Robotics 1.0 Lesson Plan
Lesson 17 - Mini Project 3 - Vertical Lift with Rack and Pinion

Purpose: Enable students to apply their knowledge of actuators, mechanisms, sensors, and CircuitPython by developing a controlled vertical lifting mechanism using CPX + Crickit.

No. of Classes

2 classes (Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes; maximum 4 students per group).

Materials Required

    Desktop or Laptop

    CPX Board

    Crickit Board

    USB Cable

    Motor

    Rack and Pinion Mechanism

    Telescopic Slide

    Limit Switch

    Jumper Wires

Curriculum Content 6.9 Limit Switch
7.2 DC Motors
7.5.1 Motion Types - Linear
8.4 Programming the Robot and Testing It
Prior Knowledge

CPX Board

Crickit Board

Basic Actuators

Basic Sensors

Basic CircuitPython Programming

Exercises

Exercise:3.1


Lift Me Up!

Use a rack and pinion combined with a telescopic slide to simulate a controlled vertical lifting mechanism without a limit switch.


Click here to open the activity.

Exercise:3.2


Is Sky the Limit?

Use a rack and pinion combined with a telescopic slide to simulate a controlled vertical lifting mechanism with a limit switch.


Click here to open the activity.

Teacher's Instruction
  1. Introduce the Vertical Lift mini project and explain the working of the rack-and-pinion mechanism.
  2. Allow students to pick any one activity based on their interest.
  3. Guide students to follow the instructions provided for the selected activity.
  4. Explain how the rack and pinion transfers rotary motion into controlled vertical movement.
  5. Explain the role of the telescopic slide in supporting and guiding the vertical movement.
  6. For the second activity, explain how the limit switch can be used to detect the end position of the lift.
  7. Guide students to troubleshoot actuator, mechanism, sensor, and programming errors.