✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can explain how actuators convert control signals into motion.
Main Activity
Compare motors, servos, and other actuators for positioning, lifting, opening, or signaling tasks.
Deliverable
Actuator selection notes
Tools / Materials
VEX motors/servos if available, rover examples, notebook
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
A control system needs actuators to turn decisions into action. Choosing the wrong actuator can make a system too weak, too fast, too imprecise, or unsafe.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Actuators create motion or force. Motors rotate continuously, servos position to angles, and linear or fluid-power actuators create straight-line motion.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Match several actuator types to aerospace ground-support tasks such as opening a gate, raising a signal, rotating a beacon, or positioning a platform.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Record each task, possible actuator, required motion, advantage, limitation, and safety concern.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your notes should justify why a specific actuator matches a specific task.
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