The mimic mentioned is for the Picaxe dice project. We use this with year 8. The project is spread over 3 double lessons. In the first lesson we introduce Flowol and hand out components. In the second lesson we split the time between between fitting components/soldering and writing programs to 1) test the board by operating all 7 LEDs when the button is pressed. 2) Operate as single dice 3) Operate as a countdown timer. The 3rd lesson is problem solving and finishing the project. We have run the project once so far and it went well. The pupils have a workbook that shows clearly how to assemble the board and write programs. We are now working on a wooden game project that would incorporate the board. This includes a net shape for a box drawn on 2D design and photocopied for them to cut out, punch the holes and decorate. The board, switch and battery holder are fixed to a strip of hardboard using a cool melt glue gun which is then inserted into the box.
I found the biggest problem was pupils putting the LEDs and PIC chip in the wrong way round so introduced a "check with teacher" stage before they could go onto soldering. Other problems are the LEDs do not get pushed down correctly.
If you want further details please contact me at.
igoodsell@helenswood.e-sussex.sch.uk
