Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance
I can describe and use ultrasonic sensors to calculate distance.
Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance
I can describe and use ultrasonic sensors to calculate distance.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Ultrasonic sensors measure distance using sound waves.
- Ultrasonic sensors gather data from the environment and send that data to the microcontroller to make decisions.
- Ultrasonic sensors are used to calculate distance using the formula distance = time x speed of sound.
Keywords
Ultrasonic - sound waves that have a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing
Distance - the length of the space between two points
Sensor - a device which detects or measures a physical property such as sound or light
Common misconception
Ultrasonic sensors work like cameras and detect objects visually.
Ultrasonic sensors use sound not light to detect objects.
To help you plan your year 11 computing lesson on: Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 computing lesson on: Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance, 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.
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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.
Equipment
Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, breadboard, jumper wires, Thonny software.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of a buggy chassis?
Q2.Why must a chassis be strong?
Q3.When should you perform a visual inspection?
Q4.Place these steps in order for checking a buggy before use:
Q5.Match each scenario to the correct keyword:
checking for loose wires
the buggy holds all parts together
the buggy does not break when bumped
changing motor direction using instructions
Q6.What is the small computer on a circuit board that controls the actions of devices like a programmable buggy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Place these steps in the correct order for how an ultrasonic sensor measures distance:
Q2.What type of waves do ultrasonic sensors use to detect objects?
Q3.What formula is used to calculate distance with an ultrasonic sensor?
Q4.Match each keyword to its correct description:
sound waves above human hearing
the length between two points
device that detects or measures properties
the “brain” that makes decisions