At its core, the Bug Machines studio was designed to answer a single, provocative question: What happens when learners are given real tools, real constraints, and permission to build? Rather than a one-off project, Bug Machines represents a living laboratory where design thinking, CAD, electronics, and coding converge. It is one of the clearest demonstrationsContinue reading “Bug Machines: Where Play Evolves into Engineering”
Tag Archives: electronics
Bug Machines Day 8: User Testing, Iteration & Functional Convergence
The team is extensively user-testing and refining their bug-inspired machines, utilizing various electronics and mechanics. They are gearing up for an exhibit, showcasing prototypes like a morphing scorpion. Feedback from other groups has been valuable, leading to a fourth iteration that aims to showcase both functionality and design.
Bug Machines Day 7: From Scaffolds to Independent Systems
This post is part of Bug Machines, a hands-on engineering studio where learners design, build, wire, code, and iterate on insect-inspired machines. The experience blends design thinking, systems engineering, creative problem-solving, and maker confidence—all through real tools and real constraints. Bug Machines Studio — Day 7 of 10— 🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞◻◻◻← Day 6 · Today: Control &Continue reading “Bug Machines Day 7: From Scaffolds to Independent Systems”
Bug Machines Day 6: Systems Integration, Iteration & Debugging
This post is part of Bug Machines, a hands-on engineering studio where learners design, build, wire, code, and iterate on insect-inspired machines. The experience blends design thinking, systems engineering, creative problem-solving, and maker confidence—all through real tools and real constraints. Bug Machines Studio — Day 6 of 10— 🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞◻◻◻◻← Day 5 · Today: Systems IntegrationContinue reading “Bug Machines Day 6: Systems Integration, Iteration & Debugging”
Bug Machines Day 5: Mechatronics, Motion & Risk-Free Iteration
On Day 5 of the project, students engaged in ultra-rapid prototyping, experimenting with electronic components and mechanics. This hands-on approach fostered spatial reasoning and basic CAD skills. As teams advanced their robotic claw designs, they also learned advanced programming in C and C++. The experience emphasized practical application and risk-taking in learning.
Bug Machines Day 3: Circuits, Coding & Curiosity
Today, we introduced circuits with a presentation on creating a traffic light using Tinkercad and Scratch coding. Local entomologist Dr. Tom Dykstra shared his expertise on insect olfaction and brought hundreds of hissing cockroaches for students to explore. Students engaged in idea generation, forming teams around their favorite “How might we…” statements.