Python: Cars of the Future workshop

This resource has been developed to support teachers to prepare their students for the Digital Solutions Unit 4 External Assessment.

In this free downloadable workshop, using the Micro:Bit™ Bit:Bot robot, students are introduced to the Python programming language and the considerations and applications of driverless cars in developing autonomous vehicles for QUT.

This beginner to intermediate level coding workshop introduces students to microcontrollers and their applications in the real world. They get hands on with the Micro:Bit™ Bit:Bot robot to learn about the basics of Python programming logic and process, terminology and formalities, syntax, variables and functions.

Students will learn about the five levels of autonomy, technological advances in autonomous vehicles and how they are used today, and discuss the ethical considerations of putting driverless cars on our roads.

Students are then guided through the decision-making and programming of their own line following robots to navigate a driverless car round a track. Their final challenge is to make improvements to their car and use their entrepreneurial skills to create a pitch to sell their design to QUT.

Inclusions

This resource includes the following teaching resources ready to use in the classroom:

  • PowerPoint presentation (contains videos)
  • detailed teacher instructions for setting up and running the workshop
  • student work guide to assist students with the coding.

In order to run this workshop you’ll need some specific equipment. Check the teacher instructions for full details.

Curriculum links

  • Year 8 Digital Technologies, Mathematics, Science
  • Year 9 Digital Technologies
  • Year 10 Digital Technologies, Science

See resource for detailed curriculum links.

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