Programming is the art of giving instructions. Precisions and consistency in laying giving these instructions are crucial especially when it involves communication to hardware.
mBlock/Scratch Programming is a course that is aimed for junior programmers, as it allows junior learners to focus on programming concepts with minimal interruptions of syntax errors. These concepts are introduced in block forms – ranging from events, loops, variables – to sequential, conditional, events and loops.
The outcomes that are targeted from this UMP STEM Lab mBlock/Scratch Programming online class include the ability to implement programming concepts such as sequential, iterative, and conditional statements in the instruction codes. These concepts implemented via the game design assignments that are tailored for the class.
UMP STEM Lab mBlock/Scratch Programming class outline are:-
mBlock & Hardware Programming
mBlock has a built-in function that enables it to program Arduino. This interesting feature enable learners to focus on hardware programming rather than being trapped in syntax error issues. The hardware blocks and its application in line following robots systems are shown below:-
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UMP STEM Bot and mBlock Programming
School children are exposed to robot programming (MBlock) using the UMP STEM Bot.
- Introduction to signal behavior: digital/analog input, digital/analog output
- here, students start to do simple programming instructions to light the LEDs on the STEM Bot, variations of blinking sequence,
- later move on into reading analog signals from IR sensors
- and writing signals on OLED
- Robot Movement: PWM, motor direction
- moving into the second segment, students start to program UMP STEM Bot as a robot – time-based (movement based on time), following certain routes such as forward, reverse, square, and round
- Line following robotics: line detection, junction choices
- in the final segment, students program UMP STEM Bot to follow certain routes (based on a given line track) as well as taking junctions.
The UMP STEM Bot is an open-source Arduino Nano based development kit that offers everything young makers and programmers need. The microcontroller can be programmed using open-source platforms which are the Arduino programming, the graphical programming mBlock as well as the MIT App Inventor.
The kit is equipped with LEDs, infra-red sensors and Bluetooth module. Also available are an ultrasonic sensor and a pair of micro motors and tyres. Bluetooth communication module are also available for users to explore remote controlled projects. The expansion and components replacement of the UMP STEM Bot kit is convenient as it is developed using on-the-shelves products that are accessible online.
The UMP STEM Bot complements KPM primary and secondary schools’ syllabus on computational thinking, computer programming, robotics and electronics systems.
UMP STEM Bot serves various programming level:
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- Junior – digital, analog, input, output module
- Intermediate – robotics applications such as line following and obstacle avoidance
- Advanced programmer – advanced actuators, sensing and monitoring