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Activity

CricketBot

Create a robot that chirps like a cricket!

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This activity was created by Tom Simpson at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

MATERIALS

  • Flashlights, or cell phones as flashlights, to create a high light level

INTERMEDIATE: Add Sensors

Required lessons: Sensor Overview, Conditional Statements

When the lights are low, the CricketBot uses its buzzer to chirp like a real cricket. Full daylight makes it stop chirping.

For this project, the Finch should do the following:

  • If the light level is high, the beak and tail should be green. The Finch should not chirp at all.
  • If the light level is low, the beak and tail should be red. The Finch should chirp high and fast.
  • You can use either left or right light sensor to determine if the light is low.

ADVANCED: Going Further

Required lessons: Control Structures & Line Tracking

When the lights are low, the CricketBot uses its buzzer to chirp like a real cricket. The darker it is, the faster it chirps.  Full daylight makes it stop chirping.

For this project, the Finch should do the following:

  • If the light level is high, the beak and tail should be green. The Finch should not chirp at all.
  • If the light level is between high and low, the beak and tail should be blue. The Finch should chirp low and slow.
  • If the light level is low, the beak and tail should be red. The Finch should chirp high and fast.