• Module 13

      Time-controlled Movement with Colours

      Programming / Creative Robotics / Natural Sciences

      Module Identity

      Title
      Time-controlled movement with colours
      Subject Areas
      Information Technology Natural Sciences Mathematics Art/Creativity
      Format
      Experiential learning; Small group work (3-5 students); Robot "choreography" programming; Gamification elements.
      Preparation Requirements
      Synchronization of FOSSBot with local Wi-Fi network; Preparation of the "Timed Movement with Colors" project file.
      Estimated Duration
      45 minutes
      Age Range
      13-14 years old (Lower levels of lower secondary)
      Keywords
      Timers, Conditional Loops, Sequential Execution, Motion, Visual Feedback, LED Colours, Robot Choreography.
      Summary

      This educational scenario explores the concept of time as a primary control mechanism for robotic behavior. Students engage in experiential learning by programming the FOSSBot to perform a specific "choreography" of movements, where each action is determined by a specific duration and linked to a visual LED indicator. Through predicting, observing, and modifying code, students analyze the relationship between time intervals, movement direction, and visual feedback, effectively linking abstract programming concepts with physical outcomes.

      Introduction

      Time is a fundamental variable in both physics and computer science. In this lesson, students learn to harness time to control a robot's navigation without using distance sensors. The activity focuses on creating a programmed sequence—or "choreography"—where the robot moves forward, turns, and reverses based on specific timer values.
      By associating each movement with a distinct LED color (Red for forward, Green for right, Blue for left), students can visually track the program's flow in real-time. This multisensory approach helps students understand how sequential logic and timer-based loops function to create complex behaviors from simple commands.

      Prerequisite Knowledge

      • • Basic familiarity with visual programming environments
      • • Understanding of simple robot movement commands
      • • Understanding the concept of time as a measurable quantity
      • • Ability to work in small groups (3–5 people)

      Learning Outcomes

      By the end of this module, students will be able to:

      Conceptual Understanding

      • ✓ Correlate direction of movement with time intervals
      • ✓ Distinguish between time control and distance/sensor control
      • ✓ Describe the sequence of execution of a program (serial execution)

      Programming & Implementation

      • ✓ Use a timer to control the movement of a robot
      • ✓ Create sequences of commands with different durations
      • ✓ Monitor and interpret the flow of a program in real-time

      Creativity & Engineering

      • ✓ Use LED colours as a visual feedback mechanism
      • ✓ Predict robot behavior when time durations change
      • ✓ Modify parameters to alter the robot's choreography

      📐 Key Logic & Control Concepts

      Timer Logic:

      REPEAT UNTIL (Time_Passed > X seconds)
      DO [Move Direction] [Set Color]

      The action continues until the internal timer exceeds the specific threshold (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 seconds).

      Sequential Execution:

      Action 1 (Red, 5s) -> Action 2 (Green, 10s) -> Action 3 (Blue, 15s)

      Students observe that the total duration of the choreography is the sum of all individual time intervals.