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Robotics
LEGO Mindstorms introduces science, math, engineering, and technology skills along with lifeskills for grades 4-8. If you're in high school, check out the list of [Other Resources] below for great oportunities!
Using the activity guide and “Robotics and You” CD, you can build and program a robot to perform increasingly difficult tasks. You will be ready to join the FIRST LEGO League annual national competition after building your robot.
Robotics EXPLORER, Unit 1
The RoboLab language introduces programming concepts. Learn what a robot is, how to build one, and how to program the robot to use sensors to interact with its environment, work with a team, learn to make decisions and organize information to complete the 14 activities.
Robotics PROBE, Unit 2
Learn advanced topics in both programming and mechanics. Advance your programming techniques, use subroutines and variables to achieve more precise movements of your robots, and build custom functions. Practice and develop creative thinking.
If you are already signed up for this 4-H project, come on in and get started. If you haven't signed up yet, contact your county 4-H office and become a member today.
Skills to Achieve Mastery
- Develop programming skills to control robots to carry out specific tasks
- Understand how to use sensors to control the robot based upon the sensor input and to allow the robots to make decisions using sensor data
- Develop skills in the design process as it is used to solve design challenges
- Develop and practice engineering skills while working with robots.
- Increase understanding of mechanics and the underlying physics.
- Gain Experience in Science, Engineering, and Technology abilities
- Develop 21st Century Skills.
Tips
- Check out the resources at the 4-H Robotics Community.
- Find an engineer in community to be your mentor or contact a robotics mentor on the STEM map.
- Talk to companies that use robotics. They may have ideas for projects & info on ways robotics are used in real world situations.
- Seek out robotics competitions for youth. They're lots of fun and give you goals to work toward.
- Enter your Engineering project in the State Science + Technology Fair of Iowa
Exhibit Ideas
- Build robot to do a simple task.
- Robots are everywhere! Find examples and make a poster/display.
- Research what companies use robots and how.
- Use recycled materials to make a robot.
Step it Up
Pass it on! Now that you know how, share it with others. Here are ideas to get you started.
Communication
- Demonstrate how to make a simple robot.
- Hold a workshop to teach others how to build a robot.
Citizenship
- Complete a Service-Learning project
- Bring robots to an elderly care center and show them how to make them work.
- Hold a workshop to teach your club about where robots are used.
- Build a robot to pick up trash.
Leadership
- Visit a factory that uses robots to create a product.
- Show club members how to build their own robot.
