Starting a LEGO® Robotics Team Dr. Tyson S. Hall Southern Adventist University

Motivation Increase interest in math and science Provide platform for experiments Integrate science with other subjects Build teamwork and problem-solving skills

What is Involved? Form teams of 3 to 5 students each (students on a single team may be in grades 5-8 or 9-12) Design a robot to autonomously complete multiple “missions” Complete a research project about the year’s theme (i.e., handicap mobility, ocean exploration, nanotechnology) Present research projects & demonstrate robots completing the missions in the annual tournament

Equipment LEGO MINDSTORM or MINDSTORM NXT robotic base Any standard LEGO parts LEGO RoboLab software

Last Year’s Challenge 9 missions 2½ minutes

How Much Time? Intensive: 2 hour meetings, 2-3 times per week, 8 weeks Classroom: 1-3 hours per week Suggested: Sunday practice 1-2 weeks before the tournament

How Much Money? Start-up Costs Annual Costs MINDSTORM Robot Kit: $360 Playing Field Base: ~ $50 - 200 Annual Costs FLL Field Setup Kit: $75 FIRST Registration Fee: $225 Tournament Registration: Free

Timeline Summer: register and purchase robot kit Fall: field set arrives Spring: Southern Challenge

Curriculum Resources available from Carnegie Mellon (www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/education/) Educational Outcomes in Math Science Technology Communication

Curriculum Integrate into math Diameter, circumference, angles Graphs, tables Linear relationships Scaling, models Ratios, proportions Unit conversions Averages Boolean logic Spatial reasoning Patterns

Curriculum Integrate into science Hypothesis, evidence Experimental design Observations, predictions Data analysis, acquisition Measurement Error analysis Amplitude, frequency Light, reflectivity Color, perception Spatial graph model Ultrasonic waves Speed, distance, power

Curriculum Integrate into technology Purpose of technology Technology relationships Systems Design tradeoffs Troubleshooting Sensors Performance Boundaries Mechanical elements Controls

Curriculum Integrate into communication Brainstorming solutions Reasoning with evidence Explanatory composition Documenting processes

Advanced Curriculum Engineering Process Technology Project and time management Technical research Design reviews Design tradeoffs, prototyping, testing Problem-solving strategies Engineering journal, documentation Technology Advanced programming Advanced sensor technology Bluetooth/wireless communications

Advanced Curriculum Communication Teamwork Brainstorming Reasoning Design review meetings Request for proposals Research publications Presentations

Coach’s Training Hosted by Southern Adventist University Scheduled by request Contact Monya Khan in the School of Computing mkhan@southern.edu 423.236.2936 On-site training available for large groups

Southern Adventist University Southern Challenge 2009 March 15, 2009 Southern Adventist University