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Case 16 The Seesaw

Introduction​

A seesaw is a classic amusement ride that is able to use the principle of leverage to achieve balance at both ends. In this lesson we will learn how a seesaw works and use Nezha Inventor's Kit V2 to create a seesaw that can swing.

Teaching Objectives​

  • Understand the basic principles and applications of seesaws.
  • Learn how gearing works and its applications.
  • Learn how to use gearing to balance a seesaw.
  • Design and build suitable mechanical structures to support the movement of a seesaw.
  • Develop teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking skills.

Teaching Preparation​

Nezha Inventor's Kit V2

Teaching Process​

Introduce​

Introduce students to the background and objectives of making a seesaw to stimulate their interest and curiosity.

You must all have played with a seesaw! A seesaw is a very interesting plaything that allows us to feel the wonders of the leverage principle. Do you know how a seesaw achieves balance? In this lesson, we will explore the principle of a seesaw together and make a special seesaw with the Nezha Inventor Kit V2.

Exploration​

Discuss in groups and get students thinking about how to make a seesaw out of block materials.

  • What is a see-saw? What are its features and applications?
  • How does a seesaw achieve balance? What role does the principle of leverage play in this?
  • What is the gear train? What is its role in the making of a seesaw?
  • How can you use Nezha Inventor's Kit V2 to create a seesaw that balances itself?
  • How does the design and mechanics of the teeter totter affect the balance? How do you adjust the balance point of a seesaw?

Practice​

Work in groups to create a see-saw using block materials according to your own design.

Make a seesaw out of blocks according to your own design.

Examples​

Assembly Steps​

Completed

Hardware Connection​

Connect the crash sensor to the J1 and the motor to the M1 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/_C7R6bL6m63rC

You may download it directly below:

Demonstration​

Present in groups and compare the results and effectiveness of each group.

Result​

Press the crash sensor to start the seesaw, press the crash sensor again to stop the seesaw.

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.