Why LEGO Mindstorms for Schools™ / Why LEGO Mindstorms™?
Computer
Platform
Age group
Programming
environment
Site License
Computer
requirements
LEGO Mindstorms for Schools products
PC Compatibles
Apple Macintosh
8 - 16+
The LEGO Mindstorms for Schools
materials can be used by children from 8
years of age due to the low entry level of
the software, yet the software includes
advanced features that are appropriate for
advanced users of 16+.
Icon-based programming.
Different levels of programming from simple
programming to advanced programming
The software has been developed to fulfill
the needs of progression within Education.
4 different introductory (Pilot) and 4
advanced (Inventor) levels enable children
to learn new skills smoothly and at their
own pace.
LEGO Mindstorms for Schools products
may be purchased with a site license to
reduce installation costs and improve
flexibility within the school.
PC:
Windows 95 or higher
16 MB RAM
50 MB Hard Disk Space
1 Free Serial Port
(Com1 or Com2)
VGA Display (256 colors)
Macintosh:
System 7.5 or higher
60 MHz PowerMac Processor
16 MB RAM
50 MB Hard Drive Space
1 Free Serial Port (Printer or Modem)
Assessment tools Printing of programs
Literature &
Complete Building Instructions for models
Support material
for the Teacher
Teacher Guide – Getting Started:
Introduces ROBOLAB and the different
levels of programming
Concept Guide – A general introduction in
Robotics
Teacher’s Notes and Activities – Gives
ideas for extended use of the software and
the building elements.
Classroom
All LEGO Mindstorms for Schools Sets are
Management
supplied with a robust storage box and
sorting tray to allow for ease of classroom
management.
Links to
Designed specially for use within a
curriculum
curriculum context – Teachers notes and
cards accompany the sets. Developed for
group use in the classroom.
LEGO Mindstorms Products
PC Compatibles
12+
LEGO Mindstorms is appropriate for
children of 12 years and above.
Icons with text based programming.
One level of programming. LEGO
Mindstorms programming software
(called RCX Code) has been developed
to allow the rapid programming of
behavioral characteristics.
Site license option is not currently
available.
PC:
Windows 95
Pentium 90 MHz
16 MB RAM
50 MB Hard Disk Space
Sound Blaster 16 compatible sound
device
1 free serial port
4x CD/ROM
VGA Display (256 colors)
No printing of programs
A "Constructopedia" gives ideas for the
models
User Guide/Quick Start: Introduces how
to install the software and getting started.
None
None
LEGO Mindstorms sets are provided in a
standard retail box with sorting tray for
home use.
Developed for home use. Designed to
enable children to build robots to fullfil
their own imagination.
Real world
interaction
Real life models and theme sets. Specific
models can be built with open-ended
possibilities.
Group work
More programming / less building
Interacting models / programming
Software program Student projects can be saved in class
storage
‘themes’ and by pupil name. Teacher
access allows for ease of assessment
Educational link
Part of the LEGO Educational Division
portfolio
Who's involved in ROBOLAB Software has been developed
the design of the by LEGO Educational division in
software?
conjunction with Tufts University
(Massachusetts, US) and is created with
LabVIEW, the industry standard control
software from National Instruments (Texas,
US).
LEGO Mindstorms for Schools is only
available from educational distributors who
Where to buy
are committed to providing ongoing support
and service to education.
www.lego.com/education/mindstorms
The Website offers you support and idea
Website Home
exchange from a community of like minded
Page
teachers willing to share their ideas and
projects.
Free creativity is encouraged with respect
to construction of the models and
behavior.
Individual play
Both model building and programming
Interacting models / programming
Designed for single child use.
Stand alone product
LEGO Mindstorms utilizes proprietary
software called RCX code, designed for
the recreational market.
LEGO Mindstorms products are available
through retail outlets, some educational
distributors and via the WWW.
www.legomindstorms.com
The LEGO Mindstorms Website is
focused on the individual child aiming to
fulfill a challenge, with hints and tips.
A Typical Getting Started Package would include :
LEGO Dacta ROBOLAB Products
For the Classroom (multiple children):
1 LEGO Dacta ROBOLAB Starter System Set
Includes:
Elements to build a variety of models
3 9V Motors
4 Touch sensors
3 Light sensors
4 Lamp elements
1 Micro - motor
4 RCXs
1 IR Transmitter
ROBOLAB Software CD
Teacher’s Guide – Getting Started
Teachers Activity Pack and
Building Instructions on 5 different models
Robotics Concept Guide
LEGO Mindstorms Products
For the Home (1 child):
1 LEGO Mindstorms Robotics
Invention Set
Includes:
Elements to build a variety of
models
1 RCX
1 IR Transmitter
3 9V Motors
2 Touch Sensors
1 Light Sensor
LEGO Mindstorms CD