Junkbots

Details of the Junkbots project and outline teaching material can now be found at  Computing At School  website or  CAS Online | Junkbots project Computing at School is  an organisation that aims to promote the teaching of Computing at school and is a partnership of the BCS, industrial partners. For more details go to:  http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/index.php?id=about-us For more details on the project contact -  Scott Turner

Another example of 'junkbot'-type robot:  http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Bots-Wobbler/  Simple Bots: Wobbler : "Simple Bots: Wobbler by randofo Typically, you learn how to wobble before you learn how to walk. But in the world of bots, anything is possible! That is why a day after showing you how to walk and two after showing you how I roll, I am back to show you how to do a little wobble wobble. That's right! In almost no time, you can be out wobbling around with the best of 'em. All of the parts in this project are simple to find and even less-than-experienced bot builders should be able to make this one pretty easily. And, more experienced bot builders should be able to have some fun modding this one, as the casing leaves a lot of room for experimentation. 'via Blog this'

Related examples of junkbot-type projects: go to  http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Bots-Skitter/  for more details. Simple Bots: Skitter : "Simple Bots: Skitter by randofo

Some related 'junkbot'-type projects: A Scrubbing robot Simple Bots: Scrub : "Simple Bots: Scrub by randofo  low-cost cleaning bot called Scrub Bot.  'via Blog this'

The junkbots project was carried as one of the activities at the celebration of two years of Lab_13 at Irchester Community Primary School . Three groups spent around an hour developing the drawing junkbots (an example of what one is can be found in these image). The session basic revolves around two main activities: - Showing that a motor can be made to vibrate and can they think of a way to use this and other materials around them (make sure there are pens/pencils around) to make a drinks can move. - Next stage is can they modify their robot to make it draw. Details and session plans can be found at:  http://junkbots.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/junkbot-project-case-study-and-session.html   If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

ABSTRACT:  The School of Science and Technology at the University of Northampton have been working with local schools to create robots made from junk and also to use robots programmed by the students to perform simple rubbish clearing exercises. This is an initiative by the University to introduce environmental sustainability, engineering and computing to students in schools. If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

During National Science and Engineering Week 2013, as part of the activities provided by the University of Northampton, the Junkbots project returned as part of programme of activities to South End Primary School, Rushden, northamptonshire, UK.  National Science and Engineering Week is annual event celebrating science and engineering activities ( http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/national-science-engineering-week ) Last year during the same week Junkbots also formed part of the activities (see  http://junkbots.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/junkbots-goes-south.html ). This time we worked with two classes - a year 2 and a year 5 class; building the drawing junkbot. Examples of previous drawing junkbots are shown above. Approximately 50 children took part across the two 45 minute activities. Essentially  a drawing junkbot is based around a drinks can that: - draw patterns without anyone touching it; -carried the battery pack or not depends on the age of...