15/10/2024   Educational Laboratories, STEM & Robotics

SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set for Secondary Education S.T.E.M.

Block programming Physical Computing S.T.E.M. Secondary Education SMART:Blox

Overview

Level up your STEM skills with SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set!

Building on the foundation of SMART:Blox S1 Programming Set, the SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set is an advanced STEM set designed to take students to the next level. It’s perfect for those who mastered the basics and are ready for a challenge.

Deeper dive into programming:

  • SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set introduces more complex activities, pushing students to explore a wider range of programming commands.
  • This broader skillset allows them to tackle new and exciting applications, expanding their programming experience.

Unleash your creativity

SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set doesn’t just teach new commands; it opens doors to a world of possibilities. Students will be able to design projects that are more intricate and delve into more diverse areas of programming.

Ready to take the leap?

If you’re a student who enjoyed SMART:Blox S1 Programming Set and are hungry for more, SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set is the perfect next step in your STEM journey!

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Description

SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set is an advanced STEM set in continuation of basic education with SMART:Blox S1 Programming Set, offering students more complex activities, more programming commands and learning in a wider range of applications and experiences in programming.

The system includes the ARD:icon programmable microcontroller, accompanied by a series of peripheral devices, sensors and actuators, Polytech’s ARD:icon development and programming software with the necessary teaching and supporting educational material, ideal for secondary (highschool) students.

The SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set is also micro:bit ready (micro:bit V2.0 microcontroller sold sepatately). For the interconnection and operation of the entire system, the set contains the microSHIELD interface, an electronic device necessary for connecting the devices to micro:bit using only one cable.

Its design makes the system ideal for training in programming and controlling devices through the board language, as well as introducing programming in Arduino and C/C++ languages. It allows students with no experience, background in electronic circuits and computer knowledge to learn programming by creating basic control circuits, implementing exciting technical activities.

The SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set comes with a set of placement guides of compatible bricks (Lego type) and a base for placing/building the activities. These plastic parts (Lego type) are durable and suitable for use by children. It is selected as a suitable educational material in Secondary School (grades 1-3) STEM-Robotics education by the Hellenic Ministry of Education.

Contents of the SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set

  • ARD:icon microcontroller including:
    • 4 analog I/O Ports RJ11
    • 6 RJ11 digital I/O Ports (5 single-pin, 1 double-pin)
    • 1 Joystick/RJ11 port
    • 1 serial COM port
    • 1 SPI serial synchronous communication port/RJ11
    • 1 I2C communication port for interfacing with other ADR:icon/RJ11
    • Connect to a tablet or computer
    • Programmability with block commands in higher-level learning applications.
  • microSHIELD interface including:
    • 4 LEDs
    • 1 buzzer
    • 1 output voltage modulator to manage the DC current of each activity
    • 10 cables with alligator clips
    • Battery case (6 x AA 1.5V batteries not included)
  • Optional micro:bit microcontroller including:
    • 5×5 LED micro-bulb grid display
    • Light sensor
    • Temperature sensor
    • Microphone
    • Play audio
    • Electronic compass
    • Accelerometer
    • Contact switch
    • 2 programmable buttons
  • Programmable Electronic Devices
    • Sensors
      • Analog sound sensor (Microphone)
      • Angle sensor
      • Digital Tilt Sensor
      • Hall Magnetic Field Sensor
      • Humidity temperature sensor
      • Infrared obstacle avoidance sensor
      • LDR light sensor
      • PIR motion sensor
      • Soil moisture sensor
      • Temperature sensor with probe
      • Thin film pressure sensor
      • Ultrasonic distance sensor
      • Water level sensor
    • Buttons/Switches
      • Digital Push Button
      • Magnetic Reed switch
    • Sound, Light & Waveforms
      • Active buzzer
      • Infrared receiver
      • Infrared transmitter
      • Laser unit
      • LCD Display
      • LED units (RGB, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, White)
      • Passive buzzer
    • Mechanical force
      • Step motor with propeller
      • Servo motor
  • Breadboard 800 TiePoint with base
  • Base for bricks (Lego type)
  • Cases for compatible bricks (Lego type) for placing circuits
  • RJ11 cables to 3-pin interface B, 6-pin, 30 cm
  • USB cable
  • ARD:icon© software

Educational Activities with the SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set

ARD:icon activities

1st Grade

  1. Tilt Alarm
  2. Thin film pressure sensor programming
  3. Touch screen
  4.  Programming a Touch Lamp
  5. Pressure measurement
  6. Surgical Forceps Programming
  7. Thermostat/refrigerator function
  8. Thermostat/refrigerator function II
  9. Soil Moisture Control
  10. The temperature sensor with probe
  11. Optimum temperature programming
  12. The infrared obstacle sensor
  13. Parking Lot Exit Control
  14. The ultrasonic distance sensor
  15. Distance Calculation
  16. Parking sensor 
  17. The Water Level sensor
  18. Water Level Control
  19. Water Level Control II
  20. Anti-Theft System – The “for” Function
  21. Laser Security System
  22. Traffic light
  23. Optimum Temperature Programming II
  24. Decibel meter
  25. Goniometer
  26. Goniometer II

2nd Grade

  1. RGB traffic light
  2. RGB adjustment according to ambient temperature
  3. Goniometer III
  4. RGB adjustment according to angle
  5. Pressure – Force measurement
  6. RGB adjustment according to pressure
  7. RGB adjustment according to the distance
  8. Goniometer – Photorhythms
  9. Smart Home Security Control – Circuit Break Switch
  10. Smart Home Security Control – Circuit Break Switch II
  11. Magnetic Entry Card
  12. Dual Switch/Magnetic Card II
  13. Greenhouse Temperature And Humidity Control
  14. Dual Switch II
  15. Calculation of Area of Circular Disc
  16. Calculating Surface Area of a Cube
  17. Calculating Surface Area of a Rectangular Prism
  18. Table Surface Calculation
  19. Calculation of Surface Area of Triangular Prism
  20. Calculation of Cylinder Surface Area
  21. Calculation of the Volume of a Cube of Constant Surface
  22. Calculation of the Volume of a Variable Surface Cube
  23. Calculation of the Volume of a Rectangular Prism
  24. Cylinder Volume Calculation
  25. Calculating the Volume of a Parallelepiped

3rd Grade

  1. Smart Home Security Control – Circuit Off Switch (2) – The “while” loop
  2. Magnetic Entry Card – The “while” loop
  3. Double Switch – The “while” loop
  4. Double switch 2 – The “while” loop
  5. Smart Home Security Check – The “while” loop
  6. Parking sensor
  7. Automatic screen brightness adjustment
  8. Parking sensor (RGB)
  9. Water Level Control (RGB)
  10. Surgical Forceps Programming (RGB)
  11. Optimum Temperature Programming (RGB)
  12. Decibel Meter (RGB)
  13. Goniometer (RGB)
  14. Billboard (RGB)
  15. Automatic Train Level Crossing Operation
  16. Calculation of Height and Length of Objects
  17. Calculation of Sine, Cosine, Tangent Fixed Angle
  18. Calculation of Sine, Cosine, Tangent Variable Angle
  19. Trigonometry Problem 1
  20. Trigonometry Problem 2
  21. Trigonometry Problem 3
  22. Trigonometry Problem 4Optional

Optional micro:bit activities

1st Grade

  1. Heart
  2. Beating heart
  3. Animated animals
  4. Flashing Emotions 1
  5. Here comes the sun
  6. Be silly
  7. Name badge
  8. Shining sunbeams
  9. Sunlight sensor
  10. Night light
  11. Flashing Emotions 2
  12. Emotion badge
  13. Name sign
  14. Dice
  15. Proximity Beacon
  16. Guitar 1 – touch tunes
  17. Guitar 2 – chords
  18. Guitar 3 – octaves
  19. Tilt alarm
  20. Light alarm
  21. Pressure switch alarm
  22. Radio door alarm
  23. PIR movement alarm
  24. Reaction game
  25. Make:Code data logger
  26. Python data logger
  27. Fireflies
  28. Maximum/minimum temperature logger
  29. Activity picker
  30. Simple tilt alarm
  31. Calming LEDs
  32. Send a smile
  33. Animal tracker
  34. Clap hearts
  35. Disco lights
  36. Sound meter
  37. Touch the heart
  38. Sound emotion badge
  39. Sensory toy
  40. Metronome

2nd Grade

  1. Heartbeat Beacon
  2. Treasure hunt
  3. Set of activities
  4. Fahrenheit thermometer
  5. Jukebox with volume
  6. Simple door alarm
  7. Touch timer
  8. Touch stopwatch
  9. Sound recorder
  10. Micro:bit pet
  11. Spirit level
  12. Sound compass
  13. Candle
  14. Clap-o-meter
  15. Proximity Beacon
  16. Guitar 1 – touch tunes
  17. Guitar 2 – chords
  18. Guitar 3 – octaves
  19. Tilt alarm
  20. Light alarm
  21. Pressure switch alarm
  22. Radio door alarm
  23. PIR movement alarm
  24. Reaction game
  25. Make:Code data logger
  26. Python data logger
  27. Fireflies
  28. Maximum/minimum temperature logger
  29. Energy photometer
  30. Energy light timer
  31. Energy cost calculator
  32. Frère Jacques Loops
  33. Teleporting duck
  34. Group Teleporting duck
  35. Tell me a secret
  36. Indoor / outdoor thermometer
  37. North Compass
  38. Max/min thermometer
  39. Night light
  40. Jukebox

3rd Grade

  1. LED on/off programming
  2. LED brightness control programming
  3. On/off programming & LED brightness control
  4. Switching to Primary Colors (RGB) programming
  5. Music playback programming through a passive buzzer
  6. Motion Detection sensor programming
  7. Ultrasonic distance sensor programming
  8. Magnetic Material Detection sensor programming
  9. Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Programming
  10. Photocell Programming (LDR)
  11. Magnetic switch sensor programming
  12. Analog Sound sensor programming
  13. Water Level sensor programming
  14. Control Switch Programming
  15. LCD Screen Programming
  16. Control Switch Programming
  17. Thin Film Pressure Sensor Programming
  18. Servomotor programming and application
  19. Fan programming and application
  20. Line Tracking Sensor Programming
  21. Traffic Light
  22. Architectural Lighting with Color Changing
  23. Water Level Control
  24. Electronic music
  25. Table lamp
  26. Public Lighting – Automatic On/Off
  27. Distance meter
  28. Magnetic switch
  29. Voice Switch
  30. Automatic Door Opening/Closing
  31. Car alarm
  32. Desktop Lighting Brightness control
  33. Car flash
  34. LCD screen activation with beep
  35. Touch in Robotic Arms
  36. Artworks protection from humidity and temperature
  37. Rotary Motion of Robotic Arm – Servo Motor
  38. Motor Control
  39. Infrared remote control
  40. Motor Control 2

In-Depth of the SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set

1. The ARD:icon Microcontroller

ARD:icon is a microcontroller based on the open architecture of the ARDUINO controller family, specially designed by Polytech for simple “plug and play” use by students.

It uses open source guides and a simple but powerful and flexible programming environment in order to make programming accessible to the general (student) audience.
The set is equipped with a set of accessory passive devices (sensors and interfaces) and is an ideal introduction to computer science and computational/algorithmic thinking.

It comes with Polytech ARD:icon programming environment. It can also be programmed with various programming environments for ARDUINO (also known as IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), available through ARD:icon.

The microcontroller device is integrated in a durable plastic box. It features markings on its surface so that students can identify each input, output, communication, power and other necessary connection port. It has operation light indicators for various states (Download, Run, Compile).

The sensors and the micro-devices are connected to ARD:icon via RJ11 cables (6-wire array) thus avoiding micro-wiring circuits, pins, connection errors, short circuits, loss of teaching time/time for circuit assembly and disassembly and teaching time is devoted to the planning of each circuit and the main theme of the activity. Each set has 8 RJ 11 cables 30 cm long.

In conjunction with the ARD:icon software application, students focus on control system design and programming, operation logic, using the application’s icon environment (Icon based GUI), specially designed and implemented by Polytech for teaching purposes.

Technical characteristics

  • CPU: ATmega328P-PU
  • Flash memory: 32 KB
  • SRAM: 2KB
  • Storage capacity EEPROM: 1KB
  • Clock frequency: 16 MHZ
  • Restart option
  • Ability to connect via USB, to a device with Android or Windows OS

2. The microSHIELD interface

For the interconnection and operation of the system with the micro:bit microcontroller, the set contains the microSHIELD, an electronic device necessary for the integration of the set devices.

The micro:bit microcontroller (not currently offered with the set) is easily integrated (plug and play) into the appropriate socket of the microSHIELD board. With the S2 set, a series of 30 microelectronics are offered for programming.

These elements have RJ11 sockets and are interconnected with RJ11 cables on the microSHIELD to perform various activities.

The sensors and microdevices are connected to the microSHIELD via RJ11 cables (6W), 30 cm long. The device works with a 6V battery. Optionally, a DC power supply with a 220VAC/7VDC transformer is offered.

The microSHIELD has the following ports, with RJ11 sockets:

  • 8 x ports for peripheral microelectronics connections
  • 1 x I2C port
  • 1 x 1SPI port

The device also has 2 x RJ11-3P interface boards (from RJ11 to pins/pins) which allows it to be connected to a Breadboard and to control electronic circuits, which students can create with real electronic components (LEDs, resistors, capacitors, potentiometer, etc.) and wired connections to the Breadboard.

3. The optional micro:bit Microcontroller

The micro:bit is a microcontroller created for educational purposes. It uses open source libraries and simple yet powerful programming environments in order to make programming accessible to the general (student) public.

It is equipped with a set of 6 integrated sensors (microphone, accelerometer, electronic compass, 1 contact switch, thermometer), buzzer/speaker, LED display with 25 (5 x 5) LEDs, microUSB connector for serial connection with Android Tablet or Windows PC, power supply port, IC bluetooth with antenna, reset switch and interface connectors. Comes with a USB cable.

It can be programmed with various programming environments (also known as integrated development programs, IDEs from Integrated Development Environments). Of all the environments, the simplest and most popular, especially for students, is the Make:Code© environment from Microsoft.

micro:bit Technical specifications – Latest versions (v2)

  • Processor: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52833
  • Memory: 512kB Flash, 128kB RAM
  • Interface: NXP KL27Z, 32kB RAM
  • Microphone: MEMs microphone and LED indicator
  • Speaker: Integrated speaker
  • Logo touch: Touch sensitive logo pin
  • Connectors: 25 pins, 4 for GPIO, PWM, i2c, SPI and external power. 3 ring pins for connecting alligator clips/banana plugs. With a notch for easier connection.
  • I2C: Dedicated I2C bus for peripherals
  • Wireless: 2.4Ghz Micro:bit Radio/BLE Bluetooth 5.0
  • Power supply: 5V via USB port, 3V via terminal or battery case, LED indicator, Power off (press and hold the power button)
  • Available Voltage: 200mA available for components
  • Motion sensor: ST LSM 303
  • Software: C++, MakeCode, Python, Scratch
  • Dimensions: 5 x 4 εκ. (W x H)

Power Supply

When connected to a tablet or computer via a USB port, no external power is needed. No batteries are required to operate the set.

The ARD:icon© Software

The ARD:icon© software that accompanies every POLYTECH STEM set is a visual programming editor by Polytech that uses programming blocks a powerful teaching and programming tool for:

  • the strengthening of computational and algorithmic thinking
  • developing skills for computer programming, robotics, automation and familiarity with programming code
  • the design of basic technical and scientific applications, mathematical calculations and other technological solutions with a view to the whole range of STEM applications
The ARD:icon software UI. Using visual (block) programming to produce code in Arduino and C languages.

In addition, it offers a modern method for teaching these fundamental concepts to students through a variety of activities, exercises and group assignments based on STEM methodology.

Photo Gallery

SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set Unpacked
SMART:Blox S2 Programming Set Sealed
The optional micro:bit microcontroller and the included microSHIELD interface
The optional micro:bit microcontroller hosted on the included microSHIELD interface
Two inter-connected ARD:icon sets

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