Exploration of Electromagnetic Induction and Computer Systems through Poetry, Collaboration and Vector Graphic Design 

A 6 week project based unit for 11th and 12th graders, where students collaborate in a digital poetry modular machine that post its content to twitter 

Unit Overview

The Basics
Experiences:  Novice
Age Group:  12 - 15
Group Size:  15 - 20
Hours:   18- 20 hrs

Key Words:  circuits, electromagnetism,  soldiering, vector graphs, computer system, poetry, laser cutter
Cost Per Student: 10.00 - 20.00 USD

Tools: glue guns, soldering equipment, drills, wood tools, laser cutter
Materials: 
Learning Objectives
  • To introduce general knowledge regarding the law energy of conservation and explore current events involving renewable resources.
  • To have a basic working knowledge of a circuits and motors, how to convert electric energy into kinetic mechanical energy, and how to build circuits.
  • To gain skills including, soldering, building in 3D, abstraction, understanding spacial principles  such as positive and negative space, and public speaking

Suggested Steps

  1. Introduction to the project, explanation of the different tasks and knowledge domains. Team formation.
  2. Wood preparation for the board. Word base creation and circuit setup.
  3. Introduction to American Poetry. Poet selection and word selection for laser cutting. 
  4. Vector graphic software introduction and design of three words per team. Laser cutting of the words. 
  5. Introduction to electronics and electromagnetism. Faraday's induction law and its application.
  6. Words circuit construction based on Faraday's induction law and chip programing for storing the word
  7. Board design and construction. Board magnetic modules setup. 
  8. Board and words painting. Finishing of board and words circuits. 
  9. Introduction to arduino and Twitter APIs. Programing of arduino for word reading. 
  10. Testing and debugging of all circuits and words.
  11. Setup and presentation