Introduction to Mobile Robotics

Today, we will complete our robots and learn the basics of out robot, programming and the software.

BAT: Students need to be able to navigate the software for the Robotics Engineering and Lego Mindstorms NXT.

1. Get your materials out and complete Taskbot.

2. Once your robot is complete, Click on the Introduction button in Robotics Engineering.

3. Click on Quickstart link


4. Click on the Recommended button on the right hand side of the screen.

5. Quickstart Sequence - follow the directions for the quickstart.

Testbed - get a NXT brick from the extras table at the front of the room. Use your kit to complete the testbed.

Give it a test run.

6. Click the Lessons link

7. Click the Programming Software link

8. Take your Testbed apart and return your parts to your kit. Take the battery off the NXT brick and place it in your Taskbot. Return the NXT brick to the extras table.

9. Return your kit, computer and Taskbot to their storage areas.

Image source: http://www.legoeducation.com/sharedimages/product/Large/L_9841IntelligentBrick.jpg

Take Two

Today began the second year of robotics for me as a teacher. I feel better about this year but still very challenged with the assignment. So much to learn, how do I teach it? It is so exciting to be in a place knowing that I will challenged all the time.

36 students last year in two classes, 86 students in five classes this year. It was so much fun seeing the excitement in the students faces today as we went over the syllabus. I feel most students would rather do anything as go over a class syllabus. As we discussed the class, questions came up but they were questions of wanting to know more. What a novel idea "Students asking clarifying questions and wanting to know more."

I look forward to the year although I will face struggles, not the same struggles as last year but struggles none the less. Each day will present new opportunities for my students and I to grow stronger.