Lego Robotics

I mentioned in a previous column that I was introduced to robotics at conferences during the 2006-2007 school year and just saw so much learning potential. So I set out to find out how to get some of these toys for my classroom. I started at the website of the regional Lego Education representative, Kristie Brown (http://www.legoeducation.typepad.com/southeastatlantic/) and the Lego Store website to find out what it would require for my classes and, of course, the cost. I have computers (11) in my room- 6 of which are lab stations. *Before you comment on the computers. I raised all the funds for them from Grant writing and local businesses-not from my school funds. I decided I could buy 8 Starter kits and software for under $3000 and started scrounging for money. I got donations from parents, our school PTSA, an academic booster group, local businesses and my parents (yes I got excited about this idea and they helped!) Thank you to all that helped! Your kindness has made for exciting activities in my classes. I ordered the kits and scheduled training through Lego Education for my students and me. We trained for 1 ½ hours one day and started building the next day!

The first task was to build a robot to race around a track that was a one meter square on the outside and a ½ meter infield. I called it “Johnny 5 meets NASCAR” (after the movie short circuit!) The next day when they started working I sat back on my desk and watched. The students worked, without correction of behavior, focused for 45 minutes without a single comment from me. They designed their robots from a plan online and did the testing and programming on their own. On the race day 5 out of 7 groups were successful! Students asked about robots and opened up chance to discuss Technology topics, reading options from literature, even a DARPA government race project and Terminator. It excited the kids!

The second task was to build a search and rescue robot. Search a room including an entry hallway, find a body on the ground, stop-light up- & make a sound. Two day success rate 7 out of 8 teams. Plus we had to learn “Parallel Programming” because they were finding the victim and either stopping with no light or sound or lighting up and running the victim over (not good)! The students stayed on task, overcame problems, and tested programming ideas.

The things I like best about robotics is the positive energy, modern applications, and related technology. These activities allowed me to relate Science, English, History, programming and technology to one activity. All I can say to quote an old ad is “Try it you’ll like it!”