Buzz into Robotics at the Hidden Bee Farm

Build Your Own Robot Bug Workshop

Class Overview

  • Date: April 13, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Location: Hidden Bee Farm, 753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
  • Instructor: Zachary Seaton, Geospatial Analyst, Survey Technician, and Lieutenant in the Army National Guard
  • Age Group: Suitable for ages 8 and up (flexible depending on skill level)
  • Capacity: Limited to ensure hands-on experience for all participants
  • Cost: $40 per participant
  • What to Bring: Lunch and a curious mind

Class Itinerary

10:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction to Robotics (30 minutes)

  • Introduction to the Day: Overview of activities, safety briefing.
  • Meet the Instructor: Brief background of Zachary Seaton, his expertise, and his journey into robotics.
  • What is Robotics?: A simple explanation of robotics and its significance in today’s world.

10:30 AM – Demonstrating a Real Robotic Arm (30 minutes)

  • Live Demonstration: Showcase a robotic arm in action, explaining its components, functionality, and real-world applications.
  • Q&A Session: Encourage questions to deepen understanding.

11:00 AM – Basics of Robotics and Engineering Principles (30 minutes)

  • Interactive Presentation: Cover basic concepts like sensors, actuators, power sources, and simple circuits.
  • Hands-On Mini-Activity: Simple circuit creation with LEDs and batteries to demonstrate electrical principles.

11:30 AM – Introduction to the Robot Bug Project (15 minutes)

  • Project Overview: Explain the vibrating robot bug, its components, and how it works.
  • Understanding the Materials: Go through the materials provided for the project, including the syringe switch battery pack.

11:45 AM – Lunch Break (30 minutes)

  • Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches. This time can also be used for informal discussions on robotics.

12:15 PM – Constructing the Robot Bug (1 hour)

  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Walk through the construction process of the robot bug, from assembly to wiring.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Participants can work in small groups or individually with guidance from the instructor and assistants.

1:15 PM – Testing and Customization (15 minutes)

  • First Test: Participants test their robot bugs on a tiled surface, observing how the balance and construction affect movement.
  • Customization: Encourage participants to customize their bugs, adjusting legs or adding decorations to personalize their creations.

Wrapping Up (1:30 PM)

  • Show and Tell: Participants share their creations and experiences.
  • Feedback and Q&A: Gather feedback, answer any remaining questions, and discuss how participants can continue exploring robotics.
  • Certificates of Participation: Hand out certificates to acknowledge the participants’ hard work and learning.

Materials Provided

  • Pre-cut materials for the robot bug body (e.g., plastic or cardboard)
  • Vibrating motor
  • Battery pack with a syringe switch (as per the Instructable guide)
  • Wires and other electronic components
  • Decorative materials for customization

Post-Class Support

  • Provide a handout with resources for further learning in robotics, including websites, local clubs, and online courses.
  • Share contact information for participants to reach out with questions or share their progress on future projects.

This plan combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience, designed to spark interest in robotics and engineering among beginners of all ages. The project is chosen for its simplicity, educational value, and the immediate satisfaction of creating a working robot.

Register Here