Robotics Classes in action

Learning by Doing

After learning the relevant programming language, teams are presented with challenges. Once presented with a goal, they must:

brainstorm
plan
build
program
test
de-bug
test again

This process creates intense learning re-inforcement.

And when you're done, you pack up the Legos for another day.

Robotics Class in Action

The first step: Build a robot!
Every team gets a kit,and builds a basic 'tracker' robot. The instructions are provided in the Constructopedia, which uses only 3-dimensional pictures for guidance. Past experience with Legos is a plus!

Next: program on the computer
Your first training exercise will use the Pilot Program.
The code at left tells the robot: 'turn on light B, turn for 6 seconds, then reverse turn until the button is pushed'.

Download the program
The program is transmitted into the RCX through the infrared 'tower' attached to a USB port.
You can also download music into the RCX --either standard tunes, or ones you write yourself!

Test Run!
The first training programs will always run.
As the complexity of the task increases, and you choose one of several ways to perform a challenge, the de-bugging time increases significantly. Of course, this is when the learning takes place!