Read The Lab Handout

Lab exercises are scheduled for the entire semester on the course calendar. Lab handouts can be accessed via Blackboard, the course web, or in the ENGR 1301 Google Drive folder. Please review the material before coming to lab and arrive prepared. You should never stroll into lab and have no idea what's going to happen next.

It's never a surprise. When you arrive at lab with absolutely no idea what we’re going to be doing that day, you’re wasting your own time, and you’ll be sitting there increasingly frustrated while everyone else finishes up early and goes home. And if you show up late for lab, please do not expect me to stay late until you finish up.

Let Yourself In

Lab meets in CCCS 112, at 1:00 PM or 2:30 PM, according to the section you enrolled in. When you arrive, the door should already be open. If you are earlier than I am, you should be able to use your Bear Card to unlock the door. In fact, if you need to finish up in the lab after our time is up, you can use your card to let yourself in. However, please be courteous; you are not allowed to use the facility if another class is already in session. If your card does not work, please let me know.

Grab Your Bot Box

You have been assigned a specific bot box. All of the boxes contain the same equipment, and no one else will ever be using your Bot Box. Please always return your box to the correct spot on the correct shelf when you finish work. This will minimize any contact with other boxes, since you will always know exactly where your Bot Box is.

Clean Your Workspace

There are disinfecting wipes in a dispenser at the entrance. Please get into the habit of grabbing a wipe as you enter. Head for the shelves, and grab your Bot Box (wipe the handle as you grab it). When you get to your seat, wipe down your workspace (but do not use the wipe on the computer screens!).

I know this isn’t your job. It’s not mine either, but I will be keeping my space clean, as well as the common shelves that house the parts we all have to use. You must be responsible for the space you will occupy.

Hand sanitizer is also located on the shelves near the door.

All students are expected to comply with the University policy regarding face coverings (https://uca.edu/coronavirus/students/). We are not currently required to mask up, but that could change at any time.

Use the Computers

There are ten iMac workstations. You are welcome to use these computers, which already have all of the software you need installed on them. If you prefer, we also have a limited number of Windows laptops that you can use. All of the lab computers have been pre-loaded with the required software. You are also welcome to bring your own laptop. However, if you choose to use your own computer, you must pre-install the Basic Stamp software you need to program your BOE-Bots. You should visit: https://www.parallax.com/downloads/basic-stamp-software and choose the proper software for your computer and OS. We will be using the MacBS2 Software on the iMacs, but there is a flavor available for every OS: Basic Stamp Editor (Windows), Parallax IDE (Chrome), or the BASIC Stamp Linux Solution (Linux).

Please install the software before you come to class. I will not be able to install any software for you. If you don’t want to install software on your computer, you always have the option to use the iMacs available in the lab.

Complete the Lab

You may not have enough time to complete the lab exercise in 75 minutes. You are permitted to use CCS after class hours (but not during times when other classes are meeting), and your Bear Card will unlock the door. If you use the room outside of class time, please observe all safety precautions. Do not use anyone else’s Bot Box.

If you use a shared BOE-Bot (there will be several instances when you will), please do not scrub the circuit board with a disinfecting wipe. Wiping the aluminum chassis or the wheels will not harm the bot, but stay away from the electronics.

There are several exercises that will require you to demonstrate the outcome of your bot’s programming. If you are unable to record short videos (no more than 30 seconds to a minute long) using your phone, you will need to make specific arrangements with me for a live demonstration of your program.

Hand in Your Work

You will complete the exercise before you leave lab or submit it by the due date on the calendar to receive credit. Always use the corresponding Blackboard Assignment to hand in your work.

When submitting electronic files, you must always use the required file format. For example, your code must be in .bs2 file format, never a .pdf document. You will never be submitting paper copies of anything. Also, please always use the proper file naming conventions. I cannot run your code from inside BBoard, which means I have to download it—and that means you must use the file names you have been instructed to use. If you don't, you cannot expect me to try to guess whose code is whose when I have 26 files in my Downloads folder all called program.bs2.

No late labs will be accepted. The BBoard Assignments will become unavailable after the deadline has passed.

Lab Grades

Labs will be graded uniformly, using a rubric that will always be provided for you in advance. Labs will be worth 30 points each, and eight labs will count toward your grade.

If you miss a lab deadline, there is one make-up lab (Lab 09) scheduled at the end of the semester. Your lowest lab score will be dropped if you complete all nine labs.