How and why
did Mueller Elementary School start a LEGO®
Robotics Invention
Program?
Ken Jantz, Mueller's Principal, learned that Alex, a 4th grader,
received a scholarship to MIT's
Mindfest to present
a robot he designed. Mr. Jantz questioned Alex about what
he was learning with LEGO® Mindstorms. Mr. Jantz quickly decided
this was a perfect learning opportunity for Mueller students and
fit in well with Mueller's T.E.C.
Star program to incorporate technology in all areas of learning.
Excitement snowballed and Dr. Paul and Mrs. Shook, Mueller teachers, became interested. After one phone call to Dr. Horn, WSU's Aerospace Engineering Department Chair, two engineering graduate students volunteered to be mentors. The program has been a success with students and coaches. Currently six teachers are now trained to use the kits with their classrooms and Mueller now has a classroom set of Robotics kits.
I'm a teacher interested
in teaching with the Mindstorms system. Do you have any online
lessons or curriculum.
We hope to add that to our web site soon. Until then check out
these links for more information:
The Engineer's Club
at the Paraclete Center.
Engineering
Curriculum ideas from LDAPS.
Weston
Middle School Technology Education.
Weird Richard's LEGO® bricks.
Linda Hamiltion's LEGO® Links.
Mindstorms
in Education maintained by: Kin W. Lau.
Mindstorms
in Education - a list of links compiled by Franz-Michael S. Mellbin.
How was LEGO® Mindstorms developed?
The LEGO® RCX microcomputer Brick
was inspired by the Epistemology and Learning Group at MIT's
Media Laboratory. The Robotics Command system (RCX) is a programmable
brick that has three sensor ports, three output ports, four control
buttons, an LCD display, and an infrared transmitter. It also
has a microprocessor to process programs, internal memory to store
firmware and programs, and a built -in speaker to produce beeps
and tones. Yes, your RCX can sing! Click
here to see the internals of the RCX and more technical information.
Where can I find out
more about Mindstorms?
You can learn more about the retail version at LEGO® official Mindstorm site. LEGO® Dacta is a divison of LEGO®
specializing in materials for schools. Pitsco, a company in Kansas,
sells curriculum and additional supplies for Mindstorms
in Schools.
FAQ about MIT Programmable Bricks and LEGO® Mindstorms - Written by Fred Martin, Research Scientist at MIT.
How do you download
the programs to the RCX?
The Robotics Invention System includes
an infrared transmitter tower. This IR transmitter establishes
a wireless link between your computer and the RCX. With the IR
transmitter programs can be downloaded from your computer to the
RCX. These programs can then be executed or run independently
by the RCX.
The RCX can also send and receive messages from other RCX units through the infrared port. The RCX can be programmed to respond to these messages. Your robot can think on its own! Click here to see a robot that plays tic-tac-toe against a human opponent.
Are you using Mac or
Windows machines?
At Mueller we are currently using Windows machines. The RCX Code
software that comes with the RIS can only be used with Windows.
Robolab
can be used with Mac or a Windows.
What is a graphical
programming language and how does it work?
A program is a series of commands that a computer can interpret
and respond by running or executing the commands. Usually these
commands are written in text and require a programmer to learn
the particular text language and syntax in addition to the logical
step by step concept of computer programming.
A graphical programming environment uses icons or pictures to represent commands. These icons can then be stacked together in a string to create a program that the RCX can execute. This allows children (and adults) to create programs using logical step by step instructions without worrying about syntax errors. The program is downloaded into the RCX and the abstract program then becomes concrete as the robot follows the commands. This allows the programmer to trouble shoot the program by comparing the robot's movements to the anticipated movements.
Click here to see a demo of Robolab.
How does the RCX react
to its environment?
The RCX has three senor or input
ports that are used to attach light, touch, rotation, and temperature
senors. In addition, the RCX has three internal sensors: a counter
to count events, a timer to keep track of time, and an RCX message
holder to receive messages sent from other RCX units. Yes, your
robot can talk to and respond to other robots using their infrared
ports. Click
here to learn more about sensors.
What powers the RCX?
The RCX uses six AA batteries or a 9V plug in power pack. With
this power it serves three output ports that are used for attaching
motors as well as lights, fiber optics, and other output devices.
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