TLDSB Robotics 2009/2010

History of the Provincial Robotics Challenge Project -ENO  The Robotics Challenge was created  as a 3-year project  grades 4 to 12.  Focus was to enhance learning in:  Science & Technology  Language  Math  Design through the development, programming and testing of autonomous robotic devices.

TLDSB Takes Over ENO funding was being cutENO funding was being cut TLDSB Program Enhancement Fund took over the supportTLDSB Program Enhancement Fund took over the support  May 2003 ROBOFAIR (1 st Annual) Orillia Square Mall – with Simcoe DistrictOrillia Square Mall – with Simcoe District 12 schools12 schools 12 teams of 6-7 students12 teams of 6-7 students  April 2009 ROBOFAIR 157 students from TLDSB (23 teams)157 students from TLDSB (23 teams) 30 from Simcoe30 from Simcoe

Spending Priorities 1. Training Day  Supply Teachers  Travel (most are local to the location)  Lunch 2. Robofair  Bussing to Orillia: Last year we had 5 different buses (Haliburton will have their own bus this year)  Supply Teachers 3. New Kits  Each participating school has 1 NXT kit  Purchase 1 more

How does Robotics work?  Students work in teams to: BUILD robots with Lego parts andBUILD robots with Lego parts and PROGRAM the robot using the NXT software.PROGRAM the robot using the NXT software.  Students learn to program robots to perform a specific function (or challenge).  Culminating activity is the Robofair where all teams are presented with the same challenge.

Getting Started  ORGANIZE YOUR KIT!!  Club or class activity  Students work in teams of 4 to 7  Teams are presented with simple tasks or challenges.  Challenges get more complex as skills develop.

Team (4 – 7 people)  Builders: construct robot, using an NXT brick.  Programmers: use Mindstorms to write software to control the robot.  Team needs to decide who is doing what, and rotate the assignments.  Choose a name, design a logo.

The Old Way IR Tower RCX Brick

The New Stuff

Advantages  More Sensors  Larger Beams  The program is more user friendly  USB connection instead of the infrared tower !!!!!!!!  Rechargeable battery

Participation  Robotics Page on the Wiki use to share ideasuse to share ideas ask questionsask questions Post resources (manual, challenges, links)Post resources (manual, challenges, links)  Kits belong to the TLDSB Robotics  Complete the Teacher Survey  Students complete the Student Survey  Commitment to participate in the annual RoboFair Celebration of Learning

Logistics  Batteries (RCX unit) or adapter (NXT)  Software – request in Helpstar  Dells won’t work off of TLDSB property – IT will need to configure them  The mini-laptops cannot run version 1 of NXT software. We are testing version 2. Avoid both the Dell and Acer minis.  Work on the floor when testing robots. The bricks are expensive to replace!  Use the map to keep the parts organized!

Last year there were 2 challenges Theme: International Space Station 1. Open–ended: Create a robot that will perform a useful function on the International Space Station. Research the many challenges that scientists and astronauts are presented with when building, maintaining, working, and living on the International Space Station. How might robots assist in these areas?Research the many challenges that scientists and astronauts are presented with when building, maintaining, working, and living on the International Space Station. How might robots assist in these areas? 2. Competitive: Create a space shuttle (shuttle-bot) that will use various sensors to navigate the docking ramp in order to deposit cargo into a port on the International Space Station.

Now it’s your turn… Today’s schedule: 1. Build a ‘Tribot’ (according to the manual). 2. Program with the Brick. 3. Program using NXT. 4. Brainstorm ideas for challenges. 5. Check out the Wiki for sharing. GOOD LUCK and have FUN!