Pneumatics questsFor the Expert Level you will start to explore the concepts of Pneumatics. That is a fancy way of saying that you are going to use air to cause things to happen to the Legos that you build. Sometimes you can apply direct air to something to cause change, and other times you will have to build up pressure, called PSI (pounds per square inch) to make things work.
Pneumatics are used in many different jobs, and some of you probably even have an air compressor at home, which is a type of pneumatic device. |
In order to finish up this Level and unlock the Professional Level, you will need to complete at least 2 of the 5 quests listed for the Expert Level. You can also "farm" if you would like to complete all quests and earn experience.
Directions For Expert Level
For the Expert Level, you will be still using the Legos but will start to learn a new general concept called "Pneumatics." While the science of pneumatics involves the use of gases and how they behave, we will be using only air ad air pumps to learn more about pneumatics. In the Expert Level you will focus on moving Lego creations using air. Here is how you should approach the activities in this level:
- MANDATORY - You need to choose only 2 of the 5 Quests to do, but one of the Quests MUST be the "Principle Models" Quest. This will explain the core concepts needed to work with the pneumatics. After you complete 2 Quests, you can do all 5 Quests to "farm" experience if you would like. You an also create your own Quest to test if you would like.
- First you must do the Principle Model Quest. So first read over the worksheet for that to get an idea what you need to do and then do the quest.
- Next, choose the other two quests that you and your partner will do and decide which you want to do first. For the first one, open the "Overview." This will give you a general sense of what the quest requires that you do. Pay attention to the items in the YELLOW BOXES, as these are questions you will need to both answer on your worksheet and when you talk with Mr. Hill in Step 7. You will also need to make sure you have all the necessary supplies to do the quest.
- Once you read the Overview, open the "Student Worksheet" and make sure you know what you are to do. Go to the binder and get one for both you and your partner.
- Complete the quest and fill out the answers on the worksheet that corresponds to your chosen quest. Once you are finished with the quest and the student worksheet, have Mr. Hill come talk with you.
- Once you are done, you then have a choice. If you want to experiment further with the item you have built, come up with your own ideas and experiment as a quest (XP will vary). But you need to have Mr. Hill approve it first. If you choose not to experiment more with your model, deconstruct your Lego, replacing your parts into the correct locations in your storage tub. Choose your next quest and repeat.
Principle Models quest
Principle Models
These Principle Models introduce you to the basic concepts of Pneumatics. These short little activities teach you how to approach the learning of the use of air and air pressure to create kinetic energy. Building Instructions Student Worksheet |
Compressor
Here are the instructions to create a compressor to be able to build up a large amount of PSI (Pressure per square inch) to power your machines Building Instructions |
Pneumatic Activities quests
Robot Arm
Learn how pneumatics and air pressure can be used to control a robot arm like you might see in a warehouse, factory or large construction site. Activity Overview Building Instructions Student Worksheet |
Robot Hand
How can Jill work out a fair system that differentiates between the weight of the different letters and parcels her classmates are bringing to her? Activity Overview Building Instructions Student Worksheet |
Scissor Lift
This lift is a common machines used to reach high places and do many tasks, from changing lightbulbs to painting and putting on roofs. It is better than scaffolding in that you can raise it to different heights easily Activity Overview Building Instructions Student Worksheet |
Stamping Press
A stamping press is something that can repeatedly do an action over and over, "stamping" things. This is useful in Tool and Die Jobs and other manufacturing jobs that require many parts to be made exactly the same. Activity Overview Building Instructions Student Worksheet |