Lesson Ideas

Below is a suggested teaching approach for learning how to program Lego Mindstomrs.

Here are a few thing to remember as you begin teaching:

1. The robotics kit comes with some great tutorials to get the students started in learning the software.
2. You don’t need to know how to do it yourself to be a good teacher. Remember, the point is for the students to discover the solution not to be told.

Things That Go Bump

Create and build a robot using at least one touch sensor that will go forward until it hits a wall and then reverse for 2 seconds and then stop.

Things That Go Bump, Bump, Bump

Create a robot using at least one touch sensor that will go forward until it hits the wall and then back up for about 2 seconds, turn to the left, and resume going forward. This process should repeat each time it hits an object, thus navigating around the room continuously. (Hint: They will need to use the Jump and Land icons in RoboLAB).

Afraid of the Dark

Create a robot using one light sensor that, upon entering a tunnel, will see that it is getting dark and stop and back out.

Cadillac

Create a robot using one light sensor that will turn on a head light as it enters a tunnel and automatically turn if off after exiting the tunnel.

Clear the Cans

Needed: A black circle* approximately 2.5 feet in diameter on the floor or large white paper. 5 empty soda cans placed inside the cirlce in the shape of an X.

Create a robot that will move the cans out of the circle one at a time without tipping them over.

The purpose of this exercise is to use a light sensor to detect the line

Follow the Line

Needed: A black line* on the floor or large white piece of paper.

Create a robot that will follow a black line that runs several different directions.

*The lines should be at least 3/4″ think and can be made using a large black marker or electrical tape. If making the line on the floor, the floor should be light enough so that there is a distinct shade difference between the floor and the black line.