Metal Monsters: RC Battle Robots — Grades 7-8

This advanced course builds on the RC Car fundamentals learned in the previous term. Students upgrade their Arduino-based RC cars into competitive RC Battle Cars by improving speed, balance, and overall design.

They design and integrate safe battle mechanisms, control both movement and weapons using Arduino code and Bluetooth, and test their cars through challenges to enhance performance and reliability.

The course ends with an RC Battle Tournament between Grade 7 and Grade 8 teams, where students apply their engineering, coding, and strategic thinking skills in a competitive environment.

What students will be able to do

• Analyse and improve an existing RC car design for better battle performance
• Understand how speed, torque, and balance affect robot fighting ability
• Design and build safe mechanical battle attachments
• Apply advanced Arduino coding to control movement and weapon systems
• Optimise wireless control for fast and accurate response
• Test, debug, and enhance robot performance based on real trials
• Develop strategic thinking for attack, defence, and positioning
• Collaborate in teams and prepare for competitive robotics challenges

Topics

1. RC Car System Revision & Performance Analysis
2. Advanced Car Design Improvements
3. Motor Power Optimisation & Speed Control
4. Weapon System Design (Safe Battle Mechanism)
5. Servo & DC Motor Weapon Control
6. Bluetooth Precision Driving & Response
7. Battle Arena Testing & Debugging
8. Strategy, Defence & Attack Techniques
9. Tournament Preparation & Team Roles
10. RC Battle Tournament (Grade 7 vs Grade 8)

Standards

NGSS: HS-PS3-3, HS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-5, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3

Delivered in class. Pairs with the Metal Monsters RC Battle Robot Kit.