Case 32 The Smart Clothes Rack
Introduction
In this project, we will use the Nezha Inventor's Kit V2 to make a model of a smart drying rack. We will learn how the soil moisture sensor works, programming and other knowledge and apply it to the model drying rack. The drying rack automatically contracts when rain is detected by the soil moisture sensor above the unit, and extends when the soil moisture sensor above the unit does not detect rain.
Teaching Objectives
- Learn how a soil moisture sensor works
- Learn to use the Nezha Inventor's Kit V2 to programme and control the retraction of the drying rack
- Develop students' teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills
Teaching Preparation
Teaching Process
Introduce
Introduce students to the background and objectives of making a smart drying rack to stimulate their interest and curiosity.
A smart drying rack is a device that automatically adjusts to weather conditions and retracts. Imagine how handy and practical an invention it would be if we could make a model of a smart drying rack using a soil moisture sensor and automatically retract or extend it by detecting rainfall conditions?
Exploration
Discuss in groups and get students thinking about how they can use block materials to create a smart drying rack.
- How can rainwater detection be achieved using a soil moisture sensor?
- How can the detection results of the soil moisture sensor be programmed to translate into a telescopic control signal for the drying rack?
- How to get creative and design a unique drying rack structure and automatic adjustment mechanism?
Practice
Work in groups to create a smart drying rack from building blocks according to your own design.
Build a smart drying rack out of building blocks according to your own design.
Examples
Assembly Steps
Completed
Hardware Connection
Connect the crash sensor to the J1 and the servo to S1 of the Nezha expansion board.
Programming
Go to makecode
Create new projects
Click extensions
Search with PlanetX to download the package.
Search with nezha to download the package.
Code
Link: https://makecode.microbit.org/_bXf6baUgiDgX
You may download it directly below:
Demonstration
Presented in groups, students test, tune and optimise their robots to improve the accuracy and stability of their line following, comparing the results and effectiveness of each group.
Result
The drying rack automatically contracts when rain is detected by the soil moisture sensor above the unit, and extends when the soil moisture sensor above the unit does not detect rain.
Reflection
Share in groups so that students in each group can share their production process and insights, summarise the problems and solutions they encountered, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.