Term 4 saw the launch of an exciting pilot Year 9 Electronics project.

Taking inspiration from a national initiative to unleash the potential of young people through fun and innovative projects, Year 9 students worked in groups to construct an underwater remotely operated Aquabot. After some basic teaching on electricity and circuits, students then got to work in groups to figure out how to make a functional paper switch to turn a motor forwards and backwards. It was then on to the real thing, making the controller and soldering its components, and working out the wiring to drive 3 motors. After test drives in the school pool, our final week should see the Battle of the Bots, and one group crowned the inaugural winners.

A huge thanks to Oakleys Plumbing who supplied all the frames for a fraction of the real cost, and to the PTA for supporting this project. The teacher taking on this project next year will be looking to capitalise on its huge cross-curricular potential. 

The students’ advice regarding how to take the project forward…bigger motors!