Lego+Programming

Lego Programming

Essential Questions:Will computers develop thinking skills and the ability to become self learners?

Day 1:
 * Computer programming introduction

Day 2:
 * Sensors

Day 3 and 4:
 * Robolab Software
 * Robot design, building, and programming

Day 5:
 * Students will be able to self diagnose / troubleshoot their programs written in robolab

Software Programming Troubleshooting Input Process Output Sensors Motors Servos Robotics Language Lego Gears Simple machines Ultrasound Infrared Light Design Design brief Mechanical engineering Engineering || Students will gain an understanding of the purpose of a programming language ||
 * Guiding Questions || Vocabulary || Learning Goals ||
 * How are computers utilized for programming robots? || Bug
 * What is the importance of inputs / outputs and sensors in the field of robotics? ||^  || Students will be able to program their robots to process information of their surroundings and perform specific tasks as a result ||
 * How is the robolab software reduce the learning curve for computer programming? ||^  || Students will be able to program a machine using icon based programming software ||
 * How can we debug the software used for programming the robots? ||^  || Students will be able to self diagnose / troubleshoot their programs written in robolab ||

Strategies and Resources || Prior Knowledge || Assessment ||
 * Required Instructional
 * Online tutorials familiarizing students with the icon based programming software

Computers Headphones Robolab software Internet connection Data projector Lego Mind storms kits || Basic computer skills || Teacher will be using formative assessment techniques to monitor students ability to create a program and transfer successfully to their robot ||
 * Teacher directed lesson on 7 steps to problem solving

Students will be given a one day design challenge which requires them to document and use the seven steps to problem solving || None || Student documentation of the seven steps to problem solving

Student generated solution to the problem ||
 * Teacher directed lesson on simple machines, and gear ratios. || 5th grade math ability || Students will use a mulit-flow map for illustrating the function of pulleys and gear ratios ||
 * Design Challenge- Students will have to build and program a robot to complete / execute the design challenge while following the given constraints

Computers Headphones Robolab software Internet connection Data projector Lego Mind storms kits || Basic computer skills

5th grade math ability

Completion of robolab tutorials

Participation during lessons on simple machines, gear rations, and problem solving || Students documentation of 7 steps to problem solving

Student generated design brief

Robolab program written to allow robot to perform tasks needed to complete the design challenge ||