LockwoodSTEMStudent Engineering Hub
ADM Project 1.1.8

Decreasing Spirals

Use loops and incremental movement to create a decreasing spiral path.

Back to Unit 1 View Code

Your lesson guide

Objective

Work toward the lesson goal: Decreasing Spirals. Use the directions and success criteria in the activity below.

Materials

For the online work: a browser and your engineering notebook. Follow the activity’s materials list for any physical build, and get teacher approval before using equipment.

Plan your time

Suggested work block: 45–60 minutes. Physical builds and projects may span several classes; follow your teacher’s schedule.

Lesson Overview

In this project, you will apply movement coding, path control, and geometric reasoning to create a programmed robotic motion project using decreasing spiral paths. The example uses a loop and a side length variable to control repeated movement.

Notes

  • This example intentionally shows why variable names and debugging matter.
  • Check the spelling and capitalization of variables before running code.
  • A loop can reduce repeated commands, but each step still needs to be planned.
  • Incremental movement changes position relative to the robot's current location.
  • Final submissions must include comments explaining the purpose of the loop and major movement sections.
Code example

1.1.8: Decreasing Spirals

Review the code, copy it when needed, and add comments before submitting your final version.

VEXcode Python Example
Code examples may be incomplete or missing comments. Comments are required for code submissions. 
def main():
    arm.move_to(100, 65, 0)
    sideLength = 90
     #iterate through loop, reduce loops by 15mm each iteration   
    for i in range (2):
        arm.move_inc(sideLength, 0, 0)
        arm.move_inc(0, sideLength, 0)
        sideLength = sideLenth - 15

        arm.move_inc(-sideLength, 0, 0)
        arm.move_inc(0, -sideLength, 0)
        sideLength = sideLenth - 15

        arm.move_inc(-sideLength, 0, 0)
        arm.move_to(120, 0, 100)
← Previous LessonBack to Unit 1Next Lesson →

Build your lesson report

Checkpoint: is your evidence ready?
  • Check calculations, units, labels, and measurements against the activity requirements.
  • Record what actually happened, including unexpected results.
  • Explain what you changed and why; attach required drawings, photos, CAD, or code in your classroom assignment.

Submit the evidence specified in the activity and your classroom assignment. The report below collects your notes, calculations, observations, and reflections; attach any required drawings, photos, CAD, or code separately.

A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.