DIY Whiteboard (Doug Foster)

Author: Doug Foster, Cal State University, NorthridgeNGSS Engineering Standards:

MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution,taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be

combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Materials needed

1) Infrared LED: Source: Jameco Electronics Part# 1110914 (.20/ea)

2) 1.5 V-3 V cell/battery: Any size. Possible source: $.99 Only Store

Store

3) Connecting Wire

4) Scotch Tap

5) Wiimote from Nintendo

6) Software for infrared pen:

PCs: http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/

Macs: http://www.uweschmidt.org/wiimote-whiteboard

6) Interactive Whiteboard Program. Examples: Smart Notebook or Open Sankore

7) Optional: Wiimount Holder (see Addendum).

Fig. 1 Retail and homemade pens: $20.00 to $1.20

Procedure

Prompt to student: You are an education administrator and you have been asked to give all the students in your classroom the tools necessary to give presentations using interactive whiteboards. There is evidence that such skills significantly improve student learning. Your budget: maximum 1 dollar/student. The instructor will provide the wiimote. Start by making an LED pen with the materials in the plastic bag (sum cost approximately $.50 cents). Note: the long lead of the LED goes to the + end of the battery.

1) Using tape and the materials in the bag, make a regular RED LED pen.

2) Once you have a working circuit ( the red LED shines when you activate the switch) replace the red LED with an IR LED.

3) When you think you have a working IR LED pen, try to write your name on the whiteboard, using YOUR pen.

4) After testing your pen, compare your design with that of the other people at your lab station. If, after comparing designs, you would like to rebuild you pen, you may do so.

Long lead goes to the + end of the battery.

Questions

1) Most electrical circuits are composed basic parts: a load (the thing that is being powered), a control device, a power supply, and connecting wire. Draw the IR pen circuit you made, and identify the 4 parts. (Answers: load: IR LED, voltage source: AA cell, connecting wire: copper wire, control device: homemade switch).

2) Approximately how much did your pen cost? Could it be made for less money and still serve the same purpose? (Answers: vary with student. Cost should not exceed $1.00.)

3) Research Nintendo’s wiimote. The waves of the electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into 7 parts, eg. microwaves,

ultraviolet, etc. For this project, the wiimote uses waves from two

parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. What are those two parts? (Answer: Bluetooth uses radio waves: frequency- 2.4 GHz, wavelength- 12.5 cm; the IR camera senses infrared waves, the LEDs in this project have a peak emission of 950 nm, frequency- 315,571GHz. CA Science Standard: )

Photos

Fig.2 Infra red LED taped to

button cell.