Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Measuring Voltage Using a Microcontroller

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

In this lesson students will be introduced to series circuits, resistors, a photoresistor and a microcontroller. There’s a lot here, but it boils down to making a voltage divider circuit and measuring the voltage at different points. A second circuit...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will apply Ohm’s Law. Students will use a multimeter to measure current, voltage, and resistance. Students will use a breadboard to set up a series circuit. Students will read circuit diagrams. Students will calculate times for an RC circuit to change state. Students will prove that resistors in series have an equivalent resistance equal to their individual sums. Students will program the Basic Stamp to measure voltage levels in a voltage divider and RC circuit.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Controlling a Servo

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

In this lesson students will learn how to control a servo using the Basic Stamp. Then students will combine the photoresistor from the previous lesson with the servo to create a light controlled servo.

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to apply the pulse width modulation to a servo from a Basic Stamp. Students will synthesize two circuit designs using one to control the other through the Basic Stamp.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Rooftop

Solar Pathfinder Tutorial

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

This lesson is designed to allow the students to practice assembling and using their Solar Pathfinders, along with analyzing the data. The students will take a single measurement and digital photograph at a location near the classroom designated by the...

Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to properly assemble and orient their solar pathfinder. Students will be able to properly record the information provided by a solar pathfinder. Students will be able to accurately analyze the information provided by the solar pathfinder to calculate the solar potential (kWh/m2/day) taking into account variables such as shading, climate and weather.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Solar Charger Diagram

Can Portable PV Charge Vehicles?

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

In this lesson, students will begin to explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will test a variety of wiring options related to series and parallel wiring....

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage.Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage.Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs.Students will calculate, using data from field tests, the maximum power that can be produced using photovoltaics within the constraints of a typical passenger vehicle’s surface area.Students will calculate charging times using various PV array power ratings.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Creating a Light-Tracking Servo

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will learn how to program the Basic Stamp to use information from two photoresistors to point a servo at a light source. This will be the first degree of freedom for the flower head.

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Light (Visible)
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will synthesize the previous lesson for light metering and servo control to design a servo controlled by two photoresistors that will track a light source.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Charger Diagram

Designing a Solar Charger

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

In this lesson, students will further explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will be provided with a 12 V lead-acid battery and several 3 V, 1.5 A solar...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage. 2. Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage. 3. Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs. 4. Students will design a system of wiring 3 V, 1.5 A modules together as a means to charge a 12 V lead-acid battery 5. Students will predict and test the effectiveness of their designed solar charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours
Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Dual Axis Light Tracking

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

Students will take the previous lesson and apply them in creating a light tracker with two degrees of freedom. The axis of rotation will be about the horizontal and vertical. Teams will have everything they need to make this build work. They have already...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Light (Visible)
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will create a solar tracker with two degrees of freedom.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Charger Diagram

Photovoltaic Solutions "Shark-Tank Style"

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

In this lesson, the students will take their knowledge gained in the previous activities to innovate design solutions that will allow PV technology to plan an increased role in the transportation sector. The challenge given to them is to design a BEV that...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will use data and mathematics to design a solution for using PV technology in the transportation sector. 2. Students will create a presentation with visuals and specs outlining their proposed solution. 3. Students will present and attempt to “sell” their products to a panel of judges.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Integrating Solar Power

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

At this point students should have a working robotic sunflower that will track the sun with 2 degrees of freedom. This next lesson powers the whole system with a photovoltaic module. A Zener diode is used to charge a 6V motorcycle battery which then...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will create voltage regulator and construct a solar battery charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour