Guided Research - Robotics Engineering II
This multimedia curriculum is designed to teach students the engineering process while they develop innovative robotic solutions to open-ended engineering problems. Over 90 videos lead students through the complete engineering process to research, plan, design, build and test their own robots. Students apply math and science concepts as they work through each step of the engineering process.
Students start with Guided Research Investigations where students are challenged to build and program the LEGO® MINDSTORMS NXT robot using the engineering process to simulate three real-world robots. In the next phase, Student Directed Projects, they build robotic solutions for three open-ended engineering problems. Students follow the engineering process and keep an engineering journal for reference and grading.
Students should have completed the Robotics Engineering Vol. I: Introduction to Mobile Robotics (or equivalent) and learned fundamental programming, how sensors work and using math and science to solve robotic problems.
Key Educational Outcomes
Engineering Process: Project Management, Time Management, Technical Research, Design Reviews, Design Tradeoffs, Prototyping, Testing, Problem-Solving Strategies, Engineering Journal, Documentation
Technology: Advanced NXT Programming, Advanced Sensor Technology, Bluetooth/Wireless Communications
Communication: Teamwork, Brainstorming, Reasoning, Design Review Meetings, Request for Proposals, Research Publication, Presentations
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. engineering journals, internal and external design review, research publication, request for proposal, presentations, advanced programming, etc. All robotic concepts in the curriculum are mapped to national standards for mathematics, science and technology to support STEM standards.