PUSH
TO
BEGIN
Lego Robotics Overview
Introduction
Audience
• Introductory course intended for 6th-8th grade students,
but can be adapted to classrooms K-12.
• Science courses, Inquiry based lessons
•The focus is on developing:
•Critical Thinking Skills
•Problem Solving Skills
•Scientific Method Knowledge
•Data Analysis
Objective
•The learner will understand inquiry based learning and gain experience with
critical thinking and problem solving skills (satisfying Michigan GLCE S.IP.M.1)
•The learner will investigate scientific problems, and will analyze data and
conclude based on this data
(satisfying Michigan GLCE
S.IA.M.1)
By Dan Winther
Navigating The Project
Before we get started, let’s look at how to
navigate through the presentation.
If a button is gray, that
means you cannot
perform that action on
this slide
This button
navigates to the
previous slide
This button will always
navigate back to the
Project Outline
This button will
navigate you to the next
appropriate slide
Project Outline
Home Screen
1. Introduction to Lego Robotics
2. Exploration of Materials
3. Challenge #1: Sound Sensor
4. Challenge #2: Ultrasonic Sensor
5. Challenge # 3: Hit Red Ball
6. Exploration of Additional Materials
START
HERE!
Project Introduction
What is Lego Robotics?
The Lego NXT Program consists of three steps that are interconnected and repeated
throughout the program.
Click on each of the three steps to learn more…
Project Introduction
Step 1
Build Your Robot
Specific building instructions for a robot are provided
in two ways:
•either in your Building Guide provided with each kit,
or
•using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT
Software.
Return to Previous Slide
Project Introduction
Step 2
Program Your Robot
•Program your robot using the LEGO MINDSTORMS
Education NXT Software.
•Many examples are included in the Robot Educator, a video
based instruction resource.
•Download your program to the NXT brick.
Return to Previous Slide
Project Introduction
Step 3
Test Your Robot
•Run your program.
•What happens?
• Did your robot perform as you expect?
•If not, adjust your robot or your program and
try again!
Project Introduction
v
Exemplary Video
Click the quick video above, which shows exactly what Lego Robotics is all about. See if
you can point out the three steps involved with the process! Remember,
BUILD.PROGRAM.TEST
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 1
• What step in the process involves developing
the instructions and “telling the robot” what it
must do.
Wait! I need more review!
Build
Program
Test
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 1
Incorrect…but why?
Think about the question.
The students are giving the
robot instructions, without
which the robot would not
move!
What step involves telling the
robot it’s “job”?
Try Again!
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 1
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 2
• What is the initial step in the process where
you follow specific instructions to create a
robot.
Wait! I need more review!
Build
Program
Test
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 2
Incorrect…but why?
Think about the question.
This step is preparing the
robot for its task by giving
it the appropriate sensors
and making sure it is
constructed correctly.
Try Again!
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 2
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 3
• What is the step where you see if the robot
performs the task correctly. If not, you may
have to go back to the
Wait! I need more review!
previous step!
Build
Program
Test
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 3
Incorrect…but why?
Think about the question.
This is the step that you
will spend most of your
time in. This step involves
running the program and
collecting data from your
robot.
Try Again!
Quiz 1: 3 Steps
Question 3
Exploration of Materials
NXT Sensors
Click on each of the sensors and the brick below to learn more about
their function. When finished, take the Quiz.
The Ultrasonic Sensor enables your robot to see
and recognize objects, avoid objects, measure
distances as well as detect movement.
This sensor uses the same scientific principle that
bats use. It measures distance by calculating the
time it takes for a sound wave to hit an object and
come back. Think of it like an echo!
The sensor measures distance in centimeters and
inches.
Large-size objects are easier for the sensor to
detect. Sometimes objects that are round, made
of soft fabric or very thin can be hard for it to
detect.
Touch Sensors
• Enable the robot to respond to obstacles in
the environment.
Think of the touch sensor like a button. When the
button is pressed or bumped, it will detect the
press or bump and react accordingly. You can use
this sensor to have your robot hit a wall, but back
up and turn when it hits if the touch sensor is
activated.
Sound Sensor
• Enables the robot to respond to sound levels.
The sound sensor detects decibel level. What that
means
is thatknown
the sensor will
to detect meter
• Also
asbeaable
decibel
how soft or loud a sound is.
The sensor detects both dB and dBA.
dBA: sounds human ears are able to hear
dB: all actual sound, including sounds too
high or low for the human ear to hear.
Light Sensor
• Enables the robot to respond to variations in
light level and color.
The Light Sensor enables the robot to distinguish
between light and darkness, to read the light
intensity in a room and to measure the light
intensity on colored surfaces.
The diagram shows how the light sensor see’s
different colors. It will not detect actual color, but
it will detect differences in light and dark.
Interactive Servo Motors
• Ensure that robots move smoothly and
precisely.
The Interactive Servo Motor give the robot
the ability to move.
When you program using the Move block,
the motors are automatically aligned so their
speed is the same.
When you change the speeds of the motors,
you will see that it allows your robot to
perform many different functions, including
more speed, as well as make turns.
Lego NXT Brick
NXT Brick
An intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO®
brick, the NXT is the brain of the LEGO
MINDSTORMS® Education robot.
Quiz 2: Sensors
Almost There!
Before we get started with the building,
programming and testing, let’s review our
basic sensors!
Click the “Next”
button when you
are ready to begin
the quiz.
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 1
Tim wants to build and program a robot that goes
forward until the robot “sees” a wall, and then
backs up and turns. Which sensor would work
best for this program?
a). Ultrasonic
b). Sound
c). Touch
d). Light
PREV
MORE
REVIEW
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 1
Incorrect!
HINT: Tim is going to use the same idea that bats
use to locate things in the dark. This sensor will
use waves to calculate distance.
TRY
AGAIN
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 1
Great job!
Bats use ultrasonic waves to locate food and
objects in the dark. If Tim uses this sensor, his
robot should “see” the wall and turn around!
NEXT
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 2
Melissa is trying to program a robot to follow a
black line using tape on the classroom floor. The
floor is white and the tape is black. Which of the
NXT sensors would work best for this program?
a). Ultrasonic
b). Sound
c). Touch
d). Light
PREV
MORE
REVIEW
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 2
Incorrect!
HINT: Remember this diagram!
TRY
AGAIN
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 2
Super Job!
Although the sensor does not see color, it will see
the difference between light and dark objects! If
programmed right, this robot should follow any
line on the floor.
NEXT
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 3
Chase is interested in making a bumper car robot.
He and his friend Charlie are going to build the
robots and when they hit, they should reverse and
turn around. What sensor would you recommend
that they use?
a). Ultrasonic
b). Sound
c). Touch
d). Light
PREV
MORE
REVIEW
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 3
Incorrect!
If Chase wants to make a bumper car, it means
that his robot is going to hit an object (whether it
be the wall or another car), and then turn and go
forward. What type of sensor needs to be pressed
or pushed?
TRY
AGAIN
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 3
Way to Go!
Since Chase wants a bumper car, the key to
building such a robot is to have a touch sensor
equipped to detect a press or push.
NEXT
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 4
Kaycee loves her new puppy, which is why she
built the puppy robot. Just like her new pup, when
Kaycee calls the dog, the dog moves towards her.
What sensor did Kaycee use for this program?
a). Ultrasonic
b). Sound
c). Touch
d). Light
PREV
MORE
REVIEW
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 4
Incorrect!
Kaycee is relying on her voice to tell the puppy
what to do. If she uses this sensor, it will be able
to detect her voice and the robot will react
accordingly. What sensor would perform this task?
TRY
AGAIN
Quiz 2: Sensors
Question 4
Correct!
When she calls the puppy, Kaycee’s voice will be
sensed by the sound sensor, and the puppy
should turn and move towards her.
FINISH
QUIZ
Now the Fun Part!
Engineer Mission #1
Now that you are an expert in all things Lego
Robotics, you have been hand selected to
complete a mission. NASA is looking
for individuals who can engineer (build,
program and test) different robots to perform
various tasks. If you are up for the
challenge, click “Next” to begin.
Dear Lego Engineer,
NASA is in dire need of a new prototype, and we think you
are the perfect candidate for the job! We have recently been
conducting research on Mars, and our next mission’s
objective is to detect sound on the planet.
What we need from you is a prototype that has the ability to
detect sound. We would like the prototype to detect sound
using one of the Lego sensors, and when it hears something
it should stop moving.
Thank you for your cooperation with NASA! We are excited
to work with you in the future!
Engineer Mission #1
Step 1: Build
Remember, you can find the
instructions for building your robot in
the kit, or using the NXT software
(installed on the desktop of your
computer)
You are beginning with a simple base
model with a sound sensor attached.
You can find the instructions for
building the robot on Page 3 of your
instructions.
Your robot should look similar to the robot above.
Engineer Mission #1
Step 2: Program
Instructions for programming
the robot are in your instruction
manual. Using the NXT
Software, watch the
introductory video and then
follow the step by step
instructions.
Download and Print the “Lego
Student Programming Guide”
and fill it out as you program
and test your robot.
Your program should look similar to the program
above.
Engineer Mission #1
Step 3: Test
To test, press the center Orange
Button on your NXT Brick and
watch what the robot does.
Be sure to fill out the Student
Programming Guide as you test.
Fill out both the “What
worked?” and “What didn’t”
sections.
If your robot did not perform
it’s intended function, go back
to the previous step and modify
your program.
Student Programming Guide should be continuously
filled out!
Dear Lego Engineer,
Congratulations! We have received word that you were
successful in your Sound Sensor Prototype! We would love
to see what you have done!
Please visit your student blog and complete a post that
details what you built. Include a description of what the
robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video
of the robot in action!
We look forward to seeing what you have done!
View Rubric
Engineer Mission #1
• To receive credit for completion of the Sound
Sensor Prototype, you must log into your
student blog and make a new post with the
following information:
Requirement
Points Possible
Detailed description of prototype,
including its function and basic
programming.
5 points
Pictures and/or video of your prototype 5 points
in action.
Example Blog Posting
NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B
(insert description of mission,
prototype details, function)
Picture or Video of Prototype
When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your
next mission!
Dear Lego Engineer,
You did such a great job with the Sound Sensor Prototype, so
we thought we could give you another mission!
What we need from you is a prototype that has the ability to
detect movement. We would like the prototype to detect
movement using a Lego sensor.
Thank you for your cooperation with NASA! We are excited
to have you on our team!
Engineer Mission #2
Step 1: Build
Remember, you can find the
instructions for building your robot in
the kit, or using the NXT software
(installed on the desktop of your
computer)
This model is involves using the
Ultrasonic Sensor to detect
movement. You can find building
instructions for this robot on page 9,
or in the NXT Software under “Detect
Movement” Module.
Your robot should look similar to the robot above.
Engineer Mission #2
Step 2: Program
Instructions for programming
the robot are in your instruction
manual. Using the NXT
Software, watch the
introductory video and then
follow the step by step
instructions.
Continue using the Student
Programming Guide as you
build and test this robot.
Your program should look similar to the program
above.
Engineer Mission #2
Step 3: Test
To test, press the center Orange
Button on your NXT Brick and
watch what the robot does.
Be sure to fill out the Student
Programming Guide as you test.
Fill out both the “What
worked?” and “What didn’t”
sections.
If your robot did not perform
it’s intended function, go back
to the previous step and modify
your program.
Student Programming Guide should be continuously
filled out!
Dear Lego Engineer,
Congratulations! We have received word that you were
successful in your Ultrasonic Sensor Prototype! We would
love to see what you have done!
Please visit your student blog and complete a post that
details what you built. Include a description of what the
robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video
of the robot in action!
We look forward to seeing what you have done!
View Rubric
Engineer Mission #2
• To receive credit for completion of the
Ultrasonic Sensor Prototype, you must log into
your student blog and make a new post with
the following information:
Requirement
Points Possible
Detailed description of prototype,
including its function and basic
programming.
5 points
Pictures and/or video of your prototype 5 points
in action.
Example Blog Posting
NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B
(insert description of mission,
prototype details, function)
Picture or Video of Prototype
When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your
next mission!
Dear Lego Engineer,
We have one more mission for you, and we trust that now
you can handle a more difficult challenge.
Our final prototype that we need from you needs to be able
to not only detect an object, but once it finds the right
object, it needs to hit the object using a motor.
We hope that you can handle the magnitude of this final
project. It will encompass everything that you have learned
in the Lego Robotics Introductory course. Good Luck!
Engineer Mission #3
Step 1: Build
Remember, you can find the
instructions for building your robot in
the kit, or using the NXT software
(installed on the desktop of your
computer)
This model involves using the
Ultrasonic sensor and light sensor, as
well as the motors. It is going to use
the same prototype build that you
used in your previous mission!
Your robot should look similar to the robot above.
Engineer Mission #3
Step 2: Program
Watch the video for “Hit Red
Ball” to get an idea for what you
will be doing. The mission is to
have the robot detect the RED
ball, not the BLUE ball.
When it detects the RED ball,
your program should tell the
robot to swing its arm using a
motor!
Your program should look similar to the program
above.
Engineer Mission #3
Step 3: Test
To test, press the center Orange
Button on your NXT Brick and
watch what the robot does.
Be sure to fill out the Student
Programming Guide as you test.
Fill out both the “What
worked?” and “What didn’t”
sections.
If your robot did not perform
it’s intended function, go back
to the previous step and modify
your program.
Student Programming Guide should be continuously
filled out!
Dear Lego Engineer,
Congratulations! We have received word that you were
successful in completing your final challenge! We would love
to see what you have done!
Please visit your student blog and complete a post that
details what you built. Include a description of what the
robot does, a picture of the robot, and maybe even a video
of the robot in action!
Thank you for working with NASA! Because of you, we are
ready to complete our Mars Mission in Space!
View Rubric
Engineer Mission #3
• To receive credit for completion of the “Hit
Red Ball” Prototype, you must log into your
student blog and make a new post with the
following information:
Requirement
Points Possible
Detailed description of prototype,
including its function and basic
programming.
5 points
Pictures and/or video of your prototype 5 points
in action.
Example Blog Posting
NASA Prototype #___ – Student A and Student B
(insert description of mission,
prototype details, function)
Picture or Video of Prototype
When you are done with your first blog posting, you may push “Next” to move onto your
next mission!
Final Project
Reflection Blog Posting
Reflection on Learning
Your last assignment before exploration of other robot
prototypes is to complete a well written, three
paragraph blog post with the following (15 points):
• Description of how you feel you have grown as a
critical thinker during the Lego Robotics Introductory
Course ( 5 points)
• The activities you enjoyed most about the program (5
Points)
• What activities you felt were difficult or challenging,
and how you overcame the obstacles. (5 Points)
Exploration
Additional Robot Prototypes!
You have completed the Introductory Course for Lego
Robotics, but there are many more prototypes that you
can build with your Lego Robotics kits.
Use the resources below to find some prototypes that
you may be interested in building, programming and
testing!
NXT Programs 1.0
This resource is a nice collection of prototypes created
by various engineers.
Lego Mindstorms Building Instructions
This resource is provided by Lego, and supplies
numerous more prototypes you can build with your
NXT kit.