Creating an autonomous vehicle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can synchronise components and systems.
Key learning points
- LEDs can be used for lighting, signals or effects.
- Multiple outputs can be controlled sequentially.
- Code can be used to synchronise systems through logic and timing.
- Modular code can be used to improve system management.
Keywords
Vehicle - a machine used for transporting people or goods
Autonomous - something that operates independently without human intervention
Synchronise - when two or more things work together in a certain way
Common misconception
The microcontroller controls all systems at the same time.
In reality, most microcontrollers execute code sequentially, one line at a time. It may appear that microcontrollers are doing many things at once, but they’re actually switching between tasks quickly or handling them step by step.
Teacher tip
Encourage learners to build and test each system (LEDs, motors, sensors) one at a time, then gradually combine them using modular functions. Reinforce success at each stage before moving on.
Equipment
Pupils will need a microcontroller and software to program it. Examples in this lesson use the RPi Pico and Thonny https://oak.link/thonny
Files needed for this lesson
L6TaskBActivity3aSolutionV2 931 B (PY)
L6TaskBActivity3eSolutionV2 2.93 KB (PY)
L6TaskBActivity3bSolutionV2 931 B (PY)
L6TaskBActivity3dSolutionV2 2.82 KB (PY)
L6TaskBActivity3cSolutionV2 2.41 KB (PY)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do ultrasonic sensors use to measure distance?
Q2.What is the role of a sensor in a system?
Q3.Which formula is used by ultrasonic sensors to calculate distance?
Q4.What device receives data from sensors to make decisions?
Q5.What colour of surface reflects more infrared light?
Q6.Match each action with its purpose:
help detect surface contrast
enable decision-making
work out how far away something is
identify dark surfaces
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is one common use for LEDs in a system?
Q2.How can multiple outputs be controlled in a system?
Q3.What is the term for a system that operates independently without human help?
Q4.Put these steps in order for synchronising LED outputs on a buggy:
Q5.What is the term for code that is organised into separate, manageable sections to improve system management?
Q6.What does modular code help with in a system?
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Creating an autonomous vehicle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Creating an autonomous vehicle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computing lessons from the Using physical computing to create a robot buggy unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.