrings, comments, variables, sequences, functions, loops, and selections, it equips you to create innovative projects with external electronic components. Dive into this dynamic combination for a more profound understanding and greater proficiency in Arduino programming. Complete tutorials and challenges using the serial monitor before moving the next unit.
Unit 3: Electronics and the Arduino
(approximately 6 weeks)
You will leverage your C++ proficiency to advance your embedded programming skills with Arduino C using Tinkercad Circuits, Arduino IDE and breadboard circuits. You will become proficient in Arduino usage and apply your electronics knowledge from the first unit to enhance your skills through hands-on projects. This will deepen your understanding of design principles at the intersection of theory and practice using the Arduino platform. ending with a 5-credit Programming assessment
Unit 4: Develop a Robot for a specific purpose
(approximately 10 weeks)
This unit involves a 10-week assessment where you construct an Arduino robot based on a given design, applying your course knowledge and skills in sprints.
You will also develop skills and understanding of soldering and soldering safety. This is required to construct the robot.
This will be a 5-credit internal assessment.
Unit 5: Electronics Design and Enclosure Design
(approximately 8 weeks)
In this unit, you'll research and the principles of manakitanga and kaitiakitanga to develop a design considering the target audience, the wider audience, and the purpose of the outcome.
You will use data sheets, circuit analysis and simulations to develop specification, schematics and connection diagrams for your chosen design. Including enclosure design. This portfolio will be assessed in term 4 as a DCAT.
NZ CURRICULUM
Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes
In the field of electronics and embedded systems, students are immersed in practical scenarios where they assess and optimise algorithms, particularly in resource-constrained environments commonly found in embedded systems.
Concurrently, students apply an iterative approach to develop, document, and test essential embedded programs for their electronics projects. They incorporate design principles and usability heuristics, prioritising the end-users' experience.
Students prioritise user interface evaluation to improve usability and satisfaction, aligning with the goal of creating efficient embedded systems in electronics. (PO6 - Edited)
In authentic contexts, students investigate and consider possible solutions for a given context or issue. With support, they use an iterative process to design, develop, store and test digital outcomes, identifying and evaluating relevant social, ethical and end-user considerations. They use information from testing and apply appropriate tools, techniques, procedures and protocols to improve the quality of the outcomes and to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and meet end-user requirements. (PO4)