Senior STEAM

Cool Controller Challenge

The Cool Controller Challenges requires you to develop an improved ‘Smart’ control unit for the Cooler Classroom air conditioning and fresh air ventilation units. Submit your final designs using the button below.

NEED

Improved thermal comfort - temperature, humidity and airflow
Improved indoor air quality - CO2
Produce a design concept and a pitch to sell your idea (you do not have to build a prototype).

THINK

Consider how your design will address the success criteria for the challenge.
Plan your design. Remember to consider the functionality of the controller as well as how it will look and interact.
Think about the advantages of different materials and justify your choices.

MAKE

Start creating your design. You can draw this design physically, digitally or create the design using 3D design software such as TinkerCAD.
It is recommended that you put this information into Explain EDU or Google Slides for submission.

TRY

Check that your design has met all of the success criteria.
Explain your design ideas to a family member and seek feedback on how you can improve your design.

REFINE

Make improvements to your design.
Create a pitch which will accompany your design.

Scratch Programming

If you wish, you could also try the web based Scratch application. This link will allow you to explore some of the activity guides that have been prepared by the Scratch creators. Some of the activities include:

Make a Chase Game;
Create a Story;
Make Music;
Make you Characters Fly;
Create your own Pong Game;
and many more.

Should you wish to watch some videos explaining how to use the software first, you could also watch a series of 'how to' videos on the Scratch help page.

Code.org Programming Modules

First, watch the video from Bill Gates explaining how computers work.

Then, tackle one of the short, self-paced modules for upper primary school and lower high school students from Code.org. These modules are a great way to learn concepts that span all programming languages and tools.

The three main modules offered include:

Introduction to Game Lab (sprite animations and games to make an interactive game)
Turtle Programming in App Lab (using JavaScript commands to draw shapes and images to create your own digital scene)
Event Driven Programming in App Lab (create a series of simple apps for the web which respond to user interactions).

For other modules of interest, please use the link here.

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