Schools program

Students investigate the conversion of Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) using two (low power) diode rectifier circuits: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave (bridge) rectifier.

Students also learn about the function of the components involved at various stages of the rectification process. Maximum 25 students.

In this workshop students investigate photonic transducers and their application in communication systems. They learn about Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), lasers, Light-Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and photodiodes. They are also shown how to use light and optical fibre to communicate digital and audio signals. This is a fun workshop that encourages students to explore photonics safely. Maximum 25 students.

Students investigate the efficient transmission of electrical power over resistive power lines. Firstly, transmission lines are modelled using a pair of resistors, enabling observation of the power loss associated with the resistance of the line.

Students then attempt to reduce power loss in the lines by using a pair of transformers, one to step the voltage up before transmission, and the other to step it back down at the load. Maximum 20 students.

Students investigate the behaviour of voltage amplifiers using a specially designed kit and digital oscilloscope. They learn about DC voltage gain and the transfer characteristics of inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, AC (audio) signal gain, clipping and distortion, and amplification of sinusoidal and audio signals from microphones and MP3 players. Maximum 25 students.

Students will solder together on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) a microcontroller-controlled circuitry which operates as an electronic die. They will be taught advanced soldering techniques including surface mount soldering, and given a brief introduction to how the microcontroller causes this circuit to work. Students may take their electronic die home. Maximum 25 students.

Modern hospitals are full of electronic systems for monitoring patients, and to help medical staff provide appropriate care. Biomedical engineers develop and maintain these systems. This workshop introduces students to soldering by showing them how the engineers do this. Students solder together a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with a microcontroller system that provides an indicative measurement of pulse and temperature. Students may take their creations home. Maximum 25 students.

Students are introduced to various measurement techniques using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Topics include exploring Ohm’s law by measuring resistance, voltage and current; measuring batteries under various load conditions; measuring Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) voltages (low level only); observing audio signals, music and voice. Each student will be given a multimeter to take home. Maximum 25 students.

Why run around with Lasertag zappers when you can get a robot to do it for you? In this workshop students create a bluetooth‑controlled robot they can drive around using a PC or a smartphone. Students will battle it out with their robots and co-ordinate the robots to ‘capture the flag’ or ‘take the enemies’ base’. Students get to keep their robots, so the laser battles may well continue after they leave La Trobe. Maximum 25 students.

Please note these devices are safe. They do not use lasers. Only Infrared (IR) LEDs are used for transmission.

Lasertag is a worldwide game where each player has a laser zapper and has to try to zap the other players’ zappers before being ‘shot’. Students solder together their own laser zappers and unleash fun and mayhem as they battle it out to see who has the best aim and the fastest reactions. Students get to keep their zappers, so the laser battles may well continue after they leave La Trobe!

Program content can be adjusted to suit year level e.g. for more advanced students, a 15-minute mini-lecture explaining some of the theory behind how the zapper works, and how light is modulated using Infrared (IR) data packets. Maximum 25 students.

Please note these devices are safe. They do not use lasers. Only Infrared (IR) LEDs are used for transmission.

Students build a small, bi-directional, differential drive robot that can drive around and, on detecting an object, move to avoid that object. Students may take their Whiskerbots home. Maximum 25 students.