GIRLS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Girls in Science and Technology

Project Reminder:

The Girls in Science and Technology Project promotes opportunities for girls from public schools to engage in science and technology, aiming to inspire and encourage future vocations. Designed for students aged 12 to 18, it offers workshops, classes, field trips, and lectures, culminating in tournaments and technological art exhibitions. The project seeks to develop creativity, technological awareness, and to identify talents in order to support and prepare them for the job market.

Although the project is primarily aimed at female participants, boys also take part in the activities, albeit in smaller numbers. We believe this interaction is essential for both groups to understand the dynamics of the job market, where everyone, regardless of gender, is interconnected and contributes in various ways.

In recent months, the project participants carried out the following activities:

Physical Concepts and Fundamentals of Robotics

• Structures

• Simple Machines
  Introduction to simple machines and their applications, with a focus on mechanics and functionality.

Construction of Robots with WeDo 2.0
Using the knowledge acquired in previous workshops, participants built several robots with mechanisms based on simple machines.

Programming

Scratch and App Inventor
Introduction to block-based programming in Scratch and App Inventor, including multiple exercises using the blocks of Motion, Looks, Sound, Events, Control, Sensing, Operators, Variables, and Extensions.

Robots with LDR and App Inventor
Activity involving the assembly and operation of a robot that moves using an LDR (light sensor) and a mobile app created by the students.

Robotics with Programming

Block Programming with Dash and Cue Robots
Hands-on activities using block-based programming with Dash and Cue robots.

Text Programming with Dash and Cue Robots
Activities using text-based programming (JavaScript) to control Dash and Cue robots.

Robotics with Micro:bit and Block Programming in MakeCode
Introduction to robotics concepts such as energy, communication, chassis (mechanics), motors, and motor control.

Robot Construction / Programming / Testing

Robotics with 3D Design and CAD (TinkerCAD)
Activities using 3D design, 3D printing, and programming on the ESP32 platform with BLE communication integrated with a Playstation 4 gamepad.

Challenge

Construction of a Neon Lamp
Application of the knowledge gained throughout the course to build a neon lamp.

Competition of Tasks Using the Robots Built During the Course
A competition featuring the robots developed by the students.

Links:

• https://www.alphalumen.org.br/

Project Reminder:

The Girls in Science and Technology Project promotes opportunities for girls from public schools to engage in science and technology, with the goal of inspiring and encouraging interest in these fields. Targeting students aged 12 to 18, the program offers workshops, classes, field trips, and lectures, culminating in tournaments and technological art exhibitions. It aims to foster creativity, technological awareness, and identify talents in order to support and prepare them for the job market.

It is worth noting that, although the project is primarily aimed at girls, boys also participate in the activities, albeit in smaller numbers. We believe that this interaction is essential for both to understand the dynamics of the job market, where everyone, regardless of gender, is interconnected and collaborates in some way.

In recent months, the project participants carried out the following activities: 

• Physical concepts and fundamentals of robotics

 Where do we find robots?

The participants began their learning journey with an introduction to the basic concepts of robotics, discussing the presence and application of robots in daily life and in various sectors such as industry, healthcare, space exploration, and domestic services. The aim was to spark interest and broaden their perspective on the possibilities within this field.

Parallel circuits

The functioning of parallel electrical circuits was presented, covering concepts such as current, voltage, and resistance. The students conducted practical assemblies to understand how different components can operate simultaneously without directly affecting each other’s performance.

Mixed circuits

The participants studied the combination of series and parallel circuits, identifying situations in which this configuration is applied in robotics. The practical activity included assembling mixed circuits using resistors, LEDs, and motors, understanding their role in controlling different parts of a robot.

Applications using the robotics kit

Practical activity: Using the educational robotics kit, the participants applied circuit concepts to create simple prototypes, exploring how correct electrical connections and the integration of sensors and actuators enable the basic functioning of a robot. This stage reinforced their understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. 

• Energy and robot components

 The energy that powers robots

The students studied different energy sources used in robotics, such as batteries, solar power, and connection to the electrical grid. Discussions included aspects such as autonomy, efficiency, and sustainability in the use of these sources.

Actuating elements and sensors

The main actuators (motors, servo motors) and sensors (light, distance, touch, among others) used in robotics were presented and tested. The participants learned the function of each component and its importance in enabling the robot’s interaction with its environment.

Links:

• https://www.alphalumen.org.br/