Robotics - This Is How We Roll!

At School, I'm fortunate to be able to take Students on a Robotics journey.  This journey begins when they come into the Tech Lab during Encore or for smaller groups when we have our monthly Club meetings. We use Lego Mindstorm NXT's for this journey! (Our model is retired. Currently the Lego Mindstorm EV3's are sold. They offer a few more whistles & bells, but carry the same type of programming. Click on the link for information & buyer's details)   I like Robotics because we can strengthen critical thinking skills, programming/coding skills (they do have to get the robot to travel from one point to the next, right?), multifaceted problem solving, storytelling and so much more. The Robots are a perfect device to accomplish all of this!

First things first....they have to learn how the device operates.  So, to solve this problem, I create several types of grids.  These can be line-grids, 'X-marks-the-spot' grids and more.  The grids are designed so that they learn how to get the robot to move forward & backwards within the appropriate amount of rotations, and to turn in all degrees and directions, necessary to complete the grid.  If things don't go as planned, then they have to come up with solutions to correct their problem.  Space is always an issue in a burgeoning School environment, but we try and find the right place that would be available for a few weeks to accomplish this goal.  I don't always like picking up grids, only to have to put them back down for the next group of Students.

Once, they've mastered these types of skills, I then open up the some fun PBL challenges.  One PBL is "Our Town", where problems happen within the town's limits and they have to get from one point the next, while avoiding all the obstacles.  For instance, they are at home and they have to get to School to pick up their children.  The School is across town, and there normal route is riddled with all sorts of traffic hazards on one street and fire & rescue trucks coming the opposite way on another.  How will they get to School in time?  It's trickier than it sounds.

Another PBL is "Space Invaders"  This is mapped out similarly to "Our Town", but using the Planets in the Solar System.  They answer a trivial question about the planet, then they have to determine how to get to that planet from their starting place....again, so many challenges along the way!


So how does Storytelling play into all of this?  One way is by using the "Our Town" grid. Students will create a story, full of their own imaginative twists and turns. They will create as much detail as they can...make it interesting and fun.  Once finished, they will pass their story onto the next team, who will try it out.  This is not only a great time for creativity, but it is also a great opportunity for feedback.  What went well, what needs tweaking, what didn't work and why.  There might even be some suggestions as to how to fix or make the story better.

Robots can also be programmed to make sounds, pick up and set down items, etc.

Ok...some logistics:  I like groups of 2 and no more than 3 Students to a team.  Each member must be engaged and help....no bossy-buddies, here!   Once everyone has completed a task or a story, I like for everyone to show off their work, to see what the total group is capable of.  We always cheer each other on.

Above all else, Students are encouraged to have fun and be creative!

This is a good idea,

Elana Moore