The Hummingbird Robotics Kit is an innovative educational tool designed to engage students in hands-on learning through the creation of robots, kinetic sculptures, and animatronics. Here’s a detailed overview of what the product offers:
Purpose and Design
The Hummingbird Robotics Kit is developed to introduce students to robotics, engineering, and programming in a fun and interactive way. It is part of the CREATE lab at Carnegie Mellon University and is designed for students aged 12 and up, although it can be adapted for various educational levels.
Key Components
The kit comes in different versions, including the Basic Kit and the Deluxe or Premium Kit.
Basic Kit
- Includes a micro:bit computer with a micro USB cable, a Bit Controller, a Terminal Tool, a Battery Pack, LEDs (red, yellow, green, and tri-color), FS90 servos, servo extension cables, a light sensor, a dial sensor, and a user manual. This kit allows students to create robots with moving arms, expressive faces, and walking legs using moderate torque servos.
Deluxe/Premium Kit
- This more advanced kit includes additional components such as distance, rotary, and sound sensors, more powerful servos, servo wheels, LEGO adapters, and extended servo extension cables. It also features a broader range of LEDs, vibration motors, and gear motors. The Premium Kit supports the creation of more complex projects, including autonomous rovers and interactive systems.
Features and Functionality
Sensors and Motors
The kit includes a variety of sensors (light, sound, distance, rotary, and temperature) and motors (servos, gear motors, and vibration motors) that allow students to build and program robots with diverse functionalities. These components enable the creation of robots that can detect obstacles, respond to sound, and perform specific actions based on sensor inputs.
Programming
The Hummingbird Robotics Kit supports multiple programming languages, including Scratch, Python, Java, BirdBlox, and Arduino. This flexibility allows students to start with block-based coding and transition to text-based coding as they advance in their programming skills. The visual programming environment is user-friendly and cross-platform, making it accessible for students of different skill levels.
Construction Materials
Students can use everyday materials such as cardboard, LEGO blocks, and other crafting supplies to build the body and structure of their robots. This approach encourages creativity and resourcefulness while integrating familiar materials into the learning process.
Educational Alignment
The Hummingbird Robotics Kit aligns with various educational standards, including CCSS (Common Core State Standards), CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association), and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards. This ensures that the kit is integrated into curriculum requirements effectively.
Versatility and Learning Outcomes
The kit’s low-floor, high-ceiling design means that absolute beginners can build and program a robot quickly, while advanced learners can continue to develop complex engineering and programming skills over time. Projects can range from simple machines to complex robotic systems, including mobile robots, animatronics, and interactive installations.
In summary, the Hummingbird Robotics Kit is a comprehensive educational tool that combines hardware and software components to provide a rich and engaging learning experience in STEM fields. Its versatility, ease of use, and support for multiple programming languages make it an ideal choice for educational settings.
