Appalachian Transportation Institute (RTI) Research Project Description
Project Number: RTI TRP ??-??
Project Title: First LEGO League (City Sights)
Primary Investigator Contact Information:
Name: Richard Begley
Institution: Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute
Address: Marshall University, 400 Hal Greer Blvd., Huntington, WV 25755
Department: RTI
Phone: 304-696-6660
Email address: begley@marshall.edu
External Project Contact:
Name: Joshua Robirds
Institution: Marshall University
Address: Marshall University, 400 Hal Greer Blvd., Huntington, WV 25755
Email address: robirds1@marshall.edu
Project Objective: This project will enable local (West Virginia) children the opportunity
to learn, and teach the fundamental principals of intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
ITS integrates electronics, computer and communication systems, and safety to our
nations networks. This project will also enable the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI)
to enhance community and educational outreach efforts.
Abstract: In the next decade we will be losing a significant portion of our West Virginia
and United States transportation staff. It is the goal of this project to generate interest
in ITS in K-12 (ages 9-14) students so that the next generation can acquire the skills to
become transportation professionals. By using LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics invention
system technology and specialized software RTI will host an event that teaches K-12
(ages 9-14) students the fundamentals of ITS.
Task Descriptions: The following operational steps will be completed in order to satisfy
the project objectives:
1. Complete team registration through the First LEGO League online registration
form.
2. Register the RTI as a host for the First LEGO League event in WV
3. Through rent or donation find a suitable location to host the event
4. Generate interest through promotion
5. Make preparations to host the event
6. Host the West Virginia FIRST LEGO League 2002 City Sights Event
Milestone Deadlines:
Phase 1: Register Team - Sept. 30, 2002
Phase 2: Register as a Host - Oct. 11, 2002
Phase 3: Find location - Nov. 1, 2002
Phase 4: Generate Interest - Nov. 10, 2002
Phase 5: Make Preparations and Host Event - Jan. 31, 2002
Budget:
$1,152.00 - $1225.00 (with padding $1500 - $2000)
Price Per Team ( 7-10 participants per team )
FLL Registration
FLL Robot Set
FLL Challenge Set
Event Registration
Site To Host The Event
Promotion
Total
$
150.00
$
260.00
$
50.00
$
35.00
Unknown
Unknown
$
495.00
Time Commitment Per Team
Event (1 Coach Per Team, All Day Event, Some Volunteers) 8
Team Meetings (2 -3 Meeting per Week, 2hrs Per Meeting) 60
Preparation
5
*Note there will be several weeks with team meetings
these figures assume 10 weeks
Total
73
Pay Rate Commitment Per Team (assuming an hourly wage of $9.00)
Event (1 Coach Per Team, All Day Event, Some Volunteers) $
72.00
Team Meetings (2 -3 Meeting per Week, 2hrs Per Meeting) $
540.00
Preparation
$
45.00
*Note there will be several weeks with team meetings
these figures assume 10 weeks
Total
$
657.00
Pay Rate Commitment Per Team (assuming an hourly wage of $10.00)
Event (1 Coach Per Team, All Day Event, Some Volunteers) $
80.00
Team Meetings (2 -3 Meeting per Week, 2hrs Per Meeting) $
600.00
Preparation
$
50.00
*Note there will be several weeks with team meetings
these figures assume 10 weeks
Total
$
730.00
Total Budget (minimum)
Pay Rate Per Team ($9.00)
Price Per Team
Total
Total Budget (maximum)
Pay Rate Per Team ($10.00)
Price Per Team
Total
$
657.00
$
495.00
$1,152.00
$
730.00
$
495.00
$1,225.00
Student Involvement: The project will provide employment support for at least 1
undergraduate and 1 graduate student; it is assumed that these students will be
education majors at Marshall University, and will be given an opportunity to become
involved in teaching K-12 students. The student workers will support the Principal
Investigator as project assistants. This project is not anticipated to lead to a student
thesis directly.
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
TRP 99-18 (ITS Research Initiation Project)
Technology Transfer Activities: Final reports will be available on the RTI
website. All RTI Principal Investigators will present findings through the RTI
Transportation Seminar Series to invited guests from WVDOT, USDOT, other
RTI Principal Investigators, students and other invited guests. Other opportunities
to present the project results will be explored including conferences and peer
reviewed journals, etc.
Potential Benefits of this Project: The goal of the project is to allow children the
opportunity to experience the benefits of ITS and also to allow them to understand the
principals behind ITS. This project will demonstrate the way a city works and the ways
in which that system can be improved. Through the Rahall Transportation Institute
local schools will receive educational outreach and activities.
TRB Keywords: ITS, LEGO, Robotics, K-12, Education, Outreach, Intelligent
Transportation Systems
Itemized listing of package contents:
FLL Team Registration: $150 (non-refundable)
Includes one team membership (up to 10 children) to the FLL International program;
access to the FLL on-line web community and the FLL International forum; 1 FLL Team
Manual; coach and team resource tools; and customer, technical, and engineering
support from FIRST Headquarters. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science
and Technology) is a nonprofit
organization. The team registration fee contributes to the growth and
sustainability of the FLL program and supports ongoing program developments.
FLL Robot Set: $260 (recommended for new teams) The Robot Set includes everything
you need to build and program a robot to participate in FLL. The set includes two
alternative software versions: Robotics Invention System 2.0 and Robolab 2.5, providing
you with an opportunity to determine what software version works best for your team.
This set also includes: 1 RCX microcomputer, 1 IR Tower (choice of serial IR tower or
USB IR tower), 3 Gear Motors, 2 Light Sensors, 2 Touch Sensors, 1 Rotation Sensor, 1
LEGO Lamp, over 700 LEGO elements, 1 Constructopedia - with building instructions
for sample robots and a Getting Started Guide.
FLL Challenge Set: $50 (teams have the option to share sets if they so choose)
Provided to teams in part by a donation from 3M and the LEGO Company
The Challenge set contains everything your team needs to build and set up an exact
copy of the 2002 FLL Challenge Playing Field. This set contains an exclusive collection
of several hundred LEGO elements and a 4x8 foot Playing Field roll-out mat produced
by 3M. **Your playing field needs to be set up on a flat surface with borders around it.
The following OPTIONAL items are offered to FLL teams as EXTRA or
REPLACEMENT parts:
Light Sensor: $19.95, plus shipping and handling
Rotation Sensor: $16.95, plus shipping and handling
Gear Motor: $16.75, plus shipping and handling