Teched
Robotics and Principles
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RoboLego
The Lego Mindstorms robotics system is a very interesting way of exploring
robotics. Many of the elements are familiar or easy to master.
Most of us played with Legos when we were young'uns and understand how
they fit together to build projects. The programming techniques used
for the system is the same language used by NASA, and is nearly as easy
to master as the Legos themselves.
How to work:
For this project, you will work in pairs. Groups of three are
not advisable because one person will probably watch the other two.
Working individually does not expose you to the ideas and viewpoints of
a partner. You will work on top of a work bench which has raised
sides on it. Each bench has a divider in the middle to separate two
groups from each other. If both groups feel they can keep their parts
separated from each other, the divider can be removed. You should
not put any of the lego parts or robots on the floor or onto a table that
does not have raised sides without the permission of the teacher.
Sequence:
-
Inventory the kit you will use for the project. You will work with
the same kit for the duration of the project, so you want to know that
all the pieces are accounted for. Write your names on a piece of
paper that will be read through the clear top of the parts tub. You
will return the programmable brick to the teacher at the end of the period.
This will allow other classes to use the same bricks.
-
Do each of the activities for the kit (Amusement
park has four activities, Bumper Car, Tilt-a-whirl, Ghost Car, Funhouse).
Do the projects as described in the manual, and use the program provided.
-
Modify the construction and or programming of the activity. Change
the way it responds to its environment. Make it better than before.
-
Document each activity with a page of documentation. The documentation
should be linked to from both partner's Index page. The documentation
should include: Text describing what you changed and why, photos of the
alterations, a copy of the newly created software.
When you are complete with the Amusement Park kit, both partners must inventory
the kit to make sure that all the parts are present. The parts all fit
in specific sections of the tub and there is a card that indicates how
many of which parts should be accounted for.
Once you have successfully worked the Amusement Park kit, you may work
with the Team Challenge kit.
