Information about Wildfire Explorer Unit:
Wildfire Explorer Unit is part of the Scout Association with members in the 14 to 17 year old age range. The unit is based in Balerno and offers a varied programme including adventurous and reflective activities that challenge teenagers to think about themselves and their role in community life.
Information about the project:
Wildfire requested funding to purchase soldering equipment and electronics kits as a resource for the Unit. They chose the D2-1 Smart Car Kit – a car that can follow a dark line drawn on the floor/paper – which uses analogue electronics and sensors to detect light / dark. In addition they planned to purchase soldering irons and batteries. Rather than unsolder each car after a soldering session, each Explorer would be charged to keep the car, and the funds used to purchase more car kits for future use.
Feedback:
Wildfire purchased the tools and equipment in September 2022 in readiness for their electronics night. Thirty one Explorers attended the night and worked in pairs with some assistance from leaders e.g. determining the best temperature for the soldering iron, helping to identify resistor, determining component orientation and debugging bad solder joints.
The kit they chose, whilst on a budget, performed adequately but they underestimated the time required so they changed their programme to allocate a second session, allowing several cars to be completed, with others taken home to complete or debug.
The Explorers all thoroughly enjoyed the night and appreciated the hands-on chance to learn new skills rather than just watching or listening or being given a short taster. In the past Wildfire would have had to run this type of activity as part of a base night with Explorers moving round several different activities. This would have reduced the amount of equipment needed but would also have limited hands-on time.
Wildfire is planning to repeat this activity, and hopes to find another project of similar complexity that also has an element of fun when put to use. Older Explorers will be able to use their skill to help new members, reducing the leader workload on the night.
Application Tranche: 2023-A