Lego Mindstorm NXTs

Robotics lessons can be done in Coding Club, makerspace, curriculum classes or library lessons.

Activity for Year 5 students. (Sensors are done in Year 6)

• How NXT Mindstorms work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRRulYvVdY&feature=youtu.be
• Worksheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LlWBc4_vDkNDlCandhbDhLTjg/view?usp=sharing
• Task sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LlWBc4_vDkVkhXU1l6WU9xRzQ/view?usp=sharing

It takes Year 5’s 2 lessons to build their robot (using the version in the manual that comes with the kit) and a little longer for the sensors.

Update the Firmware on the devices by plugging the device in and go to the Tools Menu (ALT + T) there will be an item to update the firmware. It only takes a few minutes and is a once only requirement.

Some tips with managing the kits, remind students to:

• Charge robots each night
• Collect the upload cable from the computer and put it with their Robot or in their kit
• Label their robot for easy identification
• Delete old files off the robot before beginning (arrow keys) as it will fill up and not allow any other files to be saved.
• Robots need to be turned on to upload

All a quiver

Discovered augmented reality app http://quivervision.com/ Turns colouring in alive. Also had some google cardboard happening and some students communicating with the author of a book they were reading.

 

Makerspace with 8 Science

Students had 100 mins to make a machine that reflected their learning in class about potential energy and machines; such as levers, gears etc They worked in groups of 3 and had to present back to the class explaining their design.