Walking Lego Robot Driving Lego Robot Lego Robotics Walking Lego Robot Driving Lego Robot Use the two linked videos as a hook. These demonstrate the hardware and software design that is possible with Lego robotics. It is quite amazing. Laura A, Laura M, Yiming

Computer Programming Is Like LEGO Having a list of a bunch of different commands is like having a bag of blocks — useless on its own, but with a potential to build something. Advanced commands are like specialty pieces, they can be used to achieve a higher level of detail, but often must be used in a creative way. =========================== Most students remember and enjoyed playing with LEGO blocks as younger children. Better visualization of complex programming constructs. The diagrammatic view of Robolab programs allows students to follow the path of the program more easily than the procedural code of Pascal. being able to interact with the program/robot in a more concrete way will motivate students to “debug” programs and attempt a greater variety of modifications. Curriculum Connections

Robotics Design Process Defining the Problem Research and Designing Building the Robot Programming and Testing the Robot Evaluating the Robot identifying the purpose of a construction identifying specific requirements ----------------------------------------- gathering information identifying specific details of the design which must be satisfied identifying possible and alternative design solutions planning and designing a appropriate structure which includes drawings ------------------------------------------ Construction work can now begin. structure gear combinations arm mechanisms placing sensors Once you have written your program and downloaded into the RCX brick using the Infrared Sender, it is time to test your robot to see if it truly does what you want it to do. ============================================ Students will be immersed in activities that require the integration of software and hardware. Students are required to write programs to control their robots. They are introduced to conditional statements, loops, and logic. Part of the project requires each team to document their work on a homepage and to prepare for a presentation using presentation software. Students will be required to work in teams. The teams will consist of a project manager, a programmer, an engineer, and a communications specialist. Students will be encouraged to work together and exchange roles so they are able to experience each of the roles. The students will be immersed in activities that require them to effectively manage time and materials to complete the project in a successful manner. ================================== ---------------------------------- define a problem by identifying the required result, the necessary inputs, and the steps required to produce the result. Problem Solving, Logic, and Design Hardware and Interface Programming Concepts

TIK/TEE/ICE/ICS Programming conditional statement, loops, and wait states Hardware electronics, feedback from sensors Interfacing Microcontrollers (LEGO RCX)

Academic Concepts in Context of • Electronic control • Mechanics • Design engineering • Scientific processes • Project management, problem solving, teaming, and the development of workplace competencies.

Math/Science Enable students to “do” mathematics rather than study it. When robots are programmed to move specific distances students are required to apply geometry, measurement, conversion of units, ratios and proportions. Help students understand the iterative nature of scientific exploration.

http://www. education. rec. ri. cmu http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/content/curriculum/high_school/index.htm

TASK 1 Program your robot to go forward for 4 seconds, then reverse and go backward for 2 seconds and stop Before giving these tasks we showed our classmates some simple programs and walked them through some of the basic features on RoboLab: showing them how to create a new program, where to get the tools palette, basic icon moving and connecting.

TASK 2 Start behind the starting line When you cross the next line, turn right Continue and stop when you cross the finish line The fastest robot wins! Bonus: Make your robot do a victory song and dance when it finishes.