Make It Move: Muscle Wire Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students construct a lever that is moved by muscle wire. This is a conductor that contracts when an electric current is passed through it. The wire movement controls a lever. Students are asked to consider: • What are the advantages and disadvantages of this…
Make It Move: Rotating Arm Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a rotating arm actuator. This uses a geared dc motor to turn a friction fit arm. Two cams can be set at different angles to operate limit switches to control the movement of the arm. Power is fed to the motor using an H bridge switching circuit. Two single…
Make It Move: Electric Racer
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students build an electric racer powered by a super-capacitor. Students must construct the racer and choose which pulley ratio will enable it to cover the greatest distance. Students decide on the pulley ratio following observations of the in-air wheel speed. It is tempting…
Make It Move: Linear Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a linear actuator. The lead screw linear actuator uses a motor driven screw thread to move a threaded slider along its length. Limit switches turn off the motor when the slider reaches either end of its movement track. Students must decide on which pulley…
Control Post-16
These materials, produced by the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) look at the development of control systems with the advent of microelectronics. Complex control systems can now be found in even the most common of consumer devices. A series of study units looks at different aspects of control. They have extensive guidance…
Mechanisms 14 to 16
Produced by the Technology Enhancement programme (TEP), these materials help students to understand and design mechanisms. They are described as having moving parts such as levers, gears and linkages in which the input action causes an output that might be very different. Early mechanisms were purely mechanical but they may now also…
The IQ3 Microcontroller Module
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), this book looks at a self-contained programmable device called the IQ3 which is capable of use in a wide variety of engineering contexts ranging from simple door interlocking to production line control and robotics. The IQ3 has four outputs each capable of sourcing approximately…
Control Technology 14 to 16
Published by Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) this book is designed to show examples of key control principles. The focus is on design and construction of systems. Each of the six design and make tasks is intended to occupy 5-10 hours of curriculum time and the projects are: • Designing and making a thermochromic display •…
Smart Energy
Through energy use, each UK home creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Much of this is the result of electricity generation. In this activity, from the Centre for Science Education and the Comino Foundation, students look into the advantages and disadvantages of the Smart Meter – an innovative device that tells…
Electronics Post-16
Produced by the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), this book introduces the world of electronics by looking at some important electronic components and how they can be put together to perform useful tasks. Projects in designing and making electronic circuits are included. Products that are set as design and make challenges…