Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Use educational affordances of robotics to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners

Robotics Academy Certified Training for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 (Online)

This course uses the LEGO MINDSTORM EV3 hardware and software (not included with tuition). You can also use the Virtual Robot curriculum as well (free access for participants) if you do not have access to a LEGO EV3 robot. 

This LEGO EV3 Training course focuses on learning how to program the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot using the new Scratch-based EV3 Classroom software.

The course also covers how to use robotics as an organizer to teach CS-STEM (Computer Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts. A headset is highly recommended in order to participate in the course.

Our courses are designed around the National Research Council Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core Mathematics Standards (CCSS), the College Board Computer Science Principles (CSP) Framework, and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Standards. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Hours (ACT for PA residents) and a Certificate of Completion by completing various assignments throughout the course.

This LEGO EV3 Training course is best suited for teachers and coaches with little or no programming experience who would like to learn both the fundamentals of EV3 programming and pedagogy associated with the accompanying STEM concepts. However, teachers with programming and robotics experience will find the class valuable for its focus on the EV3 language specifically, practice in troubleshooting student errors, and STEM integration aspects.

Syllabus

Session 1: Introduction

- Course Concepts
- Pedagogy
- Course Logistics
- EV3 Classroom software
- Downloading and Running Code
- Virtual EV3 course and CS2N

Session 2: Moving, Mathematics and Sensors

– MINDSTORMS Hardware
– EV3 Programs
– Robot Math: Proportionality and Movement
– Movement and Turning
– My Blocks
– Movement Challenges
– Touch Sensor

Session 3: Robot Sensors (Continued)

– What is a robot?
– Touch, Ultrasonic, Light, and Sound Sensors
– Program Flow
– Robot Decision Making: “Wait for…” Behaviors
– Sensor Challenges

Session 4: Decision Making

– Loops
– If-Else/Decisions
– Repeated Decisions: Discrete
– Repeated Decisions: Continuous
– Obstacle Detection and Line Following

Session 5: Planning and Troubleshooting

– Troubleshooting for Student Understanding
– Planning, Pseudocode, and Process
– Search and Rescue Challenge
– Using CS2N for our Classrooms

The following items are needed in order to take this course:

  1. LEGO EV3 Robot Kit (EV3 Education Core Set 5003400) ***
    1. * If you do not have access to a physical EV3 robot, you can also use the Virtual EV3 (included with registration) for the course! 
  2. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Programming (Scratch-based Classroom Software)
    1. EV3 Classroom Software**

 **Please note that if you are on a Mac computer, the EV3 Classroom software is only compatible with Mac OSX "Catalina" or newer. It is also available on most other devices (Windows, Chromebook, iPad, Android)

Computer System Requirements

– Windows® 10 or later / Mac® OSX 10.15 or later
– Internet Browser (latest versions)
– Available USB port for robot
– Headset or microphone (to join in on the discussions!)
– Broadband internet connection

Additional Materials

– Black electrical tape
– Hard, flat, blank surface approximately 4′ x 4′ in size.
– Yard or Meter stick
– Hardcover books (or other objects to act as obstacles)
– Colored items (to use with color sensor)

Tuition Cost - $299

Use the links to the top/right to register or checkout instantly. 

Upon Completion

– ACT 48 credits / 36 hours per class (for Pennsylvania teachers only)
– Certificate of Completion of course ‘graduates’ – may be used to apply for Continuing Education hours

Privacy

We will only use personal information (such as name, mailing address or e-mail address) contained in your registration or correspondence to respond to your questions or provide Robotics Academy updates. If you enter a chat area or post messages, remember that other users may have access to your email address and user name. The Robotics Academy will not share any personal information provided by you with any unauthorized person or company except where the disclosure is required by law or is necessary to comply with legal process.

Certificate of Completion Requirements

To earn the Certification, class attendees must complete all homework assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor and pass the certification exam.

Class Eligibility

Classes at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy are available to individuals who are at least 18 years of age. The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy reserves the right to restrict, suspend or terminate any student for violation of these policies. In consideration of your involvement with the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, you agree to provide true, accurate and current information about yourself when you register. If you provide any information that is inaccurate or if the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy has reasonable grounds to suspect the information is inaccurate, the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy has the right to terminate your account.

Payment

Purchasing a seat to online classes gives access to one participant only. Resources distributed as part of the class are for use of the participant only. Purchase Orders are also acceptable. Please contact the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy at cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu for information about registering for the course, payment for the course, or if the course will be held.  Please email if you have questions about the content of the course.

Internet Access / Bandwidth Fees

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is not responsible for any internet access or bandwidth fees you incur while taking this class.

International Export Controls

International enrollment is subject to applicable United States export controls and laws.

Refunds

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy will offer partial refunds for tuition expenses only if class registrants contact us prior to the beginning of the first class.

Copyrighted Class Material

All course documents are owned by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. These materials may not be reprinted in any form except those specified for instructional purposes. The course documents and presentations may be displayed and printed for personal, non-commercial use only. Only students registered for this course may access this material. The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy makes every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date content. However, we have no liability for the accuracy, content, or accessibility of the hyperlinks included with class material.

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy will host materials including live session recordings and presentations for up to one year from the completion of the course. Participants are expected to download these materials for their long-term reference. 

Use of Student Material

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy reserves the right to use coursework done by students for the purpose of advancing the educational mission of the Academy. When this occurs, students will be given the option to have their name credited to the material. This includes, but is not limited to, text, graphics, multimedia and other material created as part of the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy online course assignments.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy harmless from any and all losses, actions, controversies, suits, demands, claims, liabilities or any causes of action whatsoever. You expressly agree that the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is not responsible or liable for any infringement of another’s rights, including intellectual property rights.

Note: Policies are subjected to occasional revisions.