Object Interaction: First Mechanism Build 🦾
Today you start building the mechanism that helps your rover interact with target objects.
It does not need to work perfectly yet. It needs to be real enough to test, notice problems, and improve.
Today’s goal
Build or prototype an object-interaction mechanism and test at least one object action.
Before you leave
Complete Engineering Entry 4 with your mechanism idea, one test or checkpoint, and evidence.
Object interaction means all five actions
Your final rover must be able to collect, push, lift, carry and transport target objects. Today, start with one or two actions and learn from the result.
Get control of the object.
Move the object by pushing it.
Raise the object from the surface.
Hold or support the object while moving.
Move the object to another location.
Minimum portfolio pages to complete today
Your folder should now begin showing how the object mechanism is developing.
| Starter Pack page | Minimum work for today |
|---|---|
| Engineering entry tracker | Add Entry 4 when it is completed and signed off. |
| Prescribed criteria | Improve the Object interaction row: what the rover needs to do and how you could test it. |
| Initial design sketches | Update sketches to show the object mechanism. Label moving parts and where the target object goes. |
| Initial design explanation | Add how the mechanism is intended to collect, push, lift, carry or transport objects. |
Build sequence
- Choose the first object action you will test.
- Build a simple mechanism: claw, scoop, pusher, fork, lift, carrier, platform or another suitable idea.
- Attach it securely to the rover base.
- Test one object action.
- Record what worked, what failed, and what needs changing.
Engineering Entry 4: what a detailed entry needs
Use the entry sheet properly. Your entry should tell the story of what happened this lesson, not just list tasks.
| Entry section | What to include today |
|---|---|
| What I/we did today | Write what object mechanism you built or prototyped. Name the mechanism and the object action you tested. |
| Problem, test or checkpoint | Choose one important problem, test, decision or checkpoint from the lesson. |
| What I noticed and thought | Explain what you observed and what you think caused the result or problem. |
| What changed or was fixed | Describe the change you made, or explain what needs to change next if it is not fixed yet. |
| Result and next step | Record what happened after the change or test, then write the next sensible action. |
| Evidence space | Add a labelled sketch, labelled diagram, measurement, test result, code note, observation or photo reference. |
Before you leave: ask for teacher feedback/sign-off, then put the entry sheet in your clear plastic folder.