SOPHIA'S TOY HELPER

Key Concepts

• Assistive Technology: Tools or devices that help people with disabilities do things more easily
• Servo Motor: A motor that can move to specific positions when programmed
• Input Device: Something that sends information to a computer (like a button)
• Output Device: Something that shows or does something based on the input (like the servo movement or LED)

Activity: "Design Planning"

1. Group Brainstorming:
   • In small groups, have students draw pictures of how they might use the Smart Servo to press a toy button
   • Ask students to think about:
     • Where will the large button be placed?
     • How will the servo move to press the toy's button?
     • What will hold everything together?
2. Simple Design Sketching:
   • Provide a simple drawing template with outlines for the servo, button, and toy
   • Have students draw lines to show how the parts will connect
   • Have students use arrows to show how things will move

Extension Activity: "Building Sophia's Helper"

1. Cardboard Base Construction:
   • Provide pre-cut cardboard bases for mounting the servo
   • Help students attach the servo to the cardboard with tape or pre-made holders
   • Mount the large button where it's easy to press
2. Toy Integration:
   • Position a toy with a small button near the servo
   • Attach a small craft stick to the servo arm (as a "finger")
   • Adjust the servo position so the craft stick can press the toy's button
   • Test that when the large button is pressed, the servo moves to press the toy's button
3. Personalization:
   • Have students decorate their cardboard bases with markers and construction paper
   • Ask them to write or draw something encouraging for Sophia
   • Share how their design will help Sophia play more independently

# Basic Servo Movement with Button
import time
import board
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull
import pwmio
import servo

# Set up the button
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Set up the servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
my_servo = servo.Servo(pwm)
my_servo.angle = 0

# Simple toggle variable
button_pressed = False
last_button_state = True

while True:
    # Check if button state changed from not pressed to pressed
    if last_button_state and not button.value:
        button_pressed = not button_pressed
        
        # Move servo based on toggle state
        if button_pressed:
            my_servo.angle = 45
        else:
            my_servo.angle = 0
            
    # Save the current button state for the next comparison
    last_button_state = button.value
    time.sleep(0.1)

Assessment Criteria

Students will demonstrate their toy helpers and reflect on how well they would work for Sophia. The evaluation focuses on both the technical functionality and the students' understanding of how their designs help someone with fine motor difficulties.

Assessment Rubric

Reflection Activity: "Helping Hands Circle"

1. Demonstration Circle:
   • Have each pair demonstrate their toy helper
   • Ask: "How does your design help Sophia play with her toys?"
   • Ask: "What was the most challenging part of building your helper?"
2. Improvement Ideas:
   • Ask students to share one way they could make their helper even better
   • Record ideas on a class chart labeled "Future Improvements"
   • Discuss how engineers always look for ways to improve their designs
3. Closing Reflection:
   • Ask: "How does it feel to create something that helps someone else?"
   • Discuss how technology can make life better for people with different abilities
   • Send home a simple explanation of the project for families to continue the conversation