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Introduction to Robotics
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by Michael Schmidt
CSTA member
The Harker School
San Jose, California
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| | Lesson: Introduction to Robolab software
Level: Seventh-grade computer science (appropriate for any introductory Computer Science course)
Project duration:
Materials Required
Lecture Notes & Worksheet: 20-30 minutes
The instructor uses the lecture notes to present the introductory information while each student fills out the worksheet. This is to keep the students involved during this slightly longer-than-normal lecture.
Lecture Notes (.pdf/21kb)
Student Worksheet (.pdf/18kb)
Student Worksheet Key (.pdf/19kb)
Hands-On Discovery (15 minutes)
Students and instructor work as a group and learn how to connect actuators and sensors to the central RCX. Preset programs within the RCX can be run (program slots 1 & 2), or some pre-downloaded programs of your own can be run.
Student groups (two to four students) follow the Mindstorms building book to create their robot. Once done, the students use Robolab: (Inventor Level 1) to create the five programs. Programs 3 and 5 need to be saved if completed. Most students should reach program 3 within 45 minutes. Programs 4 and 5 are provided for the faster students.
Student Lab (.pdf/30kb) Assessment (5 or 10 minutes)
Students take a 3 question quiz with the option of taking a retake if they do poorly.
Student Quiz (.pdf/311kb)
Student Make-up Quiz (.pdf/322kb)
The questions range from proper wiring to troubleshooting a program. The retake is given after extra review has been offered.
Summary of Expected Results
Students are expected to gain the understanding of simple wiring, basic actuator control, and simple conditionals of time and using a touch sensor. The by-product of these concepts will also give them a sense of physical control over their robot's actions and confidence that those actions will reflect their programming. Also, an inherent element of troubleshooting is discovered. This can be focused on more or less by the instructor.
Michael Schmidt is a Computer Science teacher at the Harker School in San Jose, California. He has been teaching for 10 years and founded the MS Robotics Club, which competes at the First Lego League (FLL) competition. Michael is also an advisory dean and helps students with design and layout of Enlight'ning, the Harker School's creative writing publication. He is a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
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