NXT-G Programming for LEGO
Overview Requirements Syllabus Tuition Dates Schedule Directions Lodging More
5 days of on-site, hands-on training where you learn how to teach using robotics
and LEGO's NXT-G programming software.
Class fill up rapidly. Register early to get your preferred date.
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OVERVIEW
• Introduction to LEGO MINDSTORMS hardware and the NXT controller
• Introduction to the NXT-G programming language
• Programming with sensors – touch, sound, light, ultrasonic, rotation
• Advanced programming concepts – loops, conditional statements, variables, logic
• Introduction to mathematical modeling
• Understanding program flow
• Troubleshooting tricky problems using inquiry
• Breaking down big problems with iterative design
• Tour of the National Robotics Engineering Center
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REQUIREMENTS
Class attendees use the Robotics Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum and programming software during the week.
You do not need to purchase any hardware or software for use in the course itself. Robotics curriculum is available for purchase at the training session.
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SYLLABUS
Day 1 - The course begins with introductory lessons on programming the robot to move using simple Smart Motor commands. You will then refine both the robot's performance and your own understanding through the use of simple mathematical modeling.
Day 2 - On the second day, you will further extend and improve the robot's capabilities by making it more aware of its surroundings – feedback from light sensors, touch sensors, sonar sensors, and sound sensors will allow your robot to negotiate much tougher obstacles. Along the way, you will begin working with the key programming concept of program flow, and discover how scientific inquiry can be used as a framework for troubleshooting robot misbehaviors.
Day 3 - On day three, you will add a variety of new behavior patterns to the robot's repertoire by better controlling its program flow. Loops, Switch Blocks, and Switch-Loops allow your robot to make decisions about critical navigation tasks in real time, and enable much more dynamic sensor-based behaviors. In the afternoon, you and your robot will tackle a multi-challenge obstacle course using an iterative design process to keep the task manageable.
Day 4 - Day four will explore some of NXT-G's most advanced programming capabilities, using values, variables, data hubs, and logic loops to unlock the hidden power within familiar blocks like the Move Block, as well as new ones like the Text Block, Number to Text Block, and the Display Block.
Day 5 - The course concludes with a hands-on experience from the cutting edge of robotics education research, followed by a review, debriefing, and Q&A on robotics and education topics of your choice. Exchange contact information with your fellow teachers, learn about robotics competitions in your area, and examine the many opportunities which are now open to you as a certified graduate of our NXT Professional Development program.
Class content is subject to change
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TUITION
$790 tuition includes 5 days of on site training and use of Robotic Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum and programming software during the week.
You do not need to purchase any hardware or software for this course. Lunch is provided as part of tuition Monday through Thursday.
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DATES
Class begin on the dates listed below and run 5 consecutive days each, at the Robotics Academy training facilities in Pitsburgh, PA.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
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SCHEDULE
Monday-Thursday class sessions start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Friday class ends at noon.
Lunch is provided Monday through Thursday. Other meals, transportation and lodging are not included.
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DIRECTIONS
The Robotics Academy is located within the National Robotics Engineering Center (Map), which is located in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, PA.
Robotics Academy
National Robotics Engineering Center
Ten 40th St., Pittsburgh PA 15201
412 681-7160
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LODGING
Guests are encouraged to consider staying at the Shadyside Inn. The Shadyside Inn is located a few miles from the NREC, offers shuttle service, and is located near Pittsburgh's eclectic Walnut St. Many teachers have stayed at the Inn and endorsed its amentities.Be sure to ask about their special University Rates.
Other lodging possibilities:
Courtyard Pittsburgh / Shadyside
Holiday Inn, University Center / Oakland
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MORE
• ACT 48 Credits / 36 hours per class ( for Pennsylvania teachers only )
• Certificate of Completion for course 'graduates' - may be used to apply for Continuing Education hours
• A CD that contains the worksheets, presentations, programs, and pictures used by presenters during the week as well as contact information from the other teachers that attend the session (you will meet teachers from across the globe that are using robotics in their classrooms).
During the training you will learn about:
• The Robot ALGEBRA project
• Robotics Engineering Vol. I, Introduction to Robotics
• Robotics Engineering Vol. II, Guided Research
• NXT-G Science and Data Logging
• The NXT Video Trainer 2.0
• ROBOTC
• Research projects at the NREC
Classroom Resources
For teachers who want to prepare their classroom for robotics instruction, these items are recommended:
Robotics Engineering Vol. I - Introduction to Mobile Robotics. Classroom License
Robotics Engineering Vol. II - Guided Research. Classroom License
NXT Video Trainer 2.0
Teaching ROBOTC for LEGO Mindstorms 2.0 - Classroom license
ROBOTC software- 12 seat license
ROBOTC software - 24 seat license
Teachers looking for other LEGO education resources can review these links:
Robo-Camp-on-a-Disk CD-Roms
LEGO Robot Compeitions
LEGO Parametric Solid Modeling
LEGO Resources
