STEM on Wheels

Blue ROV2 is an underwater uncrewed vehicle designed to dive deep into open waters. Students will discover how BlueROV2 assists explorers with visual inspection, exploration, aquaculture, search and recovery, and research.

Dash is a robot children can code to dance, sing and respond to voices and sound. Students learn basic coding practices by programming movements and sounds for Dash through a series of iPad apps. Dash’s head and body are covered in lights and can also see, hear and speak in limited ways. This physical toy allows children to connect with mental models of what coding is, as well as learn specific coding languages so that they are prepared for further study if they wish.

Students design a tool for use in space by astronauts on the International Space Station. As in real-world engineering, the tool must meet specific requirements. Students learn basic concepts related to engineering and material design and 3-D printing.

HAM, which stands for “High Altitude Monkey”, was created by a group of engineering students and mentors at the University of Bridgeport. The project aimed to use a weather balloon to lift HAM into the sky, allowing us to gather valuable data and footage from high altitudes. Students on the ground can use a control panel to interact with HAM, who talks and has multiple motions.

Mechatronics is a branch of engineering that combines both electronics and mechanical engineering. Students use Arduino microcontroller kits to learn the fundamentals of mechatronics. From triggering LED light patterns to controlling the rotation, range and speed of servomotors to simulate a robot’s motions, students will be encouraged to experiment with this engaging technology.

Students will learn about the Arduino Programming Language. Students will have the opportunity to tap on the keys and hear the corresponding notes played through the buzzer. Older students can build them, and younger students can play music.

Ozobots are small, programmable robots that can teach coding and robotics to students of all ages and skill levels. The Ozobot is programmed to follow black, red, green, and blue paths that control its movement and speed in different directions. The goal of the Ozobot is to introduce students to simple coding and, at the same time, teach skills such as deductive reasoning while expanding their imaginations. Students will use activity sheets and iPads to interact with the tiny robots.

Podcasts can be an exciting way to introduce students to journalism and digital media! Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of podcasting such as pre production, recording, post production, and publishing.

Sample ideas and uses for a podcast:

• Weekly classroom news broadcast
• Document a field trip
• Record a class discussion
• Share book reviews
• Conduct interviews

Hundreds of satellites orbit the Earth and their data used every day for car navigation, telephones and broadcasts. Satellites also monitor and collect environmental information from climate change, ocean health, global forest fires and flood warnings. Students will learn to download and use Landsat satellite data to conduct their own urban and landscape evolution studies.

Where in the world is that satellite! Students learn about the different types of satellites, their orbits and how to determine a satellite’s location in space. Students will use AGI STK software to learn to track satellites, create satellite constellations and how to position ground stations on Earth to communicate with those satellites.

SeaPerch introduces students to basic engineering, design, and science concepts. SeaPerchs is an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that introduces students to basic engineering and underwater exploration. Students will learn how SeaPerchs are designed and have a chance to test the controller.

STELLINA is a portable digital telescope that allows students to take photographs of celestial objects using a smartphone or tablet. Stellina is the perfect combination of a telescope and a camera as it allows students to explore the universe without an eyepiece. Stellina can be used during the daytime to capture images of the Sun, or for evening viewing.

Thermal imaging cameras (infrared cameras) are powerful, cost-effective, and easy-to-use troubleshooting engineering tools with innumerable uses in the industrial and general domain. They clearly reveal problems related to energy loss, moisture intrusion, and over- or under-heating of electrical and mechanical equipment. They are used by police in chases and by fire fighters to visualize inaccessible areas during hazardous situations. This is a fun activity for students as they can view the thermal image of their surroundings in real time.