The MUSE (Models of University - Schools Engagement) project was a three year RCUK funded project which engaged secondary school pupils with cutting edge University research projects.

Aims and Goals

The aim of the project was to raise pupils’ awareness and understanding of university research through working with PhD students involved in the Robotic Vehicles for Education and Research (ROVER) Virtually Integrated Project (VIP).  Sixteen - twenty pupils were involved in each annual cohort during which it was intended they would develop critical thinking, team working and engineering skills. The project ran over three successive years, for approx. 10 weeks from October to December (with some further engagement by small numbers of pupils until April).  It functioned as an after school workshop and utilised the engineering technology in the Fablab on the University campus. 

Developing Skills

3D Printing and Design

After sketching out their ideas for axle holders on paper the students transferred their designs to a 3D model using Pro Engineer Wildfire. These were printed in plastic using a 3D Printer to demonstrate rapid prototyping.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

The Arduino Microcontroller needed to be connected to the motor driver and batteries. The pupils also needed to figure out how to wire their motors into the motor driver. 

Mechanical Engineering

There were various mechanical challenges to overcome from selecting a suitable gear ratio, build the gearbox and positioning the components to ensure a suitable centre of gravity for a stable robot.

Programming

The students were introduced to microcontroller programming by flashing an LED at an adjustable frequency. Once they had learned the basics, the students worked on controlling the motors at variable speeds and directions.

Outcomes

By the end of the final session every team had a working robot that could be programmed to follow a set of instructions. The students developed new skills and an introduction to University engineering research on robotic vehicles. The feedback was positive and many expressed an interest of continuing in their own time!

As a result of the project, Fablab is now actively offering schools the chance to make use of its facilities.