✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can identify input devices, output devices, and sensors used in control systems.
Main Activity
Explore rover and VEX inputs/outputs and connect each one to a mission decision.
Deliverable
Input-output-sensor table
Tools / Materials
Notebook, VEX rover platform, VEX controller/brain/sensors, classroom examples
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Automated systems need information before they can make useful decisions. A system that cannot sense position, distance, color, time, or contact may not know whether the mission is working.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Inputs provide information to the control system, outputs perform actions, and sensors measure conditions. Sensors can be digital or analog depending on how the information is represented.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Create a table of possible inputs and outputs for a rover mission and a VEX ground-support system.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Document each device, what it measures or does, and how it could affect a mission decision.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your table should connect hardware choices to mission purpose.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for flowcharts, system diagrams, calculations, mission layouts, and design sketches.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Use for rover trials, actuator tests, timing data, accuracy measurements, and observations.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource