Synopsis

Students will work together to create a lunar lander that can successfully touch down within parameters. Participants will learn how to read sensors, move servos, and combine input mechanisms with the Arduino board to accomplish this task. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Identify different types of sensors

Create different input and output sources specifically for human use

Wire parts to an Arduino board, acknowledging the differences between analog and digital pins

Program all parts connected to the Arduino

Combine functions of multiple parts to create automated processes

Plan ahead of a task to counteract potential problems

Think critically about the mission and develop innovative solutions

The goal of the game is to touch down a lunar lander while dealing with random anomalies. The lunar lander will be lowered by two strings allowing the speed and tilt of the lander to be adjusted. Students will be scored based on their landing speed, distance from the target landing zone, and ability to react to the anomalies. Anomalies will be random and each anomaly will have different consequences. Students will be given a list of the anomalies ahead of time so they can adequately prepare and innovate solutions to the problems.

Students will be given two Arduinos, one for the lander and one for the control panel. Students will fit their lander Arduino into a premade lander contraption that physically imitates a real lunar lander. They will then take data from that Arduino and control the lander with their flight station to achieve the game goal.

The Example Lunar Lander

Step 1: Build/Wire the Lander

When constructing your lander, make sure to mark places where you want to put your parts in and make screw holes on those places to make sure your pieces stay still.

You should also design the lander to accommodate wiring. Simply wrapping it around would cause wires to detach and your lander becomes a defiant model.

Don't try to design your lander to look complicated. It wouldn't make a difference in the game. Try for a simpler approach that is efficient and looks like a lander, like the image shown!

Step 2: Build the Control Panel

1. 3D Print the Control Panel Walls

Print the walls using a 3D printer.

2. Laser Cut the Base and Top Panel

Cut the base and top panels with a laser cutter.

3. Assemble the Control Panel

Place the buttons and input devices into the top panel’s holes and screw them in.

4. Screw in the Arduino Board

Attach the Arduino board to the bottom panel.

5. Connect the Buttons to the Arduino

Wire the buttons and input devices to the Arduino (refer to the wiring instructions).

6. Connect and Secure Panels

Join the top and bottom panels together with screws.

7. Test the Control Panel

Make sure everything works: buttons, inputs, and the Arduino.

8. Decorate

Add stickers or personal designs to the control panel.

Control panel Wiring Hub

The Sliding Potentiometer

Example Game Board

Step 3: Prepare Materials and Space

Large Table for Mission Control
- Ensure a large enough table to house the Mission Control system and all its components.

Space for Game Board
- The table must be large enough to fit the game board (48 inches x 30 inches).
Team Seating
- Provide enough space for 4 teams, each with its own seating (tables and chairs for each team).
Computer & Internet Access
- Ensure at least one PC/Laptop per team with internet access for each group to perform their tasks.
Tools for Building/Taking Apart Modules
- Provide appropriate tools, including screwdrivers and screws (size 2M), for assembling and disassembling the Mission Control and game modules.

Step 4: Coding With C++

A Arduino Board is an open-source electronics platform that can connect to various sensors which relay information to a main board. This board can then be coded to perform different tasks.

Coding to an Arduino board is done through C++ - a common coding language. A laptop connects to the board through a wire to transmit information.

Just like how humans speak in different languages, computers speak in different languages too! The Arduinos we’re using talk in a language called C++.

This language has a few different attributes:

It is used in Game Development and Systems
It is an object oriented language
- Lets you create your own “building blocks” to build up a program
Uses low-level programming
- Code is similar to the hardware of the computer allowing greater control

Egypt Arduino Arrival Plan

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Synopsis

Step 1: Build/Wire the Lander

Step 2: Build the Control Panel

Step 3: Prepare Materials and Space

Step 4: Coding With C++

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