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Jump Scares

Create a jump scare that will “jump” out and scare passers by when its sensor is triggered!

Jump Scares

Created By

Eric Fogle of Haine Middle School in Cranberry, PA

Programming Language

Any language supported by Hummingbird Duo

Subjects

Maker Tools, Science

Grades

4-5, 6-8, 9-12

Objective & Learning Goals

  • Students will discuss and observe the jump scare technique in popular films and games, making notes on the most effective methods
  • Students will create a design for their own 3D piece of art created out of cardboard and other recycled materials with the intention of being spooky or scary to observers
  • Students will create a 2D design of their jump scare creation
  • Students will prototype their creation and iterate where necessary
  • Students will create an interactive robot with the Hummingbird Kit that senses its surroundings and reacts when sensors are triggered
  • Students will animate art and connect with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit so that it pops out, moves, or lights up

Standards

This project is aligned with the middle school engineering standards in the Next Generation Science Standards (MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, and MS-ETS1-4). Students design solutions that satisfy problems with constraints, and they test and improve their designs.

Photo Gallery

Eric Fogle of Haine Middle School wanted to create a Halloween-inspired project that would be exciting and engaging for his students. He works with approximately 600 students, who build roughly 195 robots at a time, so planning ahead was important. A jump scare is a technique often used in horror movies and video games, intended to scare the audience by surprising them with an abrupt change in image or event, usually co-occurring with a loud, frightening sound. He knew that creating jump scares out of craft materials and a Hummingbird Robotics Kit would be a fun way for students to explore robotics and sensors.

Lesson procedures:

  • Students were familiar with the basics of programming and robotics, and had previous experience with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit.
  • Students formed groups of 3 to work together.
  • Each group was given one of three sensors (light, dial or distance) and one single motor (rotation or position).
  • Knowing the capabilities of each component, groups designed a Halloween-themed robot that has a sensor trigger a motor to create the abrupt change that jump scares are famous for.
  • Groups were tasked with bringing in a shoe box and any decorating materials they wanted to bring in from home. Eric  supplied construction paper, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, glue, crayons, hot glue and X-Acto knives.
  • Students work in their small groups within a 35 minute class period once a week to get the project done. Eric budgeted four class periods to complete the project, which he says is ambitious, but his students stepped up to the challenge!

Final words from Eric: “This is the first time doing a project like this, so I’m learning as I go, which is basically how I function as a teacher most days! I love the variety, and I hate doing the same lessons over and over! I will continue to document my student’s journey and I can’t wait to see what they achieve! Happy Halloween!”