Texas Tech University Center for Engineering Outreach
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Introduction to Robotics:
The NXT Generation

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There are no seats available for this workshop.

New workshop dates will be announced Fall 2007.

More K-12 Workshops

Get a comprehensive introduction to using the new LEGO® MINDSTORM™ NXT kits in your classroom.

Discover how you can use robotics in your science and technology classrooms as you build with LEGO®. Then watch as your creations come alive using the interactive LEGO MINDSTORM Education Software redesigned for even easier programming.

This workshop will cover the basics of getting a LEGO robotics program started in your classroom. We will cover the history of robotics, the fundamentals of robotics and the basic functions of the LEGO MINDSTORM Education Software.

Teachers will be able to take back to their classroom simple engineering lesson plans that incorporate a variety of STEM subject areas and are centered around a hands-on, engineering approach designed to engage all students of all levels.

Details

What you take home

Schedule of Topics

Day 1
  • Check-in
  • Welcome and Workshop overview
  • Unpack kits and set up workspaces
Day 2
  • Introduction to LEGO Robotics
  • History of Robotics
  • Fundamentals of Robotics
  • Construction
  • Going the Distance Activity: Design, program and calibrate a robot that travels a specified distance
Day 3
  • Fundamentals of Sensors: Servos and rotational sensors
  • Snail Car Activity: Design and program robots with different gear patterns and observe changes
  • Fundamentals of Sensors: Touch Sensors
  • Obstacle Course Activity: Design, program and test a robot that uses touch sensors to maneuver around an obstacle course
Day 4
  • Fundamentals of Sensors: Light Sensors
  • Line Follower Activity: Design, program and test a robot that uses light sensors to follow a predetermined course
  • Advanced Programming: Loops, forks, sound and NXT-to-NXT communication
  • Simple programming challenges
Day 5
  • Robotics in the classroom
  • Robotics across the curriculum
  • Project Day: Introduce the final project
  • Design, construct, program and test final projects
Day 6

Demo Day

  • Tinkering time and demo setup
  • Project demos and presentations
  • Evaluations

Accommodations

Located a block away from the Center for Engineering Outreach, Gordon Hall offers convenience and comfort for workshop participants during the week.

Amenities include:

Each private bedroom and bathroom shares a common living area with one other workshop participant — perfect for teaming up on workshop projects. Parking, classroom and dining facilities are located within a comfortable walking distance.

Housing and meals are included in the cost of the workshop. Participants will check-in Sunday afternoon and leave Friday afternoon. Meals will be provided beginning Monday at breakfast.

Learn more

About the Instructor

Malli Travis, a science and social studies teacher at Dunbar Middle School in Lubbock, Texas, leads this summer's investigation into bricks and bytes.

A long-time proponent of K-12 engineering, Travis is well-known around Lubbock Independent School District for her engineering classroom projects that include underwater robotics missions and high-flying rocket launches.

This is Travis' third summer to teach the Introduction to Robotics workshop. Travis was instrumental in redesigning the center's robotics curriculum with colleague Nancy Schunke in 2004.

LEGO® and LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ are trademarks of the LEGO Group.