Teaching analog Line-Follower (LF) robot concept through simulation for elementary students

Abstract

At present, almost all modern industries utilize robots to increase production efficiency and effectiveness. Students' competencies must be prepared appropriately by educators. Accordingly, in the future, they have qualified technical-skills when dealing with the fully-supported robot in their job. These supporting competencies are involved in extracurricular subjects. Robotics is one of several subjects taught at the elementary level; simple robots like analog Line-Follower (LF) robots are very suitable for elementary school students' teaching topics. Using proper strategies, the elementary students will learn simple robotics comprehensively with mentoring assistance by STEM Teachers. This paper presents a teaching material on how a simple robot (i.e., LF robot) can be introduced to elementary students. The Circuit Wizard™ simulator was chosen as a teaching tool because it offers a virtual world, good animation, and user-friendly software. Therefore, the elementary student will understand the basic concept and apply their constructed knowledge in real robot hardware. Teaching materials are entirely taught in the simulation domain, consisting of several contents starting from the introduction of electronic components to DC motor drivers. This paper can be used as a supplementary reference (source) for STEM teachers in teaching the fundamental of analog LF robots to elementary students.