SIW Level 9 - STEM Uno

STEM STEM UNO UNO

This book belongs to:

STEM Innovator’s Workbook - Level 9 Copyright © 2026 Author: Erin Goodwin Editors: Asma Mahamedi, Lindsey Own, Natasha Karampela, Hari Mukul Sagar, and Rebecca McDowell ISBN: 978-981-17494-1-4 Published by: SKOOL21 PTE. LTD. 71 Robinson Road, #14-01, 068895, Singapore First Edition published by SKOOL21 PTE LTD - Singapore, 2024 Second Edition published by SKOOL21 LLC - United States, 2026 No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For permissions or inquiries, please contact: Email: info@skool21.org Website: https://skool21.org Address: 600 California St, #13-021, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

02

Hello, STEM Innovator!

Welcome to your book!

You are a STEM Innovator.

Innovator. An Innovator is a Programmer and a Scientist who uses C++ code to analyze the laws of nature and build smart solutions for the planet!

Meet Your STEM Uno Kit. Kit. Inside you have:

The Brain: The ATmega328P Microcontroller, a powerful chip that runs your C++ code and controls your inventions.

The Tools: Arduino IDE, the professional workspace where you will write and upload text-based code.

The Laboratory: Advanced components like Potentiometers, DC Motors, and Sensors to measure everything from reflection to magnetic fields.

In this book, you will:

Harness Renewable Energy by building Wind Turbines to learn how we can power the world without harming the planet.

Analyze Chemical Reactions by using your sensors to detect Endothermic and Exothermic energy changes in real-time.

Explore Atomic Physics by recreating the famous Gold Foil Experiment to visualize the invisible building blocks of our world.

Earn Your Rewards!

As you master the logic of C++ and the laws of physical science, you will earn your Expert Innovator Stickers.

Stickers.

At the end of this journey, you will receive your Certificate of Innovation in Applied Science to show the world that you are a Master of Integrated Technology!

Let’s code and discover together!

03

Table of Contents S. NO

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

1

INTRODUCTION TO THE KIT

05

2

LESSON I: ARDUINO

06

3

LESSON II: BLINK

08

4

LESSON III: SWEEP

11

5

LESSON IV: THE POTENTIOMETER

14

6

PROJECT 1: JOINTS

17

7

PROJECT 2: WEIGHT MACHINE

26

8

PROJECT 3: ENERGY WHEEL

36

9

PROJECT 4: GOLD FOIL EXPERIMENT

45

10

PROJECT 5: CHROMATOGRAPHY

53

11

PROJECT 6: ENDOTHERMIC OR EXOTHERMIC

61

12

PROJECT 7: SOLUBILITY PREDICTOR

70

13

PROJECT 8: MOMENTS

79

14

PROJECT 9: PARTICLE MODEL

87

15

PROJECT 10: REFLECTION

94

16

PROJECT 11: MAGNETOMETER

104

17

PROJECT 12: WIND TURBINES

114

18

PROJECT 13: WEATHER SEESAW

122

19

PROJECT 14: ASTEROIDS

131

20

PROJECT 15: GLOBAL SCIENCE IMPACT

139

21

CAPSTONE PROJECT: INNOVATOR’S CHALLENGE

148

22

GLOSSARY

154

23

INNOVATOR STICKER SHEET

157

24

STEM CERTIFICATE

159 04

Introduction to the Kit Meet Your STEM Uno Kit! Powered by the ATmega328P microcontroller, this kit is your gateway to professional electronics. By writing C++ code in the Arduino IDE, you will learn to bridge the gap between software and mechanical hardware. Explore how sensors, motors, and building blocks work together to create smart, responsive machines. Let’s start building!"

KIT COMPONENTS

1. Brains and Controllers Uno Board

Button Module

Potentiometer

Joystick

Remote

x1

x1

x1

x1

x1

Ultrasonic Sensor

Ultrasonic Adapter

3-axis Magnetic

Humidity Sensor

IR Receiver

x1

x1

x1

x1

x1

2. Sensors

3. Moving Parts, Sound and Light Servo Motor

DC Motor

Wheel

Joystick

LED

x2

x1

x4

x1

x1

Big Wires

Small Wires

Rope

USB Cable

Battery Pack

x4

x2

x5

x1

x1

4. Wires and Battery Pack

BUILDING BLOCKS

05

Lesson I:

ARDUINO LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, learners will be able to: Identify the main parts of the Controller board Locate the USB port, sensor ports, power switch, and servo pins Explain the difference between digital and analog ports Understand what GND (ground) means Install the Arduino software and select the correct board

VOCABULARY Word

Meaning

Digital

A signal that is either ON or OFF

Analog

A signal that can have many values (0 to 1023)

MATERIALS Controller board

USB Cable

Computer

WHAT IS THE CONTROLLER? The controller board is the main hub of your project. It stores your program. It connects to sensors and motors. It helps sensors and motors work together.

Look carefully at your board. Compare it with the diagram.

IMPORTANT IDEA

Observing your controller board. Can you point to: USB port Port number 1 USB port Reset button The power switch External External Power (6-12V)

Power (6-12V)

06

Port number 1 Reset button

The power switch

LOOK AT YOUR CONTROLLER BOARD Find these inside the ports: Digital Analog Voltage D A 5V

Ground GND

Many values from 0 to 1023

This makes wiring easier and safer.

Only ON or OFF

Power supply for modules

GETTING STARTED

Setup Arduino Software 1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Go to: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

3. Download Arduino for Windows, Mac, or Linux.

4. Once Arduino is installed, open the application.

Connect Your Controller Board 5. Use the USB cable to connect the Controller board to your computer.

6. Wait a few seconds. Your computer will detect the board.

Install Driver and Libraries 7. In Arduino, click Tools Board.

→

8. Select Arduino Uno. 9. Install the Controller board driver if your computer asks for it.

07

Project 1:

JOINTS Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

OBJECTIVES At the end of this activity, the learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

Next Generation Science Standards From F rom Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes HS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Cambridge Science Energy, work and power 1.7.2 Work Understand that mechanical or electrical work done is equal to the energy transferred.

1Ps.02 Explore ISTE that Standard as sound travels from a source it becomes quieter

1.1.c Empowered Learner Students use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them, and demonstrate learning.

1.3.d Knowledge Constructor Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories, and pursuing answers and solutions.

1.4.d Innovative Designer Students develop, test, and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

Common Core Mathematics Modeling with Geometry HSG.MG.A.1 Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g., modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder).

Cambridge Math Algebra and graphs C2.6 Represent and interpret inequalities, including on a number line.

STEM Careers Connection

This project includes tasks that reflect the work of professionals in the following careers: Physical therapist

Biomedical engineer

17

Project 1:

JOINTS INTRODUCTION Robots and humans need joints to move. Joints connect body parts and allow motion. Think about your body. When you stand, throw, or kick, your joints help you move. Your knee moves like a door.

It opens and closes in one direction. This is called a hinge joint. Machines use the same idea. Doors and robot arms use hinge joints to move. In this project, you will build a joint model. It will show how a hinge joint moves, like in the human body.

Understanding the Movement Crisis

Creating a Joint Model

Innovation for Empowerment

Hinge Joint (knee)

Globally, 1 in 5 adults over 60 suffer from osteoarthritis, leading to pain and reduced mobility

Ankle joint (foot)

Building joint models helps us visualize force and motion in the human body.

DEFINE THE PROBLEM A physical therapist helps people recover movement after injury. She needs simple joint models to show how joints move.

You will be engineers!

Your task is to design a joint model. The model must show hinge movement, like a knee or elbow. Can you help her design this model?

18

Joint models help people recover movement after injury.

It inspires engineers to design machines that move more like the human body.

MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS Goals

Rules

Your joint model should: Biomimic a joint hinge using the servo motor.

Create limbs using the building blocks.

Your joint model must: Use only the materials provided.

Include design ideas from every team member.

TEAM ROLES Work with your team to determine who will complete each role.

Leader Material Manager Reporter Testing Supervisor

MATERIALS

Controller board

USB Cable

Art Supplies

Computer

DC motor

VOCABULARY Review the words and their meanings.

Word

Meaning

Joint

A place where two parts connect and move

Hinge

A joint that opens and closes like a door

Humanoid

A robot that looks or moves like a human

19

Building blocks

GETTING STARTED TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

A servo motor can turn to specific angles. It does not spin freely like a fan. You can control how far it turns using code. With a servo, you can:

Move robot arms

Move parts to exact positions

Create sweeping movements

BUILD See the steps below for inspiration on how to to build.

20

Brown

Red

Orange

GND

V

D13

CODE Connect the Arduino Uno 1. Open the Arduino software.

2. Select Arduino Uno as your board.

Make sure the correct USB port is selected.

Code the Servo 3. Open the example: File Examples Servo

→

→

→ Sweep

4. Change the servo connection pin to 13.

5. Click Upload.

Watch the servo The servo should move back and forth like a joint.

Discover Change the delay() value Make the movement faster or slower Question: How fast can your joint move and still stay smooth?

21

YOUR

THIS IS WHERE YOU USE YOUR OWN THINKING!

CHALLENGE

Use the building bricks to create a humanoid arm‌ that hinge‌s at the following places, using the motors:‌ Elbow‌ Wrist‌

DESIGN AND PLAN Use the space below to draw and plan your solution. Use the Design Prompts on the right to help you.

Design Prompts

DC motor

Controller board

Art Supplies

Building blocks

SHARE YOUR IDEAS Which ideas will you use from each team member?

Team Member

Ideas

22

MATH AND SCIENCE CONNECTION 1. A full circle is 360 degrees. This equals 2π radians. Your joint model moves 270 degrees. a. Write 270 degrees in radians.

b. Mark the value from Question 1 on the number line. Start at 0. Move to the right.

2. When the joint returns to its starting position, it turns –270 degrees. a. Write –270 degrees in radians.

–π / 2

–π

–3π / 2

–2π

b. Mark this value on the number line. Start at 0. Move to the left.

3. Positive angles show: (Circle the correct answer) Movement forward

Movement backward

4. Negative angles show: (Circle the correct answer) Movement forward

Movement backward

23

REFLECT

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

Good Health means helping people move and live well. Your joint model can support recovery after injury. This includes:

Helping people understand how joints bend

Testing designs to make movement safer

Sharing models to help more patients

1. How does your joint model support Good Health and Well-being?

Circle the correct answer.

Uses more battery

Helps people move

Looks more colorful

2. Which STEM career fits this project? Circle the correct answer.

Physical therapist

Pilot

Chef

Helps movement

Flies planes

Cooks food daily

FEEDBACK

Complete the following sentence and practice saying to your friends: 1. I built a Show your project to 3 friends and collect stickers!

24

Try to build and program the tool yourself. If you are having trouble, try the following directions.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Try creating your own design. If you need help, use this example for inspiration.

SAMPLE CODE Open the example: File Examples Servo Sweep

→

→

→

Change the servo connection pin to 13.

Click Upload.

SAMPLE BUILD The image below shows an example of how to use the building bricks to create hinged elbow and wrist joints with the motors.

25

Project 2:

WEIGHT MACHINE Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

OBJECTIVES At the end of this activity, the learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

Next Generation Science Standards Energy HS-PS3-3 Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.

Cambridge Science Gas exchange in humans 11.1.5 Investigate and describe the effects of physical activity on the rate and depth of breathing

ISTE Standard 1.4.c Prototypes Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

1.7.c Project Teams Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.

Common Core Mathematics Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions HSF.LE.B.5 Interpret the parameters in a linear or exponential function in terms of a context.

Cambridge Math Units of measure E5.1 Use metric units of mass, length, area, volume and capacity in practical situations and convert quantities into larger or smaller units.

STEM Careers Connection

This project includes tasks that reflect the work of professionals in the following careers: Physical therapist

Personal trainer

26

Project 2:

Weight Machine INTRODUCTION While some diseases are congenital (present at birth), others are caused by lifestyle choices. This is encouraging, as it suggests that if lifestyle choices can impact one’s health, adopting good habits can help individuals live long, happy lives. Much like the brick we program, people have inputs and outputs. Inputs include what we consume—such as food, alcohol, and drugs—while the outputs relate to how we burn energy and build muscle through exercise. Weight machines are beneficial for building strength and are important not only for not only for the young but also for older adults, as they help prevent injury and enhance range of motion and bone strength.

Building Muscle, Preventing Disease

Science & Math for Design Thinking Inputs

Over 1.4 billion adults globally are insufficiently active, raising the risk of chronic illness.

Output

Food

Energy

Exercise

Bone density Muscle Strength

Sleep

(Source: WHO, 2023)

Volume-based expression

Weight machines build muscle strength, improve bone density, and help both young people and older adults maintain healthy movement and reduce the risk of falling.

From STEM Project to Global Impact

Understanding the math behind the design helps build safe, effective, and personalized machines.

DEFINE THE PROBLEM A physical trainer wants to create a weightlifting machine to help his clients build muscle and strengthen their bones. Can you help?

27

A weight lifting machine designed with coding and physics can help both youth build fitness habits and older adults maintain mobility and health.

The project promotes disease prevention, injury recovery, and mental well-being.

MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS Criteria

Constraints

Your weightlifting machine should: 1. Model a pulley system using a gear and a cord with a suspended object.

2. Program the servo motor to lift and lower the object.

Your weight machine must: 1. Use only the materials provided.

2. Include design ideas from every team member.

TEAM ROLES Work with your team to determine who will complete each role for this project.

Project Manager Resource Manager Project Communicator Project Tester

MATERIALS

Controller

USB cable

Building blocks

270-degree servo motor

Wire

VOCABULARY Review the following vocabulary terms and their corresponding definitions, which you will encounter throughout this challenge.

Term Congenital

Meaning Something present from birth, like a condition or trait.

Diet

The food and drink you regularly consume.

Muscle

Tissues in your body that help you move by contracting and relaxing.

Weight machine

Equipment used to build strength by lifting or pushing weights.

28

BUILD STARTED GETTING WIRE Step 1: Connect the Controller to your device with the USB cord.

Step 2: Plug the 270 degree servo motor into port 13, connecting the brown wire to GND, the red wire to V, and the orange wire to D13.

CODE Step 1: Install the OLED library to be able to display text on the screen.

29

Step 2: Create the following code to run the servo motor and display “Weight machine!” on the OLED.

30

Build Step 1: Build a pulley system and wrap the wire around the 270 degree servo such that when the motor turns, the pulley moves up and down.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

31

CHALLENGE Create a multi-pulley system that functions as a weight machine, where you can pull down on one end and lift weight on the other.. Are you able to lift more weight with less force with multiple pulleys?

Two-Pulley System

Fixed Pulley

TEST Go back to the Measure Your Success section and check the boxes. Does your project meet all the criteria and constraints?

SHARE AND IMPROVE

Yes

No

Strengths solutions with another Suggestions forAs Improvement Take Design turns presenting team. you listen to the other team, consider which parts of their project effectively meet the goals.

Feedback Design Strengths

Suggested Improvements

32

MATH AND SCIENCE CONNECTION 1. A cubic weight with a handle increases in weight with side length s 3 according to the following expression: s + 2.

Weight is measured in lbs and s in inches. a. What does the “2” likely represent in the context of the weight?

b. What does the “s“ likely represent?

c. If the physical therapist wants her client to lift a 29 lb weight, what side length should she choose?

REFLECT

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS Good Health means making sure everyone can see a doctor and stay strong.

Your ultrasonic scanner helps people learn how to see inside the body without surgery. This includes:

Seeing babies grow

Finding body problems

33

Teaching health care

1. How does your scanner help people stay healthy? Circle the correct answer.

Checks inside bodies

Grows plants faster

Makes food tastier

2. Which job helps mothers and babies? Circle the correct answer.

Obstetrician

Air Quality Monitor

Firefighter

Checks baby health

Tests air safety

Puts out fires.

FEEDBACK

Complete the following sentence and practice saying to your friends: 1. I built a

2. It helps 3. One way I made my model effective was Show your project to 3 friends and collect stickers!

34

Try to wire, build, and program the solution yourself. If you are having trouble, look at the images below for guidance.

SAMPLE SOLUTION This build shows one way to create a weightlifting machine using pulleys.

35

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I can Build. I can Code. I can Share. I am an Innovator!

Who successfully completed the STEM Innovator's Challenge Level 9 - STEM Uno.

This award is proudly presented to:

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