Incursion Sessions For Students
ROBOTICS
Incursion Sessions For Students
ROBOTICS
All equipment, including laptop computers, supplied!
Students actually program robots on a computer
Robot Challenge
Students will have fun while learning to program LEGO robots to react to their environment and solve basic challenges robotically applying their science, math's and thinking skills. Lot's of fun and challenging.
To solve the challenges ( select one challenge only) students will work with rotational angles and how these can translate into linear movement ( think trundle wheel), light readings and thresholds. These sessions embraces a cross curricular approach with highly motivating challenges designed for age appropriateness and success.
Treasure Island
Above : Treasure Island - Students will use their robots to locate treasure ( sweets) and avoid dangers on the island challenge mat. This challenge can be solved at several levels of difficulty by using the robots light and rotation sensors.
OR
Get a Grip!
This challenge incorporates a lot of "hidden" math's : circumference, angles and rotation to linear conversions. I have found that year 5 upwards love this activity and they cover the applied mathematics easily.
Older students will enjoy the 'Get A Grip' can grabber challenge where they will build and add a claw to their robot so that they can use programming and a light sensor to find the can and carry it back to base.
OR
Burning House
Here's another option: in this challenge the students need to get their robot through the 'burning house'. To make things more urgent they need to lift the boom gate to get into the garage, get down the hallway (line following), unlock the door and escape the burning room. With all the cheering you can expect noise with this one!
Download a copy of the Treasure Island .pdf worksheet
Download - Curriculum outcomes and scope of this incursion.pdf
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
- Miscellaneous challenge mats, house model and objects
- Tape measures
- Calculators
- Instructions and sample programs
- Building kits and building instructions
(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 - 10
Session Length - Best outcomes are obtained with half day sessions due to the number of skills we are employing. Shorter sessions can cover the basics. Select one challenge only.
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 outcome.
For the burning house I can e mail the challenge description so that students can plan their tactics.
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.