Week 1

For this project, I created a digital version of the classic Operation game using an Adafruit board, MakeCode programming platform, and 3D-printed parts. The game involves touching aluminum foil-covered areas to trigger sounds and light up, mimicking the classic game’s “buzz” when a player touches the metal parts. I had to carefully adjust the sensitivity of the touch response, ensuring that the aluminum foil areas would correctly trigger the sound and light effects when interacted with. This project also involved crafting the inner components with 3D printing and housing them within a cardboard box to make it interactive and portable.

Objectives:

• Students will learn to program an interactive circuit using MakeCode, including controlling inputs (touch sensors) and outputs (sound, lights).
• Students will explore the use of touch-sensitive materials (aluminum foil) and how to adjust sensitivity for accurate responses in interactive designs.
• Students will design and print 3D objects to be used in an interactive project, gaining experience in integrating electronics with 3D-printed components.
• Students will combine electronics, 3D printing, and programming to build and troubleshoot an interactive game.

Materials:

• Adafruit board (Adafruit Circuit Playground)
• Aluminum foil (copper tape works just as well)
• Cardboard box
• 3D printer (to create small parts like obstacles)
• Tweezers
• Alligator Clips (for connections between the Adafruit board and aluminum foil)
• Paper and tape (for creating the cartridges to hold the 3D-printed parts)
• X-Acto blade (for cutting the cardboard holes)
• MakeCode

Process:

1. Begin by sketching the layout of the Operation game on paper. You can design a robot or another figure (such as a person, animal, or object) to feature on the game board. You can use Inkscape or any other design software to create the figure. Identify where the touch-sensitive areas (aluminum foil) will be placed and where you want to position the 3D-printed parts.

2. Using an X-Acto blade, carefully cut out square holes in the cardboard to fit your 3D-printed parts objects inside. Make sure the design fits within the cardboard frame to ensure proper assembly.

3. Cut out small pieces of paper and use tape to create simple cartridges behind the cardboard. These will hold the 3D-printed parts securely in place.

4. Design and 3D print small objects for the “surgery” part of the game.

5. Attach the Adafruit board to the cardboard game base and connect the aluminum foil to the board. These foil areas will act as touch-sensitive points.

6. Using the MakeCode platform, program the Adafruit board to respond when the touch-sensitive aluminum foil is activated. Set it up so that a sound plays and a light lights up when a player touches the foil.

7. Insert the 3D-printed components into the holes in the cardboard and secure them with the paper cartridges you made earlier.

1. What are the challenges of using electronics in your space? How can you design an activity using electronics that takes into accounts your children age and cultural backgrounds?

A challenge of using electronics in my space is the varied experience levels among students, where some may need more guidance while others are more comfortable. Ensuring the tools and materials are available and functional is also a key concern. To design an activity that suits different ages and backgrounds, I’d create simple, hands-on projects like light-up circuits for younger students, and more complex ones for older students. I’d also incorporate themes that resonate with their interests, like sports or personal projects, making the activity engaging and culturally relevant.

2. Explain one successful educational activity in which you collaborated with other educators. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with other educators? What are the main aspects to take into account to prepare an education activity among 2 or more educators?

I collaborated with a music teacher to produce different instrument parts using digital fabrication. Since I am not an expert in music, I had to rely on the teacher’s guidance to design the parts, ensuring that they would function properly. This collaboration allowed us to combine my fabrication skills with their knowledge of musical instruments, resulting in a successful project. One advantage of working with another educator is that it brings together diverse expertise, enriching the learning experience for students. However, a disadvantage is the potential for miscommunication, especially when trying to merge different areas of expertise. To prepare for a collaborative educational activity, it’s essential to clearly define roles, establish open communication, and ensure that both educators contribute their knowledge effectively to create a cohesive learning experience.

3. How could you integrate both culturally reflective learning and digital fabrication in your environment? Could you come up with some project ideas using digital fabrication in which cultural diversity of students is highlighted?

Integrating culturally reflective learning and digital fabrication can be done by encouraging students to create projects that reflect their own cultural heritage or interests. One project idea could be designing and 3D printing symbols or artifacts that represent their cultural backgrounds, such as traditional patterns, icons, or significant landmarks. Students could use digital fabrication tools to bring these designs to life, while also learning about the cultural significance behind them. Another idea could be creating interactive displays of cultural stories or historical events using laser-cut wood or acrylic to build storyboards or dioramas. By incorporating cultural elements into the digital fabrication process, students not only enhance their technical skills but also deepen their understanding of their own and others’ cultural histories.

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