Course Title: Introduction to Programming and Robotics with LEGO Mindstorms
Course Overview:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming and robotics using LEGO
Mindstorms. The course provides a hands-on approach to learning how to design, build, and program
robots that can perform tasks, solve problems, and navigate their environment. It is designed for beginners
and aims to spark interest in STEM fields, particularly in programming, engineering, and robotics.
Target Students:
Students aged 10-16 with an interest in programming, robotics, or STEM
Beginners with no prior experience in programming
Teachers and educators looking to incorporate robotics and programming into their curriculum
Course Duration:
40 Weeks (1 hours per week)
Course Objectives: By the end of this course, students will:
Understand the basics of robotics and how robots can be programmed to perform tasks.
Learn foundational programming concepts, such as loops, conditionals, and variables.
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills by designing and programming robots.
Gain hands-on experience with LEGO Mindstorms kits, including building and modifying robots.
Work on collaborative projects and participate in challenges to test their robot designs.
Course Structure:
Week 1-3: Introduction to Robotics and LEGO Mindstorms
Overview of robotics and its applications in the real world
Introduction to LEGO Mindstorms components (motors, sensors, programmable brick)
Understanding the Mindstorms environment and interface
Introduction to the block-based programming interface
Week 3-5: Building Your First Robot
Step-by-step guide to building a basic robot using LEGO Mindstorms
Understanding how sensors and motors work together
Introduction to programming the robot’s movement
Week 5-10: Introduction to Basic Programming Concepts
Introduction to programming: sequences, loops, and conditions
Simple robot programs: making the robot move in a straight line and turn
Hands-on exercises to reinforce basic programming skills
Week 10-15: Working with Sensors
Introduction to LEGO Mindstorms sensors (touch sensor, color sensor, ultrasonic sensor)
Programming robots to respond to sensor input (e.g., stopping when an obstacle is detected)
Sensor-based challenges
Week 15-20: Advanced Movement and Controls
Advanced programming concepts: nested loops and multiple conditions
Improving robot navigation and control
Creating programs for complex movement patterns
Week 20-25: Problem-Solving with Robots
Understanding algorithms and their role in robotics
Applying programming concepts to solve real-world challenges
Challenge: Programming the robot to complete a maze
Week 25-30: Robotics Project Design
Planning and designing a custom robot project
Understanding the project lifecycle: from concept to implementation
Introduction to debugging and refining robot programs
Week 30-33: Teamwork and Collaboration
Working in teams to design and build a robot for a specific challenge
Importance of collaboration and communication in robotics projects
Group project: Designing a robot to complete a task
Week 33-36: Final Project Build and Test
Students work on their final project: designing, building, and programming their robots
Testing the robots for performance and accuracy
Instructor guidance and troubleshooting
Week 36-40: Presentation and Showcase
Students present their final projects
Demonstrations of robot performance and challenges completed
Reflection on the learning experience and future directions in robotics and programming
Assessment:
Participation and engagement in class activities (30%)
Completion of weekly assignments and challenges (40%)
Final project presentation and demonstration (30%)
Materials Needed:
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 or LEGO Spike Prime kits
Laptops or tablets with LEGO Mindstorms software installed
Access to a classroom or lab with enough space for robot testing and movement
Instructor Qualifications:
Experience in teaching programming and robotics
Familiarity with LEGO Mindstorms kits and programming environments
Ability to guide and mentor students through problem-solving and creative projects
Outcomes:
Students will develop a solid understanding of programming logic and robotics.
Students will complete hands-on projects that apply their learning to practical challenges.
Students will gain confidence in working collaboratively and solving technical problems.
Course Extension:
For students interested in advancing further, this course can be extended to cover more advanced topics
such as:
- Introduction to Python programming for LEGO Mindstorms
- Competitive robotics and participation in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) or similar competitions
- Advanced robotics engineering concepts like artificial intelligence and machine learning
Cost Estimate:
LEGO Mindstorms kit (per student or group)
Software licenses (if applicable)
Instructor fees and materials for the course
