Unit Summary: Students will learn how to control mechanical processes using computer software and VEX hardware. Students learn programming languages to develop computer control programs.
Big Ideas:
Flowcharts provide a step by step schematic representation of an algorithm or process.
Control systems are designed to provide consentient process control and reliability.
Control system protocols are an established set of commands or functions typically created in a computer programming language.
Closed loop systems use digital and analog sensor feedback to make operational and process decisions.
Open loop systems use programming constants such as time to make operational and process decisions.
Essential Questions:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using programmable logic to control machines versus monitoring and adjusting processes manually?
What are some everyday seemingly simple devices that contain microprocessors, and what function do the devices serve?
What questions must designers ask when solving problems in order to decide between digital or analog systems and between open or closed loop systems?
Priority TEKS
Distinguish between digital and analog data, and between the inputs and outputs of a computational system.
Distinguish open and closed loop systems based on whether decisions are made using time delays or sensor feedback.
Identify the relative advantage of an open-loop or closed-loop control system for a given technological problem
Choose appropriate input and output devices based on the need of a technological system.
Create a flow chart to describe an algorithm.
Create pseudocode to describe an algorithm.
Analyze and describe an algorithm represented as a flowchart or as programming code.
Create a computer program to implement an algorithm, including conditional statements and iterations.
Predict the behavior of a control system by examining the program it is going to execute.
Evaluate algebraic and logical expressions involving programming variables.
Use a variety of methods for finding, identifying, and correcting bugs in a program
Activities & Projects
VEX Control Guided Notes
Programming Activities 1 -6
Project Machine Design