Techtronics Lego Robotics Unit
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Below are descriptions of some of the Techtronics Lego Robotics Projects. This is just a small sample of what is possible with these very exciting educational tools.
Lego Maze Solver Project
The Lego Maze Solver project introduces computer and mechanical engineering concepts as students used components from Lego Mindstorms Kits to design and build robotic cars to navigate a maze with all 90 degree turns. The primary goals of the unit are teaching students about basic computer programming, robots, sensors, gear ratios and engineering design. Each week introduces a new concept, and students adapt their robots to incorporate their new knowledge. The first step is to build a car that simply moves forward. Students experiment with different gear ratios to determine how to make their car the fastest. The second step is to enable the car to turn ninety degrees reliably. Mechanically, this is accomplished by using two motors turning in opposite directions. Next, the students attach a bumper that triggers a touch sensor when the robot collides with something. In this way, they learn how sensors enable a robot to respond to its environment. Finally, the students must design a program to help the robot navigate the maze. The challenge is harder than the Mars Rover project because the students do not see the maze until after they have figured out the program. When it works well, it looks like the video above.
Creative Lego Robotics Project
The Lego Dacta Mindstorms Systems are very engaging. Once students are introduced to them, they tend to immediately want to explore and create. In this project, teams of 2-3 students are given the task of building and programming any kind of robot using the Lego Robotics kits. Some students thrive and come up with very exciting projects provided this open ended problem, while others are unsure how to proceed. Fellows provide guidance and assistance. For the students who have lots of ideas, the Fellows help them decide which direction to pursue. For those students who are unsure how to proceed, the Fellows provide some suggestions based on past projects. The emphasis is on allowing the students flexibility in making creative inventions of their own. Some groups concentrate more on the mechanical engineering and building side of the unit. For instance, one group built a front-end loader and programmed it to move and lift objects. Other groups spend more time on the computer programming aspect of the unit and make use of the touch sensors.
