This kit was built for use with the Microsoft® Hacking STEM Project, Building Machines That Emulate Humans.

This activity integrates life science with robotics while incorporating crucial 21st-century technical skills like data science and software, mechanical, and electrical engineering for an authentic learning experience. Emphasis is placed on the importance of combining science and technology to reflect the mechanics of the human body.

Activity Requirements
This activity requires project instructions, technical requirements, and lesson plans from the Microsoft® Hacking STEM website, including:

• Excel® O365 Desktop
• Excel® Data Streamer add-in
• Windows® 10
• Other requirements found at the Microsoft® Hacking STEM website

Build and Learn
Students build a sensor that measures flexion and extension to learn about tracking the movement of a human finger. Next, they assemble a cardboard glove and attach multiple sensors to visualize how bones work within the skeletal system.

Connect Your Tools
Students connect their sensor-enabled glove (and/or finger) to the Excel® workbook via an Arduino® Uno microcontroller. Utilizing the graphics in Excel®, students determine the flexion extended by fingers when contracted.

Visualize the Data
Students run trials with the sensor-enabled glove and robotic hand to generate ideas to improve the range of tasks it can accomplish. Using a customized Excel® workbook, students can see real-time data input and analyze it.

Individual kit includes materials for one student station and takes 1-1/2 to 3 weeks of classroom time.

The project requires materials from the Carolina® Arduino® Microcontroller Kit (item #770050) or the Carolina® micro:bit Microcontroller Kit (item #770055) and the Carolina® Tool Kit (item #770060). Please check the “What’s Included” tab for details.

Microsoft® Hacking STEM Projects are a collection of inquiry-driven, standards-aligned lesson plans that integrate visualizing data into existing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum. These hands-on activities engage students in computational and design thinking and situate them in solving real-world problems.