Embedded Files
Workshop to make a flat 3D Printed Makey Bot Robot
Overview, Introduction & Prerequisites:
This is an Introduction Unit for my MakeyBot Robot Workshop / 3D Print project for my Mechatronics Engineering Class, so that means it's a Mish-Mash of content related to 3D printing, Arduino & C++Β or Python hardware with Python coding.Β
This project is all about designing your own flat MakeyBot in 3D CAD software, 3D printing a robot, connecting some components, like LED eyes, a stop light, a servo to wave an arm, and wire and connect these components to an Arduino ro Raspberry Pi or other microcontroller hardware.Β Depending on the workshop, the goal is to design, print, wire up, code and be waving with a Robot in 2-8 hours over 1 to 2 days.Β
The MakeyBot Project is a STEAM activity to create you own small flat 3D Printed Robot. The goal is to learn some 3D Print CAD skills, mostly explained using TinkerCAD, but any CAD tool can be used. Additionally, it is to learn some simple circuit and wiring skills, where you connect some simple LED eyes, other blinking LED, RGB LES and a circuit with a servo to wave an arm. Obviously, with this circuit, you will need to learn some Microcontroller or processor coding skills. There are examples and tutorials using an Arduino, Raspberry Pico, Raspberry Pi 3,4,5, but really you could use any Microcontroller/processor, including the Adafruit Circuit Playground or MicroBit.Β
Prerequisites:
No explicit prerequisite course work, Electronics, Logic, or coding knowledge is required. Come as you are. π§ Β
Topics:
Designing your 3D Printed MakeyBot Robot
Arduino / C++ coding and control
Python / Python Hardware (Typically a Raspberry Pi
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WORK IN PROGRESS
WORK IN PROGRESS
- Unit: STEAM Workshops
- Module: Makey Bot - 3D Printing & Coding
- This is a LEARNING Activity : Lesson / Lab
- Last Revised: Feb 14, 2026 - Authored: Feb 14, 2026
- Original Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org
- Content License: Distributed as Open Source. SeeΒ Rights & Usage
Note: TEACHERS!!!! If you are going to use any of these lessons or labs, please let me know.Β I would really like to understand how you are using this material.Β I want to know what works, what does not work, what would you like me to add, and how I can make it better.Β If you changed something, let me know, because it's probably a good idea and you should share it with me, so I can add it and share with everyone else.Β
This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class.Β I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class.Β Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant.Β Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible.
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Overview and Introduction:
Overview and Introduction:
Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org. License: Distributed as Open Source.Β
Sponsor Shout Out
Sponsor Shout Out
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(If you would like to sponsor this, or other Modules or presentation, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.orgΒ or check out my "How To Help Page"
If you would like to sponsor other Curriculum Development, check out my "How To Help Page" or contactΒ TopClown@STEAMClown.orgΒ
Learning Objective:
Learning Objective:
Module Scope:
- Introduction to 3D Printing (TinkerCAD)
- Coding with C++ or Python on appropriate hardware
- Create some introdutory skill in CAD for 3D printing
- Basic programming to control a servo and blibk some LED lights... maybe a few other things
Prior Knowledge:
- Basic understanding 3D CAD tools
- Basic coding skills on C++ pr PythonΒ
- PC, Laptop or Other device to access the TinkerCAD or other CAD tools
- Each lesson will have specific items needed to complete the labs and tasks
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites:
No explicit prerequisite course work or coding knowledge is required, but students are expected to have a good understanding of basic computer principles.
Caution & SafetyΒ Considerations:
Caution & SafetyΒ Considerations:
Primer: Β "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"
As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment. Β If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so,Β Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.
Essential Questions:
Essential Questions:
Who wants to build a flat arm waving Robot?
Key Academic Vocabulary or Concepts:
Key Academic Vocabulary or Concepts:
Unit Topics and Lessons
Unit Topics and Lessons
The Makey Bot Project is a STEAM activity to create you own small flat 3D Printed Robot. The goal is to learn some 3D Print CAD skills, mostly explained using TinkerCAD, but any CAD tool can be used. Aditionally, it is to learn some simple circuit and wireing skills, where you connect some simple LEDeyes, other blinking LED, RGB LES and a circuit with a servo to wave an arm. Obiously, with this circuit, you will need to learn some Microcontroller or processor coding skills. There are examples and tutorials using an Arduino, Raspberry Pico, Raspberry Pi 3,4,5, but really you could use anyMicrocontroller/processor, including the Adafruit Circuit Playground or MicroBit.Β
STEAM Clown's MakeyBot Flat 3D Print Introduction
STEAM Clown's MakeyBot Flat 3D Print Introduction
In this workshop, you have the opportunity to select 2 different MakeyBot sized robots.Β Typically teams of 1 or 2 will make the smaller MakeyBot, and teams of 3-4 will design and build the larger MakeyBot Robot.Β The goal is to design your own flat MakeyBot Robot, that has standard locations for the Robots eyes (RGB LEDs), a set of red, yellow, green LEDs in a "Stop Light" orientation, and for the smaller MakeyBot, a cutout hole for the arm waving servo.
The "small" version of the MakeyBot is 100mm high, 80'ish mm wide, and about 4-5mm tall off the print plate.
The first step is to get introduced to the project and gather the resources you will need.
π¦ - Resources Needed:
Access to a 3D Printer.Β Recommended to print in PLA or ABS
Access to a CAD tool.Β This tutorial/workshop will describe the process using AutoDesk TinkerCAD
RGB or NeoPixel LEDs
Regular 2 Pin LEDs (Red, Yellow, Green)
3-5 220 β¦ resistors
small 22 gauge hookup wire or breadboard jumper wires
Soldering iron
π οΈ - CAD Files - These CAD files are just a starting point and really are just so you can access the "template" holes for the eyes, stop sign, servo and other options
Smaller MakeyBot
Tinker Project
GitHub
Larger Makey Bot
Tinker Project
GitHub
π Code - These code examples are for driving the Eyes and STOP Light LEDs,Β Servo, 7-Segment and other Circuit features:
Arduino / C++
Python
MakeyBot 3D Print Activity
MakeyBot 3D Print Activity
STEAM Clown's Small (100mm Tall) MakeyBot Flat 3D Print Resources - Start Here...
STEAM Clown's Small (100mm Tall) MakeyBot Flat 3D Print Resources - Start Here...
On the TinkerCAD or GitHub site you will find some examples of MakeyBot designs.Β but more importantly you will find the "hole" templates to populate on your MakeyBot design, so that the eyes and servo and other features fit and can be populated with the needed components.Β The idea is that you will design your own small or larger flat MakeyBot, and then insert the "hole" templates to add Eye and arm waving servo to your Robot.
Small MakeyBot Template Features:
Small MakeyBot Template Features:
Add these as "Holes" to your MakeyBot Robot.
Add them to your CAD design
Place them where you want
Select and "sink" below the plate a little (like 1 mm)
Select them all and turn them into holes
Then select all the parts of your Robot and group them
Then export as an STL.
Small MakeyBot Eyes Hole Template For Standard LED (Regulare & RGB)
9G Servo Hole Template) This Servo is to wave an "Arm", Tentical, or Tail....
Complete 3D Print Version:
TinkerCAD Priject - STEAM Clown MakeyBot 100mm Version #2
Mechatronics Engineering Introduction - <topic>
Mechatronics Engineering Introduction - <topic>
This Lesson is coming soon - click here to be notified when it's available - Professional Development Newsletter
Mechatronics - <topic> - π Lesson Tutorial
Mechatronics - <topic> - π½οΈ Video / Podcast
Mechatronics - <topic> - π° Slide Presentation (Coming Soon)
Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #1 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #2 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Reference, Attribution & Resources:
Reference, Attribution & Resources:
License - "Be A Hero"... Distribute Your Content As Open Source... That Is What I'm Doing...
License - "Be A Hero"... Distribute Your Content As Open Source... That Is What I'm Doing...
The content on this site may have been pulled from other open source sites, but typically the interpretation and presentation is primarily the Intellectual Property of Jim Burnham, - TopClown@STEAMClown.org at www.steamclown.org and the Student curriculum can be found under the specific Mechatronics Engineering Units section of this web site.
If you do use my material, and make changes, I would appreciate getting a copy... because if you are making changes, it means that you think there is a better way to teach thisβ¦ and I would really appreciate understanding that. Please send me feedback on my Questions or Feedback form. Please donβt hesitate to ask questions or comment.
You also should keep and include my STEAM Clown Logo and Copyright in any derivative works you create. I would appreciate if you would include one of these images found on my Steam Clown License page and link it to www.steamclown.org
If you do use my material, and make changes, I would appreciate getting a copy... because if you are making changes, it means that you think there is a better way to teach thisβ¦ and I would really appreciate understanding that. Please send me feedback on my Questions or Feedback form. Please donβt hesitate to ask questions or comment.
You also should keep and include my STEAM Clown Logo and Copyright in any derivative works you create. I would appreciate if you would include one of these images found on my Steam Clown License page and link it to www.steamclown.org
Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans
Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans
If you are a teacher and want to connect and teach this Lesson or Module, discuss how I teach it, give me feedback, please contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.orgΒ
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Standards Alignments & Objectives:
Standards Alignments & Objectives:
Iβll work on getting these in, but itβs the last thing I want to work on :-) When I have them updated, Iβll move to the top of the Lesson Plan.Β
NGSS: <list standard numbers>
California CTE Standards: <list standard numbers>
Related Instructional Objectives (SWBAT):Β <list standard numbers>
CCSS: nnn, RSIT: nnn, RLST: nnn, WS: nnn, WHSST: nnn, A-CED: nnn, ETS: nnnΒ <list standard numbers>
Main Standard:
Priority standards:
National Standards:
Resource Attribution:
Sites Referenced or Summarized:
Resource Attribution:
Sites Referenced or Summarized:
Reference Text Book -Β
Reference Sites -Β
Images:
Images:
https://imgbin.com/png/ZJtzkYZZ/under-construction-png
Random Stuff To Sort
Random Stuff To Sort
Resource Key:
Resource Key:
<Unit> - <Module Name> - Lessons - Daily/Weekly Lesson Plan
<Unit> - <Module Name> - Lessons - Daily/Weekly Lesson Plan
Key: π° Slides / Audio π§ / π½οΈβΆοΈ Video/YouTube / π§βΆοΈπ½οΈ Audio/Video / β¨ Resources /Β πΌοΈ Tutorial / π Reading Activity / π Writing Activity / π π Reading/Writing / π Coding / π οΈ LAB Activity / π Quiz /Β π Review /Β βοΈ Mastery Check / βοΈ Sign Up /π Extra Credit / πΈοΈ Web Links / π©π½βππ§π½βππ§πΏβππ©βπ« Class / π΅οΈππ Certificate / ποΈ π Collecting Survey Data
/π§ Review / π¦Ύ Practice / πLevel Up /
ποΈπ¦π€π―Β π§
- π¦ Special Project -
Assignment Type: β Establishing (Minimum Standard) / βοΈ Developing (Digging Deeper) / π Aspiring (Putting It Together)
This is an β Establishing Assignment (Minimum Standard)Β - "Everyone Do" Assignment
This is an βοΈ Developing (Digging Deeper) - "Everyone Should Do, To Stretch" Assignment
This is an π Aspiring (Putting It Together)Β - "When you have done the β Establishing andβοΈ Developing" Assignment
π«πFormative Quiz - π Review
π Formative Quiz - π Review
1οΈβ£ Quiz -π Mastery Path
1οΈβ£π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check
Quiz - verify that they are all listed as a "Formative", "Mastery Path", or "Summative"Β
π Formative Quiz - These are quizzes that the students can take a few times. I have them either set for unlimited times, or 3-5 times, where the final score is their average. The idea is that these Formative Quizzes are designed for students to learn and master a skill.Β while I want them to ger 100%, and when it's set to unlimited tries, the student should get 100% eventually.Β When the quiz is set to 3-5 tries with an average, then they should be prepared and should take the quiz seriously. I set the quiz to not show the right answer, but I do let them see their wrong answer.Β I also put the explanation of the right and wrong answer in the right and wrong answer prompt for each question.Β That way they can see why they got the answer wrong and learn from that experience.Β Β
8.1.0.3.2.4 - Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Quiz #2 -Built-In Functions - π Formative Quiz
π Quiz -π Mastery Path - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. Β The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts.Β Based on the average, they will be presented with a Canvas Mastery Path, where they will have an option for take additional quiz and assignments to help with remediation.Β This will get them ready to take the Summative Quizzes.
8.1.0.3.3.1 -Β Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Mastery Quiz #1 - π Quiz -π Mastery Path
π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. Β The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts. That will be their final module/subject topic grade.
8.1.0.3.3.1 -Β Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Skills Mastery Check Quiz #1 - π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check
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