I can organize an autonomous mission algorithm using standard flowchart logic.
POE Unit 3 • Lesson 3.3
Flowcharts and Algorithms
Focus question: How can engineers represent mission logic so that every decision and action is unambiguous?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the rover and VEX ground-support mission.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided practiceInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Mission flowchart
The flowchart has a clear start, sensor input, decision, action, loop, and stop condition.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step builds the control-systems reasoning needed for today’s deliverable.
1. Define the goal
State the mission start and completion condition.
2. Build the logic
Place sensing, decisions, and actions in a valid order.
3. Test edge cases
Trace the flowchart for normal and unexpected sensor readings.
Lesson Interactive
Mission flowchart Practice
Apply the lesson concept to an aerospace rover or VEX ground-support scenario. Use the feedback to correct reasoning before documenting the main deliverable.
Mission Goal
Approach the station, stop when distance is 120 mm or less, then signal completion.
Order the Algorithm
- Drive forward
- Start mission and set motors to zero
- Read distance sensor
- Decide whether distance is ≤ 120 mm
- Repeat sensor-decision-action loop
- Stop motors and signal complete
A valid algorithm initializes safely, senses, decides, acts, repeats when necessary, and stops deliberately.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Autonomous Mission Flowchart
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s learning.
- Use standard start/end, process, input/output, and decision symbols.
- Include at least one loop and one safe stop or recovery condition.
Exit Ticket
Mission Debrief
State one control-systems or automation idea from today in your own words.
Name one measurement, calculation, trace, or test result that supports your design decision.
Identify one interface, logic, safety, or reliability risk to carry into the next lesson.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 3.3 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Rover Mission + VEX Ground Support System
Use the integrated mission context when connecting logic, sensing, actuation, testing, and design-review evidence.