Introduction to Mobile Robotics - Robotics Engineering
This multimedia curriculum is an ideal tool to introduce robots into the middle or high school classroom.
It provides teachers with an engaging program to teach STEM concepts utilizing the LEGO® MINDSTORMS NXT Robots. Students learn how to program basic robot behaviors using motors and rotation, sound, light, touch and ultrasonic sensors. Fifteen in-depth research lessons are based on real-world robots. Step-by-step videos teach students how to use the programming language, build robots, basic robot behavior, use of sensors, robot competition, etc.
Students start by learning basic robot building instructions, programming and movement then move on to working with sensors and more complex robot behaviors. Twelve in-depth research projects cover key STEM concepts, step-by-step programming instructions, and many challenge questions to reinforce key educational outcomes.
Key Educational Outcomes
Math: Diameter, Circumference, Angles, Graphs and Tables, Linear Relationships, Scaling and Models, Ratios & Proportions, Unit Conversions, Averages, Boolean logic, Spatial Reasoning, Patterns
Technology: Purpose of Technology, Technology Relationships, Systems, Design Tradeoffs, Troubleshooting, Sensors, Performance, Boundaries, Mechanical Elements, Controls
Science: Hypothesis & Evidence, Experimental Design, Observations & Predictions, Data Analysis & Acquisition, Measurement, Error Analysis, Amplitude and Frequency, Light and Reflectivity, Color and Perception, Spatial Graph model, Ultrasonic Waves, Speed, Distance & Power
Communication: Brainstorming Solutions, Reasoning with Evidence, Explanatory Composition, Documenting Processes
Classroom Requirement
One LEGO® MINDSTORMS NXT Education Kit and one computer for every group of 2-4 students. Each computer should have access to this curriculum and LEGO® MINDSTORMS Education NXT programming software.
Teacher's Guide
Includes extensive teacher tools such as notes, lesson plans, presentations, student worksheets, rubrics, evaluation guides, quizzes and answer keys for all the topics covered, i.e. programming, sensors, gear ratios, research report, presentations, etc. All robotic concepts in the curriculum are mapped to national standards for mathematics, science, and technology to support STEM standards. This is an ideal tool for teachers who are introducing robotics into their classroom. Extensive multimedia teacher tools make prior experience teaching robotics or programming unnecessary.