We, Robots Or Encounter at FarPoint A problem-solving simulation By Mary Mellon

FarPoint Mission L.A.R.R.-E. must successfully navigate a “canyon” maze L.A.R.R.-E. must successfully locate a light source (robogold) on a black stripe located on the “plain” after leaving the canyon. The robot will stop when it “discovers” the robogold and play a sound to indicate that it has found the correct place. Programmers will be allowed to change programs only once during their Mission trial. They will not be allowed to make any physical changes to their design of L.A.R.R.-E. once they start the trial. Limited repairs will be allowed.

Basic Equipment and Materials List 5-6 Lego Mindstorms robotic kits Minimum of 6 Batteries for each kit 5-6 Windows based computers (98 or above) Introductory Powerpoint presentation Materials to construct the “canyon” and “mining” challenges RIS (Robotic Invention System) software for each robot Handouts as needed throughout the “mission”

Day 1 Watch the introductory Powerpoint presentation Discuss the importance of robots in the exploration of Space. Introduce the Mission and its parameters Questions

Day 2 Assign teams, discuss responsibilities of each team member assignment Begin working through the missions, answering the “certification” questions along the way Any other questions? Team Log entry 1—make a team list of 10 criteria for evaluating this experience

Day 3 Continue with the missions and certification --the goal being to finish them today or tomorrow Questions Team Log 2

Day 4 Begin programming for the FarPoint Mission “Be the robot” Questions Team Log 3—Algorithm for L.A.R.R.-E.’s behavior

Day 5 Continue programming work Questions Team Log 4—Gear ratio, wheels, time- trials data gathering exercise

Days 6-8 Continue programming work Questions Team Log 5-7 technical writing exercises Optional internet research days

Day 9 Begin official FarPoint Mission trials Team Log 8

Day 10 Any remaining Mission trials Evaluation and Debriefing of experience Final Log entry assignment

Science Standards As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students will develop the abilities to do scientific inquiry, be able to demonstrate how scientific inquiry is applied, and develop understandings about scientific inquiry. As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students will demonstrate abilities of technological design and understandings about science and technology.

Reading Standards Standard 1 – Reading: The student reads and comprehends text across the curriculum. Standard 4 – Research: The student applies reading and writing skills to demonstrate learning.

Other Standards NCTM-National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Standard 6: Problem Solving NSES-National Science Education Standards: Standard A: Science as inquiry Standard B: Physical Science Standard E: Science and Technology

Other Standards cont. ITEA—International Technology in Education Association: Standard 3: The relationships between technologies and the connections between technologies and other fields Standard 8: The attributes of design Standard 9: Engineering design Standard 10: The role of trouble-shooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving

Bloom’s Taxonomy Analysis—students will use analytical skills to determine the steps needed to to solve the problem. Synthesis—students will use and modify basic skills learned in tutorial “missions” to solve new problems Evaluation—students will evaluate their current solutions in light of the presented criteria for success and make changes accordingly

Algorithm 1. Move forward whenever possible 2. Backup and turn whenever a wall is hit 3. Locate the place with the light 4. Go to the place with the light 5. Stop 6. Play a tone or tune