Robotics Task 1: Race Track
Subject Area:
    Engineering and Technology
 
Age or Grade:
    9th through 12th grade
 
Estimated Length:
    4 class periods
 
Prerequisite knowledge/skills:     
  1. •Simple Machines
  2. •Freshman physics and understanding of position, velocity and acceleration
  3. •Use of Microsoft Windows operating environment
  4. •Concepts learned in robotics introduction
 
Description of New Content:
    Students will build and program a robot to run around a simple race track.
 
Students will learn about:
  1. •a text-based programming structure
  2. •programming loop structures
  3. •linear  and rotational motion control
  4. •Motor Outputs
  5. •logical and syntax errors
  6. •the need for sensor inputs
 
Materials Needed:     
  1. •LEGO Mindstorm kit for every 2-3 students
  2. •Computer for every Mindstorm kit
  3. •Brix Command center software
  4. •At least 6 AA batteries per kit (rechargeable recommended)
  5. •1/2" electrical tape
  6. •4x4' white-board sheet
 
Procedure
 
    Make the playing field using 1/2" electrical tape.
 
    Introduce the task to students and tell them that they have 4 class periods to design, build and program a robot to make 3 trips around the race track in as little time as possible. Tell them that the robot must stay within the track area, i.e., between the 2' and 1' radius circles.
 
    Before giving students kits, hold a class discussion explaining how things that move turn. Have a student describe the mechanism that allows a car to turn. Explain to students that the rack-and-pinion system used by a car is very good for the demands of a car, but overkill for our robots in the class. Hold a brainstorming session for what would make a simple system that would allow an object to move in all 360 degrees. If students appear stuck, ask them how a wheelchair moves.
 
    if you wish, come up with a simple scoring system that will give points based on a time limit, fastest time and penalties if the robot leaves the track area. This score can be used to give extra credit to the top-placing team or teams.
 
Common problems students will experience with this task:
  1. •motor speed depends on battery strength. Students will have problems making the robot turn consistently. To help this problem, make sure to charge batteries frequently.
  2. •Robots do not have sensors and are "blind" to the track. At the end of the task, hold a discussion on this topic. Have the students think about how the robot could possibly "sense" the track boundaries.
 
Evaluation:
    Have students turn in a complete description of how their program works, any problems encountered, and the solutions to the problems. In addition, have the students turn in a copy of their programming code.
 
Resources:     
  1. •www.legoeducation.com
  2. •http://mindstorms.lego.com/eng/community/resources/default.asp