a physical connection point on a microcontroller, microprocessor or electronic component

acts as the return path for electric current and is essential for a circuit to work properly

hardware that takes signals and manages how a motor behaves

a collection of pre-written code that you can use to make programming easier and faster

Working with motors

Computing

Introduction to physical computing

Chassis design and build

Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance

Optical sensors for navigation

Creating an autonomous vehicle

Adding additional features to your buggy

Presenting a physical computing project

This unit introduces pupils to physical computing by building a robotic buggy. They will use a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to explore inputs and outputs, and utilise a range of hardware components, including motors, reflective optical sensors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Using physical computing to create a robot buggy

acts as a return path for electric current

Match each keyword to its correct description:

What hardware is needed between a microcontroller and a motor to safely control the motor’s power?

connect the motor driver to the microcontroller

Put these steps in order for safely running a motor with a microcontroller:

What could happen if you connect a motor directly to a microcontroller?

spins continuously when powered; speed controlled by voltage

moves to a specific angle; often used for precise movement

rotates in steps for precise position control

Match each type of motor to its correct description:

using code and hardware to interact with the real world

Which of the following best describes physical computing?

controlling devices like lights or sensors

What is a microcontroller usually used for?

Which device would most likely contain an embedded system?

What are the connection points on a microcontroller used to send or receive signals?

Match each component to its correct description:

Put these steps in order to set up a circuit on a Pico to light up an LED:

Working with motors

Lesson outcome