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

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

3. 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

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

5. Last Year’s Challenge
9 missions
2½ minutes

24. 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

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

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

27. Curriculum
Resources available from Carnegie Mellon (
Educational Outcomes in
Math
Science
Technology
Communication

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

29. 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

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

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

32. 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

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

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

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