PUSHTO

BEGIN

Introduction

Audience• Introductory course intended for 6th-8th grade students, but can be adapted to classrooms K-12.• Science courses, Inquiry based lessons•The focus is on developing:

•Critical Thinking Skills•Problem Solving Skills•Scientific Method Knowledge•Data Analysis

Objective•The learner will understand inquiry based learning and gain experience with critical thinking and problem solving skills (satisfying Michigan GLCE S.IP.M.1)•The learner will investigate scientific problems, and will analyze data and conclude based on this data (satisfying Michigan GLCE S.IA.M.1)

By Dan Winther

Lego Robotics Overview

Before we get started, let’s look at how tonavigate through the presentation.

Navigating The Project

This button navigates to the previous slide

This button will always navigate back to the Project Outline

This button will navigate you to the next appropriate slide

If a button is gray, that means you cannot perform that action on this slide

1. Introduction to Lego Robotics START HERE!

Project Outline

Home Screen

2. Exploration of Materials3. Challenge #1: Sound Sensor4. Challenge #2: Ultrasonic Sensor5. Challenge # 3: Hit Red Ball6. Exploration of Additional Materials

What is Lego Robotics?

The Lego NXT Program consists of three steps that are interconnected and repeated throughout the program.

Click on each of the three steps to learn more…

Project Introduction

Build Your RobotSpecific building instructions for a robot are provided in two ways: •either in your Building Guide provided with each kit, or

•using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Software.

Return to Previous Slide

Project Introduction

Step 1

Program Your Robot•Program your robot using the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software.

•Many examples are included in the Robot Educator, a video based instruction resource.

•Download your program to the NXT brick.

Return to Previous Slide

Project Introduction

Step 2

Test Your Robot•Run your program. •What happens?• Did your robot perform as you expect? •If not, adjust your robot or your program and try again!

Project Introduction

Step 3

vProject Introduction

Click the quick video above, which shows exactly what Lego Robotics is all about. See if you can point out the three steps involved with the process! Remember,

BUILD.PROGRAM.TEST

Exemplary Video

• What step in the process involves developing the instructions and “telling the robot” what it must do.

Build Program Test

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 1

Wait! I need more review!

Incorrect…but why?

Think about the question.The students are giving therobot instructions, withoutwhich the robot would notmove!

What step involves telling the robot it’s “job”?

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 1

Try Again!

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 1

Great Job!

• What is the initial step in the process where you follow specific instructions to create a robot.

Build Program Test

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 2

Wait! I need more review!

Incorrect…but why?

Think about the question.This step is preparing therobot for its task by givingit the appropriate sensorsand making sure it isconstructed correctly.

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 2

Try Again!

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 2

Great Job!

• What is the step where you see if the robot performs the task correctly. If not, you may have to go back to the

previous step!

Build Program Test

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 3

Wait! I need more review!

Incorrect…but why?

Think about the question.This is the step that youwill spend most of yourtime in. This step involvesrunning the program andcollecting data from yourrobot.

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 3

Try Again!

Quiz 1: 3 Steps

Question 3

Great Job!

Click on each of the sensors and the brick below to learn more about their function. When finished, take the Quiz.

Exploration of Materials

NXT Sensors

The Ultrasonic Sensor enables your robot to see and recognize objects, avoid objects, measure distances as well as detect movement.

This sensor uses the same scientific principle that bats use. It measures distance by calculating the time it takes for a sound wave to hit an object and come back. Think of it like an echo!

The sensor measures distance in centimeters and inches.

Large-size objects are easier for the sensor to detect. Sometimes objects that are round, made of soft fabric or very thin can be hard for it to detect.

Touch Sensors

• Enable the robot to respond to obstacles in the environment.

Think of the touch sensor like a button. When the button is pressed or bumped, it will detect the press or bump and react accordingly. You can use this sensor to have your robot hit a wall, but back up and turn when it hits if the touch sensor is activated.

Sound Sensor

• Enables the robot to respond to sound levels.• Also known as a decibel meterThe sound sensor detects decibel level. What that means is that the sensor will be able to detect how soft or loud a sound is.

The sensor detects both dB and dBA.dBA: sounds human ears are able to

heardB: all actual sound, including sounds

too high or low for the human ear to hear.

Light Sensor

• Enables the robot to respond to variations in light level and color.

The Light Sensor enables the robot to distinguish between light and darkness, to read the light intensity in a room and to measure the light intensity on colored surfaces.

The diagram shows how the light sensor see’s different colors. It will not detect actual color, but it will detect differences in light and dark.

Interactive Servo Motors

• Ensure that robots move smoothly and precisely.

The Interactive Servo Motor give the robot the ability to move.

When you program using the Move block, the motors are automatically aligned so their speed is the same.

When you change the speeds of the motors, you will see that it allows your robot to perform many different functions, including more speed, as well as make turns.

NXT Brick

An intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO®brick, the NXT is the brain of the LEGOMINDSTORMS® Education robot.

Lego NXT Brick

Before we get started with the building, programming and testing, let’s review our basic sensors!

Click the “Next” button when youare ready to begin the quiz.

Quiz 2: Sensors

Almost There!

PREV

Tim wants to build and program a robot that goes forward until the robot “sees” a wall, and then backs up and turns. Which sensor would work best for this program?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 1

a). Ultrasonic b). Sound

c). Touch d). Light

MORE REVIEW

Incorrect!

HINT: Tim is going to use the same idea that bats use to locate things in the dark. This sensor will use waves to calculate distance.

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 1

TRY AGAIN

NEXT

Great job!

Bats use ultrasonic waves to locate food and objects in the dark. If Tim uses this sensor, his robot should “see” the wall and turn around!

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 1

PREV

Melissa is trying to program a robot to follow a black line using tape on the classroom floor. The floor is white and the tape is black. Which of the NXT sensors would work best for this program?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 2

a). Ultrasonic b). Sound

c). Touch d). Light

MORE REVIEW

Incorrect!

HINT: Remember this diagram!

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 2

TRY AGAIN

NEXT

Super Job!

Although the sensor does not see color, it will see the difference between light and dark objects! If programmed right, this robot should follow any line on the floor.

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 2

PREV

Chase is interested in making a bumper car robot. He and his friend Charlie are going to build the robots and when they hit, they should reverse and turn around. What sensor would you recommend that they use?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 3

a). Ultrasonic b). Sound

c). Touch d). Light

MORE REVIEW

TRY AGAIN

Incorrect!

If Chase wants to make a bumper car, it means that his robot is going to hit an object (whether it be the wall or another car), and then turn and go forward. What type of sensor needs to be pressed or pushed?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 3

NEXT

Way to Go!

Since Chase wants a bumper car, the key to building such a robot is to have a touch sensor equipped to detect a press or push.

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 3

PREVMORE

REVIEW

Kaycee loves her new puppy, which is why she built the puppy robot. Just like her new pup, when Kaycee calls the dog, the dog moves towards her. What sensor did Kaycee use for this program?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 4

a). Ultrasonic b). Sound

c). Touch d). Light

Incorrect!

Kaycee is relying on her voice to tell the puppy what to do. If she uses this sensor, it will be able to detect her voice and the robot will react accordingly. What sensor would perform this task?

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 4

TRY AGAIN

Correct!

When she calls the puppy, Kaycee’s voice will be sensed by the sound sensor, and the puppy should turn and move towards her.

Quiz 2: Sensors

Question 4

FINISH QUIZ

Now that you are an expert in all things LegoRobotics, you have been hand selected tocomplete a mission. NASA is lookingfor individuals who can engineer (build,program and test) different robots to performvarious tasks. If you are up for thechallenge, click “Next” to begin.

Now the Fun Part!

Engineer Mission #1

Dear Lego Engineer,

NASA is in dire need of a new prototype, and we think you are the perfect candidate for the job! We have recently been conducting research on Mars, and our next mission’s objective is to detect sound on the planet.

What we need from you is a prototype that has the ability to detect sound. We would like the prototype to detect sound using one of the Lego sensors, and when it hears something it should stop moving.

Thank you for your cooperation with NASA! We are excited to work with you in the future!

Engineer Mission #1

Step 1: Build

Remember, you can find the instructions for building your robot in the kit, or using the NXT software (installed on the desktop of your computer)

You are beginning with a simple base model with a sound sensor attached. You can find the instructions for building the robot on Page 3 of your instructions.

Your robot should look similar to the robot above.

Engineer Mission #1

Step 2: Program

Instructions for programming the robot are in your instruction manual. Using the NXT Software, watch the introductory video and then follow the step by step instructions.

Download and Print the “Lego Student Programming Guide” and fill it out as you program and test your robot.

Your program should look similar to the program above.

Step 3: Test

To test, press the center Orange Button on your NXT Brick and watch what the robot does.

Be sure to fill out the Student Programming Guide as you test. Fill out both the “What worked?” and “What didn’t” sections.

If your robot did not perform it’s intended function, go back to the previous step and modify your program.

Student Programming Guide should be continuously filled out!

Engineer Mission #1

Dear Lego Engineer,

Congratulations! We have received word that you were successful in your Sound Sensor Prototype! We would love to see what you have done!

Please visit your student blog and complete a post that details what you built. Include a description of what the robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video of the robot in action!

We look forward to seeing what you have done!

View Rubric

• To receive credit for completion of the Sound Sensor Prototype, you must log into your student blog and make a new post with the following information:Requirement Points Possible

Detailed description of prototype, including its function and basic programming.

5 points

Pictures and/or video of your prototype in action.

5 points

Engineer Mission #1

Example Blog Posting

NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B

(insert description of mission, prototype details, function)

Picture or Video of Prototype

When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your next mission!

Dear Lego Engineer,

You did such a great job with the Sound Sensor Prototype, so we thought we could give you another mission!

What we need from you is a prototype that has the ability to detect movement. We would like the prototype to detect movement using a Lego sensor.

Thank you for your cooperation with NASA! We are excited to have you on our team!

Engineer Mission #2

Step 1: Build

Remember, you can find the instructions for building your robot in the kit, or using the NXT software (installed on the desktop of your computer)

This model is involves using the Ultrasonic Sensor to detect movement. You can find building instructions for this robot on page 9, or in the NXT Software under “Detect Movement” Module. Your robot should look similar to the robot above.

Engineer Mission #2

Step 2: Program

Instructions for programming the robot are in your instruction manual. Using the NXT Software, watch the introductory video and then follow the step by step instructions.

Continue using the Student Programming Guide as you build and test this robot.

Your program should look similar to the program above.

Step 3: Test

To test, press the center Orange Button on your NXT Brick and watch what the robot does.

Be sure to fill out the Student Programming Guide as you test. Fill out both the “What worked?” and “What didn’t” sections.

If your robot did not perform it’s intended function, go back to the previous step and modify your program.

Student Programming Guide should be continuously filled out!

Engineer Mission #2

Dear Lego Engineer,

Congratulations! We have received word that you were successful in your Ultrasonic Sensor Prototype! We would love to see what you have done!

Please visit your student blog and complete a post that details what you built. Include a description of what the robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video of the robot in action!

We look forward to seeing what you have done!

View Rubric

• To receive credit for completion of the Ultrasonic Sensor Prototype, you must log into your student blog and make a new post with the following information:Requirement Points Possible

Detailed description of prototype, including its function and basic programming.

5 points

Pictures and/or video of your prototype in action.

5 points

Engineer Mission #2

Example Blog Posting

NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B

(insert description of mission, prototype details, function)

Picture or Video of Prototype

When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your next mission!

Dear Lego Engineer,

We have one more mission for you, and we trust that now you can handle a more difficult challenge.

Our final prototype that we need from you needs to be able to not only detect an object, but once it finds the right object, it needs to hit the object using a motor.

We hope that you can handle the magnitude of this final project. It will encompass everything that you have learned in the Lego Robotics Introductory course. Good Luck!

Engineer Mission #3

Step 1: Build

Remember, you can find the instructions for building your robot in the kit, or using the NXT software (installed on the desktop of your computer)

This model involves using the Ultrasonic sensor and light sensor, as well as the motors. It is going to use the same prototype build that you used in your previous mission!

Your robot should look similar to the robot above.

Engineer Mission #3

Step 2: Program

Watch the video for “Hit Red Ball” to get an idea for what you will be doing. The mission is to have the robot detect the RED ball, not the BLUE ball.

When it detects the RED ball, your program should tell the robot to swing its arm using a motor!

Your program should look similar to the program above.

Step 3: Test

To test, press the center Orange Button on your NXT Brick and watch what the robot does.

Be sure to fill out the Student Programming Guide as you test. Fill out both the “What worked?” and “What didn’t” sections.

If your robot did not perform it’s intended function, go back to the previous step and modify your program.

Student Programming Guide should be continuously filled out!

Engineer Mission #3

Dear Lego Engineer,

Congratulations! We have received word that you were successful in completing your final challenge! We would love to see what you have done!

Please visit your student blog and complete a post that details what you built. Include a description of what the robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video of the robot in action!

Thank you for working with NASA! Because of you, we are ready to complete our Mars Mission in Space!

View Rubric

• To receive credit for completion of the “Hit Red Ball” Prototype, you must log into your student blog and make a new post with the following information:Requirement Points Possible

Detailed description of prototype, including its function and basic programming.

5 points

Pictures and/or video of your prototype in action.

5 points

Engineer Mission #3

Example Blog Posting

NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B

(insert description of mission, prototype details, function)

Picture or Video of Prototype

When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your next mission!

Reflection on LearningYour last assignment before exploration of other robot prototypes is to complete a well written, three paragraph blog post with the following (15 points):

• Description of how you feel you have grown as a critical thinker during the Lego Robotics Introductory Course ( 5 points)• The activities you enjoyed most about the program (5 Points)• What activities you felt were difficult or challenging, and how you overcame the obstacles. (5 Points)

Final Project

Reflection Blog Posting

You have completed the Introductory Course for Lego Robotics, but there are many more prototypes that you can build with your Lego Robotics kits.

Use the resources below to find some prototypes that you may be interested in building, programming and testing!

NXT Programs 1.0This resource is a nice collection of prototypes created by various engineers.

Lego Mindstorms Building InstructionsThis resource is provided by Lego, and supplies numerous more prototypes you can build with your NXT kit.

Exploration

Additional Robot Prototypes!