Pelican crossing - extending this task - 6
This project can be extended in a number of ways.
a) If students have done some Python programming, they might look at how to produce a random number. This can then be used when the WAIT button is pressed in their code, so that the cars are asked to stop after a random number of seconds rather than a predictable number.
b) This project modelled a Pelican crossing. Students who progress quickly could investigate the other types of crossing (Zebra, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus), describe accurately how they work and then modify their existing Pelican crossing program for one of these.
c) The program in Python could benefit considerably by being written in functions. Depending upon where students are at with their programming, this would be a sensible thing for students to look at.
d) The model itself is quite basic. Students could review it and ask themselves how it could be improved. One obvious area to investigate is using a proper green man and red man and wait indicator rather than three lights.