Introduction to EV3

Many Different Types of Robots Different Types of Robots (Discussion: include student examples) Dangerous work, Dull (repetitive) work, Delicate (precision) work, Dirty work (hostile environments, beyond human capability), etc. Snake Robot

EV3 Robotics Platform EV3 Hardware EV3 Firmware EV3 Software EV3: Our Robotics Technology of Choice o Ask how many students have worked with LEGO® MINDSTORMS® § Lego is the "manufacturer" of the EV3 (first robot characteristic) o Explain that we will explore hardware vs firmware vs software in future lessons § Hardware – what you can touch § Software – instructions programmer (student) gives robot § Firmware – instructions manufacturer (LEGO® MINDSTORMS® ) gives robot o We’ll be focusing on the hardware for the next few lessons

Building LEGO® Pieces o Hardware includes tradition LEGO® MINDSTORMS® building pieces plus EV3 parts

Building LEGO® Motors and Sensors § EV3 sensors (light, touch, ultrasonic, gyro) · Have students compare these to human senses · These are how EV3 robots “sense their environment” (second robot characteristic) § EV3 motors · Have students compare these to human capabilities (muscles) · These are one way EV3 robots “respond to instructions” (third robot characteristic)

Building LEGO® EV3 USB Port for Connection to Computer Motor Output Ports LCD Display Screen Navigation Buttons USB port for WiFi Memory Expansion Sensor Input Ports § EV3 “brick” · Have students compare these to human capabilities (brain) · Controls motors, lights and LCD screen based on instructions and sensory input

Lego: Not Just a Toy Rubik’s Cube Solver Sudoku Solver Flyer Robot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhy3u3IgTWI Sudoku Solver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp8Y2yjV4fU Flyer Robot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDiIOTjyHzU&featu re=player_embedded o EV3 – Although LEGO® MINDSTORMS® , not just a toy § Show video examples of Rubik’s Cube Solver, Sudoku Solver and Hand Out Flyers. · Exact same hardware as students will use in class · Point out brick, motors and sensors in videos · More complex software than students will start with, but all within reach in advanced classes * Many other examples on http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/ or search for EV3 at http://www.youtube.com !