The Great Rainbow race will be an interactive workshop in which students build their own artbots and participate in a race to create the rainbow!

It is ideal for students 5th grade and up and only requires a micro bit kit, some electrical parts and art supplies. Each student will create a robot in class and decorate it as they see fit. They will then create a coding system with their microbits so that they can operate them during the race. After coloring in the race track, students will finish the third day of class by racing their robots to the end of the course to see which color makes it to the finish first.

Goals:

Develop skills with creating the body of the robots and exploring different designs for the artbot model. (Variability and Doodling)

Exploring coding and figuring out how it can be used to create an efficient artbot for a race.(Computational thinking)

Creating a functional robot that performs a specific task independent of the human hand. (Automation)

Develop students ability with problem solving

Have students explore new media as a way for creating art and consider how technology can be used as a tool for creativity.

Essential Questions:

What did you learn about how art and technology can work together?

What did you learn about the way electricity works from this project?

What did you learn about communication and team work in this project?

How did you decide to design your robot based on the assignment?

Supplies

Micro:bit pack1

Craft knife1

Screwdriver1

Protective cutting mat

Wires, servos and wagos, etc. (electronic kit from example.)

Large piece of paper for drawing the track

Magic markers

Multi-colored paper

Optional:

googlie eyes,

robot medals for winners

stickers for swag

Step 1: Creating the Art Bots: Construction

Each student will have an microbit kit which can be unfolded to create the body of the artbot. Carve out the areas in the dotted lines to create the area in which the wires will enter the bot and where the wheels will be placed. This can be achieved by using an craft knife. Other boxes can be used but should be made of cardboard and be pre-approved by the teacher

(following the instructions online for further details: https://make.techwillsaveus.com/microbit/activities/build-your-microbot-body)

Step 2: Creating the Artbots: Wiring

Insert the battery pack, the servos and the wagos into the inside of the art bot. Follow the instructions online to create the wiring for your device.

(https://make.techwillsaveus.com/microbit/activities/build-your-microbot-body)

At the end pull the wires out from the top of the art bot and prepare to set up the microbit.

Step 3: Creating the Artbot: Attaching the Microbit

Now that you have the artbot complete, attach the microbit to the top and connect the crocodile claps to the correct input terminals, as shown in the second image.

Step 4: Code Your Bots

Now, it's time to code your artbot. Follow the servos coding tuturial at makecode.com.

(The following is a step by step guide: https://www.instructables.com/Run-a-Mini-Servo-With-Microbit/)

This will give you a basis for creating your code. From there you can modify it as you wish!

Step 5: Decorate Your Bots

Using markers, colored pencils, and crayons you can color your bots and add designs. Get some googly eyes and streamers for extra flair. Stickers are also a great option.

To add a tail to your bot get some sheets of colored paper, stack them on top of each other and cut strips in them, leaving a seam. Then tape the tail to the back the bot.

Step 6: Attach Your Marker

Now its time to attach the marker for your artbot's "racing color". choose an area either in the back or sides for the marker and attach it with some duct tape. Use extra tape to make sure its secure. (No attaching the marker to the front of the bot – that gives an unfair advantage!)

Step 7: Make Your Race Track

Using markers and a large sheet of paper make a race track. Make sure to have a start and finish. Be sure to make the track wide enough to contain at least two art bots. Add a few twists and turns to make it interesting!

Step 8: Test Drive the Course

Have students test out their artbots on the course before the big race so they can get a sense of how to put in directions on the microbits and guide their bots through the course.

Step 9: Let the Race Begin!

Line up the artbots on the starting line and when the teacher says "1...2...3...GO!" input directions in the microbits and guide the artbots through the course. As they go students must input directions so the art bots will turn, reverse, circle around, etc. When a bot reaches the finish line, the teacher will declare a winner. Second and third place will also be declared. (Optional prizes: gold, silver and bronze key chains.