AI and Robotics in Middle School Technology
This term in technology has been an extraordinarily busy one across our core subjects and Middle School electives. Here is a snapshot of what has been happening:
Year 6 Kindle Robotics (Core): students developed a Sumo Bot, capable of sensing then pushing another robot off a platform. They iteratively developed their robot, refining their robot design with testing and measuring performance, then competed against each other to find the winning Sumo Bot.
Year 7 Technology Core (Cyber Arcade): students have been learning fundamental coding knowledge and skills with the use of the Microbit microcontroller. Using this knowledge and equipment, students then designed and built either an interactive game or musical instrument.
Year 7 Technology Elective (3D Design and Manufacturing): students have been using CAD tools and learning to use 3D printers and laser cutters. They have designed and 3D printed a personalised keychain and are developing their skills to make a personalised Shabbat Matchbox Case early in Term 4.
Year 8 Technology Core (AI and Robotics): students have been extending their fundamental coding knowledge and skills with the use of the Microbit microcontroller, combined with learning about AI. They created and trained an AI model using data to test a rock, paper, scissors game, as well as sound and movement pose analysis. Lastly, they generated a bionic hand prototype capable of movement using sensors and motors attached to their Microbits.
Year 6 Kindle Robotics (Core): students developed a Sumo Bot, capable of sensing then pushing another robot off a platform. They iteratively developed their robot, refining their robot design with testing and measuring performance, then competed against each other to find the winning Sumo Bot.
Year 7 Technology Core (Cyber Arcade): students have been learning fundamental coding knowledge and skills with the use of the Microbit microcontroller. Using this knowledge and equipment, students then designed and built either an interactive game or musical instrument.
Year 7 Technology Elective (3D Design and Manufacturing): students have been using CAD tools and learning to use 3D printers and laser cutters. They have designed and 3D printed a personalised keychain and are developing their skills to make a personalised Shabbat Matchbox Case early in Term 4.
Year 8 Technology Core (AI and Robotics): students have been extending their fundamental coding knowledge and skills with the use of the Microbit microcontroller, combined with learning about AI. They created and trained an AI model using data to test a rock, paper, scissors game, as well as sound and movement pose analysis. Lastly, they generated a bionic hand prototype capable of movement using sensors and motors attached to their Microbits.
Year 8 Technology Elective (Tiny House Project): students have learnt about Tiny House off-grid living, generated a CAD model of a Tiny House and begun to build a 1/10th sized Tiny House prototype where they will generate their own power (solar), grow their own food and collect, filter and use their own rainwater.
Heath McGregor, Learning Area Leader – Technologies