Introduction to LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT
Presented by Jackie de Vries, Elm Creek School
jdevries@prsdmb.ca
The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set is a robotics kit designed by the LEGO Group that allows users to create programmable robots.
There are three main parts to using the NXT set:
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Building the robot
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Motors (allow it to drive, swivel, launch, etc.)
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Sensors (light, sound, touch, ultrasonic)
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Cables
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Additional LEGO pieces (beams, axles, gears, pegs)
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Programming the robot
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Very easy to use program (drag-and-drop)
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Can tell the robot where to go, how to respond to its surroundings, which sensor to read, etc.
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Activating the robot
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After downloading the program to the robot, the robot can be activated using the buttons on the NXT Intelligent Brick
Curriculum Connections
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Science (Design Process)
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Grade 5: Forces and Simple Machines
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Grade 7: Forces and Structures
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Grade 11: Physics
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Electronics
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Computer Programming
Some things to consider when using the NXT sets:
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Time: during class time (1 – 2 weeks), full day (1 – 2 days)
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Space: room to test robots, computers to do programming, room that can be locked
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Grouping: 2 – 4 students, variety of learning styles
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Roles: assign roles such as “Piece Master”, “Instruction Guru”
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Use step-by-step instructions as a starting point
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Use an inquiry approach or scaffolding approach
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Scaffolding approach activities
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Meri V. Cummings
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http://www.cet.edu/robotics/
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT in Prairie Rose School Division
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Additional NXT sets in PRSD
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Iberville School
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2 NXT sets
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1 resource kit
Book Resources
The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor’s Guide (David J. Perdue)
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introduction to the NXT sets
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explanation of pieces
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practical building techniques (step-by-step instructions)
The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book
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instructions for programming and building various robots
Internet Resources
LEGO MINDSTORMS (http://www.mindstorms.com)
- building instructions, product information, advanced resources
NXTLOG (http://www.mindstorms.com/nxtlog)
- display of robot creations, contests
MINDSTORMS NXT Building Instructions (http://www.freewebs.com/legorobots)
- free building instructions
LEGO Education (http://www.legoeducation.com)
You Tube – many video clips are available (Rubix Cube Solver, Segway, Roboflush)
More links and additional information can be found at: http://www.nxtguide.davidjperdue.com (companion website for The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor’s Guide
Scaffolding Approach Activities
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borrowed from Meri V. Cummings, Ph.D. http://www.cet.edu/robotics/
Challenge 1: Line Program
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Create and test a program to make the robot go forward in a straight line for exactly 1 second
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Save your program as your first name and Line
Challenge 2: Square Program
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Create and test a program to make the robot go in a square
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Save your program as your first name and Square
Challenge 3: Light Dark Program
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Create and test a program to make the robot:
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Save your program as your first name and Light Dark
Challenge 4: Tracker Program
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Create a program to make the robot:
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Save your program as your first name and Tracker
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Hints: You need a loop, and it’s easier if the robot starts at less than a 90° angle
Challenge 5: Bump Program
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Create a program to make the robot:
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Go forward until it finds a wall
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Turn moving backward for 2 seconds
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Repeat these behaviors for 5 “wall bumps”
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Save your program as your first name and Bump
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Hint: You’ll need to use wait until Touch in for the first step.
Bonus: Beep Challenge
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Create a program to make the robot:
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Save your program as your first name and Beep
Other Possibilities:
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Give a list of criteria:
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Robot Evaluation
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BE
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AP
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ME
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Design
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Areas of design interfere with operation of robot.
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Slight problems that do not stop the robot from functioning.
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Practical and functional design that allows the robot to complete its task.
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Programming
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Basic programming, minimal editing with features and options.
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Some creativity applied, program is functional and uses some features and options.
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Creative and well-planned program utilizing many features of the program.
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Sensors / Motors
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1 – 2 motors or sensors are used successfully.
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Robot operates successfully with 3 sensors.
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At least 4 sensors and motors are used creatively.
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Purpose / Task
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The robot attempts to complete a task.
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The robot has some success with the assigned task.
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The robot successfully completes a number of tasks or functions.
| Forward movement
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Backward movement
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360° turn
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Sound sensor
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Touch sensor
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Stop before bumping into anything
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