Incursion Sessions For Students
Robot Challenge based on First® LEGO® League 2008
Climate Connection
Robot Challenge based on First® LEGO® League 2008
Climate Connection
For this incursion students will undertake various missions on the 2008 FIRST® LEGO® League mat. The missions are all based on climate change or climate research and there is a strong math's and science link throughout all the missions. For example, students will program the robot to leave home base and move a carbon molecule from the environment into the carbon sequesting dump to earn 5 points. In another mission the robot has to push a lever to raise a flood barrier. Students have 17 missions that they can choose to attempt for a range of points.
This is a game of programming, thinking and tactics. The missions are all heavily positional reliant and students will be programming axle rotational degrees converted from linear distance just to get to the object they need to use/move. It may sound complicated but it's eminently doable ( have a look at the eTrain photos of 5th graders doing this challenge) it's fun and educational
Though students will be using the 2008 FIRST® LEGO® League mat there's no obligation to actually compete in this competition though schools may decide to do so after their incursion. Follow this links for details of the 2010 Victorian competition details, the 2010 theme is Body Forward - Engineering Meets Medicine. Climate Connections was the 2008 theme for 
FIRST® LEGO® League and in 2009 the theme was Smart Move - Transport
FIRST® LEGO® Leagueis a school students competition that combines research project based around a topical theme that changes yearly and robotics challenges designed around the topic on a purpose designed mat using LEGO robots. For this incursion I will use the 2008 Climate Connections mat pictured on this page. On this mat the students will be challenged to get their robot to raise a floodgate, get carbon molecules to a carbon sequesting dump, carry insulation to a house and many other optional missions. If this all seems a little complicated why not start with my Treasure Island challenge. This incursion trains all the skills necessary for FIRST® LEGO® League but is a little easier.
Supplied Equipment
My Software - ™ ® LEGO ®MINDSTORMS NXTg / LEGO RoboLab 2.9.4c programming software
My Hardware-
- 15 Laptop Computers with all associated electrical leads and power-boards
- Data Projector
- 15 LEGO NXT basic robot with light, sound, ultrasonic, touch and angle sensors
- FIRST® LEGO® League 2008 Challenge mat and materials
(I can use your LEGO sets if you wish, especially if you have RCX robots)
Robots and LEGO® Equipment
Session Details
Suitable For years - 5 - 9
Session Length - Best outcomes are obtained with a half day + session due to the number of skills we are employing. Shorter sessions can cover the basics.
Student Skills Required- some computer experience and competence with a mouse. No previous robot programming required.
Preparation - Ideally students should have completed the Robotics Background Activities to place robots in context and for the best educational outcomes.
Follow this link to the Robotics Background activities that will prepare your class and maximise outcomes
Additional Requirements
A school hall or Art/craft room is the ideal room for this activity as we will use quite a large space.
Climate Connections Mat
Teachers P.D.
Robot Challenge based on FIRST® LEGO® League 2010
Please note that FIRST® LEGO® League is not a Techxellent Training Solutions initiative
Two hour, half day or full day P.D. can be provided for teachers who require FIRST® LEGO® League training so that they can mentor their students effectively
Note : This incursion is not an official FIRST® LEGO® League sanctioned activity.