Computer Science Tools: Littlebits

Subject Area(s): Physics

Computer Science Tools: Littlebits

Activity Title: Littlebits Throwing Arm and Kinematic Equations

Grade Level: Middle-High School

Time Required: 60min

Recommended Group Size: 1-2

Summary: Little Bits are small, interactive pieces that fit and work together to create electronic inventions. By creating a throwing arm, we can provide a reproducible scenario in order to calculate the velocity and trajectory of the projectile.

Computer Science Connection: Logical thinking, mathematics

Keywords: Littlebits, Physics, Kinematics, Projectile Motion,

Pre-Requisite Knowledge: Kinematic Equations

·  a1 Battery & Cable

·  p1 Power

·  i3 button

·  o11 servo & servo hub

·  a23 mechanical arm

·  screws (x3)

·  a9 Mounting Board

·  a24 servo hub

·  wheel

·  o25 Motor

All of the above are included in the Student STEAM Kit. The below, however, are not provided in the kit, but should be provided by your teacher.

·  Philips Head Screwdriver

·  Scissors

·  Rubber Band

·  Paper Cups

·  Masking tape

For the calculations, you’ll need this:

·  Pencil & paper

·  Stopwatch

·  Ruler

·  (Optional) Calculator

Introduction/Motivation: Creating the Littlebits Throwing Arm is a simple, but interesting task, and will allow students to practice their kinematic equations in a real-world scenario. First, we’ll introduce Littlebits, and then create the Throwing Arm. Following this, practice the kinematic equations with some problems, and then we’ll use the Throwing Arm to put your skills to the test. Finally, think about what you could change with the Throwing Arm to make it launch its projectile farther, and then experiment!

Solutions to Practice Problems:

40° - 145.11m

45° - 147.35m

50° - 145.11m

40° - 30.44m

45° - 36.84m

50° - 43.23m

vox - 7.267 m/s

yoy - 5.476 m/s

tup - .5585 s

ttot - 1.1117s

dx - 8.117m

dy @ peak – 1.529m

dx = 85.79m

vf = 46.85 m/s

5. 

vox = 13.25 m/s