Chair for Mr Bear

21 August 202021 August 2020
Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX, WeDo
Challenge Ideas
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

This building challenge provides an opportunity for young students (e.g. 6-9 year olds) to explore concepts related to sturdy design, including balance, force, bracing, and strength. The Challenge Design and construct a sturdy chair for […]

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Chair for Mr Bear

The Heart of the Hub

16 July 20206 December 2020
SPIKE Prime
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Nathaniel

When you power up the SPIKE Prime hub, the first thing you see on the display is a pixelated heart. It might look a little cute and quirky, but it’s quite likely that you don’t […]

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The Heart of the Hub

The Wave

Posted by Rob Torok

This classic challenge is a great introductory activity. It works well with a standard Driving Base, such as the EV3 Robot Educator Mode or an equivalent quick build, and the programming is relatively straight forward. Its […]

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The Wave

Build X

Posted by Rob Torok

This is a great introductory activity that works with any kit of parts and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. The challenge This challenge can be framed in a variety of ways […]

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Build X

Build a Duck

Posted by Rob Torok

This is very quick and fun activity with a deep message. The way it works is that everyone gets the six LEGO pieces shown below, and are then given the following challenge. The challenge Using only […]

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Build a Duck

Get Started with SPIKE Prime

2 May 202013 May 2020
SPIKE Prime
Getting Started
Reference

Posted by Rob Torok

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime is a robotics platform designed for grade 5-8 students, announced in 2019 and released in 2020. In terms of complexity, it is positioned in between WeDo 2.0 and EV3. The SPIKE […]

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Get Started with SPIKE Prime

Virtual Robots, Brick Emulators, and Simulated Environments

24 April 202018 July 2022
EV3
Reference

Posted by Rob Torok

Are you looking for a way to enable your students to program a LEGO robot without access to the hardware? Here’s a summary of some of the most popular and accessible EV3 emulators and virtual environments […]

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Virtual Robots, Brick Emulators, and Simulated Environments

Steepest Incline

Posted by Rob Torok

This variation of the classic Ramp Climber challenge builds on the original challenge with the use of sensors to start and stop the robot. Framed in this way, it works well as a very basic intro to […]

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Steepest Incline

Yellow Diamond Error in EV3 Software

7 May 20197 May 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Jim

One of my robotics teams recently ran across an error message and problem that I had never seen before. While they were rehearsing for a local robotics competition, their robot began to act “wacky”. I suggested […]

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Yellow Diamond Error in EV3 Software

Alternative Programming Languages for LEGO MINDSTORMS

29 November 20182 April 2019
EV3, NXT, RCX
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

For anyone getting started with LEGO MINDSTORMS, the EV3 Software provides a great introduction to programming, but sooner or later you and your students might be ready for something different. For example, one option is […]

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Alternative Programming Languages for LEGO MINDSTORMS

EV3, NXT, RCX
Reference

Harvey Mk II: Improved Quick EV3 Robot Build

27 September 20182 April 2019
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

Harvey Mk II is an improved version of the ever-popular Harvester quick EV3 robot build that was published in 2013. This version features improved stability and has more LEGO connection holes for external attachments. Building instructions: […]

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Harvey Mk II: Improved Quick EV3 Robot Build

EV3 Sensors

22 March 201830 March 2020
EV3
Challenge Ideas
Reference

Posted by John Burfoot

Sensors provide robots with information about their environment. With the sensors that come with the EV3, you can make a robot respond to being touched, react when someone or something comes too close, follow a line, […]

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EV3 Sensors

WeDo Sensors

21 March 20182 April 2019
WeDo
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

Both versions of the WeDo kit (2.0 and 1.0) come with two sensors. These sensors give students the opportunity to experience how robots sense the world around them. Motion sensor The WeDo 2.0 motion sensor (part […]

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WeDo Sensors

What to Buy (WeDo 2.0)

1 March 20182 April 2019
WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by Wayne Burnett

Planning on introducing the LEGO WeDo into your class? Here are some ideas on what you need to get started. Note: This guide is for LEGO Education WeDo 2.0, which comes in a blue container. […]

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What to Buy (WeDo 2.0)

How to Toggle a Motor On/Off With a Touch Sensor

16 November 20172 April 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

Starting with a simple challenge involving a touch sensor and a motor, this learning sequence shows how to turn a motor on and off with a touch sensor using flow control structures that include: waits […]

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How to Toggle a Motor On/Off With a Touch Sensor

Online Training Courses

31 October 20171 August 2022
EV3, NXT, RCX
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

There is a range of training courses and related support materials available for teacher’s online. The websites below differ in length, focus and cost, but all provide teachers (and sometimes students) resources and skills to […]

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Online Training Courses

EV3, NXT, RCX
Reference

How to Wait for More than One Sensor Condition

19 October 20172 April 2019
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

The Wait block is one of the simplest blocks in the EV3 Software, and provides one of the simplest flow control structures. Its basic function is to pause the execution of a program until a […]

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How to Wait for More than One Sensor Condition

Why Doesn’t My Robot Drive Straight?

21 September 20171 May 2020
Cross-Platform, EV3
Featured
How To
Pedagogy

Posted by Rob Torok

It seems reasonable to expect that when you program a robot to drive straight, it should just work. And, of course, this is what the Move Steering block in the EV3 Software is designed to do. The Move Steering block makes use of […]

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Why Doesn’t My Robot Drive Straight?

How to export an EV3 data file (*.rdf) to Excel

27 July 20177 September 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

To open an EV3 data file (*.rdf) in Excel (or equivalent application), the trick is to convert it to a (*.csv) file using the the Tools > Export Datasets menu option in the EV3 Software. […]

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How to export an EV3 data file (*.rdf) to Excel

EV3 books

4 July 201731 July 2022
EV3
Reference

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

MINDSTORMS EV3 books written for educators Bratzel, Barbara. STEM by Design: Teaching with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Dwivedi, Sanjeev, and Dwivedi, Rajeev. Your guide to Excel in First Lego League: Robot Architecture, Design, Programming and Game Strategies […]

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EV3 books

General LEGO Technic and robotics books

4 July 20171 August 2022
Cross-Platform
Reference

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Robotics books Ceceri, Kathy and Sam Carbaugh. Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects Chow-Miller, Ian. Integrated Robotics Chow-Miller, Ian. Math, Programming, and Controllers Chow-Miller, Ian. Sensors and the Environment Heffernan, John. […]

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General LEGO Technic and robotics books

WeDo books

4 July 201731 July 2022
WeDo
Reference

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Books using WeDo 2.0 Gergert, Vyacheslav. 4WD Buggy with double hinged suspension unofficial building instruction for LEGO WeDo 2.0 Gergert, Vyacheslav. Trebuchet: Self-charging Model for LEGO WeDo 2.0 Isogawa, Yoshihito. WeDo Line Tracer: The Yoshihito’s […]

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WeDo books

Tilt-to-Drive Android App for WeDo 2.0

22 February 201721 December 2017
WeDo
How To

Posted by Rex

I’ve created an Android app for controlling a LEGO WeDo 2.0 skid-steer car. It was made using the MIT App Inventor. I’ve posted the build instructions and app programming here in my blog.

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Tilt-to-Drive Android App for WeDo 2.0

Getting started with STEM and EV3

7 February 201711 May 2017
EV3
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Kasia Nogalska

“I hear and I forget. I see and remember. I do and I understand.” This well-known quote describes the most effective method of teaching students. If you let children play football or basketball, they discover […]

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Getting started with STEM and EV3

Light and Gryo Sensor Calibration

25 January 20171 June 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Benjamin

Some sensors need to be calibrated to make sure they work correctly. I’ve made an EV3 project to help my FIRST LEGO League teams calibrate their sensors and would like to make it available to […]

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Light and Gryo Sensor Calibration

The importance of recording your work

31 August 201631 August 2016
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Asha

LEGO offers an amazing opportunity for students to build both easily and quickly. You don’t have to get specialized pieces and tools to make a robot or an engineering model. Students love being able to […]

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The importance of recording your work

Rookie EV3 tip: Motor “On” mode

10 August 20167 September 2017
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Seshan Brothers

One of the common misunderstandings when programming the EV3 is that if you turn the motor “On”, the robot will just start moving. This mini-challenge is to make beginners aware of what the “On” mode […]

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Rookie EV3 tip: Motor “On” mode

To light or not to light

7 July 201621 December 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

This article highlights one of the difficulties in using the legacy RCX lamp with MINDSTORMS EV3 platform and presents an approach for overcoming this difficulty. It also presents a strategy for synchronizing mutliple lamps with […]

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To light or not to light

A LEGO WeDo learning sequence for younger students

1 June 201621 August 2020
WeDo
Challenge Ideas
Getting Started

Posted by Wayne Burnett

This learning sequence is intended for students as young as 5 years old. It provides a structured introduction to building with standard LEGO bricks before progressing to the WeDo kit. LEGO Education markets the WeDo […]

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A LEGO WeDo learning sequence for younger students

Scratch and LEGO WeDo

4 April 201616 December 2016
WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by Mike

You may have heard of the computer programming language Scratch. It’s a child-friendly system where you code by dragging around colored blocks and snapping them together – and for that reason some schools call it ‘Computer […]

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Scratch and LEGO WeDo

Assessing student work in robotics and engineering

10 December 20151 April 2016
Cross-Platform
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Rob Torok

In this video, Professor Ethan Danahy from Tufts University provides insights to his philosophies of assessment within his first-year intro-to-engineering course on robotics (using LEGO MINDSTORMS and LabVIEW Graphical Programming) and the techniques he uses […]

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Assessing student work in robotics and engineering

Robotics Competitions

30 September 201531 July 2022
Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX
Challenge Ideas
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

There are several ways to introduce LEGO robotics into your school or club. Dr. Amy Eguchi suggests three ways: thematic, project, and competition (see Alemisis, 2013 who references Eguchi). This post introduces some of the more […]

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Robotics Competitions

How to reconnect a task split

6 August 201521 December 2017
EV3
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

This article describes a method for “reconnecting” the separate paths of an EV3 program after a task split. It’s usually best to avoid task splits where possible, especially because of the risk of them leading […]

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How to reconnect a task split

From Sequential Programming to State Machines

14 April 201527 June 2019
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Josep Fargas

In this unit, we will explore some common algorithms for line following in a very systematic way, starting with well known “sequential” approaches, and then contrasting these with a “state machine” approach. We will see […]

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From Sequential Programming to State Machines

Programming Bluetooth on EV3

13 April 20151 August 2022
EV3
How To
Reflections

Posted by John Burfoot

On 27 February 2015, a small group of EDGErs went to LEGOLAND in California for an EV3 Hackathon. This post documents one of the projects that came out of the event. Wireless projects using Bluetooth […]

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Programming Bluetooth on EV3

Building with RCX/NXT lamps and EV3 pieces

5 April 201521 December 2017
EV3, NXT, RCX
How To
Reflections

Posted by John Burfoot

On 27 February 2015, a small group of EDGErs went to LEGOLAND for an EV3 Hackathon. This post documents one of the projects that came out of the event. At the EV3 Hackathon, I was […]

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Building with RCX/NXT lamps and EV3 pieces

RCX USB tower support

31 March 201521 December 2017
RCX, ROBOLAB
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

This article provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers to use the RCX USB tower with ROBOLAB for LabVIEW. These instructions have been tested on Mac OS X 10.9 and 10.10 as well as 32-bit and […]

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RCX USB tower support

Darkness or darker?

31 March 201526 March 2019
EV3, LabVIEW
Big Ideas
How To

Posted by andiPi

In this article, we look at the difference between fixed and relative thresholds in LabVIEW, that is the “darkness” and the “darker” settings in the Wait for Light Sensor block. Note: This article builds on […]

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Darkness or darker?

Learning sequence: Learn to build with LEGO

17 December 201418 July 2022
Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX, WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

This sequence of activities introduces the basic LEGO system pieces. It’s great for beginners and works well with young children. It also introduces the concept of testing and redesigning. How can we build a sturdy […]

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Learning sequence: Learn to build with LEGO

Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX, WeDo
Getting Started

Blogs and other websites

17 December 201431 July 2022
EV3, NXT
Reference

Posted by Rob Torok

Here are some noteworthy blogs and other general websites (that didn’t fit into a neat category!). They range from a neat collection of building projects not directly related to a particular curriculum to a web […]

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Blogs and other websites

EV3, NXT
Reference

Optimal Prime: Another quick EV3 robot build

9 December 20141 August 2022
EV3
How To

Posted by Benjamin-Popp

Some time ago, John Burfoot posted an EV3 build called The Harvester, a quick robot designed using just 49 pieces. I really liked the concept, so I played around with it a bit. The result was a […]

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Optimal Prime: Another quick EV3 robot build

EV3 gone wrong: What to do when your EV3 stops working

25 November 20143 May 2018
EV3
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

The EV3 brick is a wonderful piece of technology, but like all technology, it sometimes has glitches. Here are some possible problems starting, stopping, and connecting the EV3 brick, with suggested solutions. Starting/stopping issues: The […]

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EV3 gone wrong: What to do when your EV3 stops working

Robotics, LEGO, first day… What do I do?!

6 November 201431 October 2017
Cross-Platform
Getting Started

Posted by Ian Chow-Miller

This lesson is a great way to begin any class that involves LEGO Technic bricks. Young students starting with WeDo or Simple Machines, middle-school students beginning their first robotics class or even upper level grades […]

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Robotics, LEGO, first day… What do I do?!

Learning Dimensions: Another way to assess

6 November 20141 April 2016
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Jonathan-Dietz

Mike Petrich and Karen Wilkinson, from the Tinkering Studio at San Francisco’s legendary Exploratorium museum, have created an alternative Learning Dimensions Framework for the assessment of student engagement in project-based learning. Students are assessed for […]

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Learning Dimensions: Another way to assess

Learning sequence: Learn about gears

28 October 201422 June 2020
Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX, WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

Continue reading "Learning sequence: Learn about gears" →

Learning sequence: Learn about gears

Cross-Platform, NXT, RCX, WeDo
Getting Started

Assessment tools for group projects

14 October 201431 July 2022
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Dot

In our push to get more students involved in STEM subjects, we incorporated LEGO robotics into our high school Physics and our AP Physics 1 curricula. This meant that I had to develop a consistent […]

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Assessment tools for group projects

WeDo activities and building projects

14 October 201431 July 2022
WeDo
Challenge Ideas
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

The WeDo kit comes with 12 activities that start with a motivating animation, followed by easy to follow building and programming directions. LEGO Education offered a set of four Extension activities and the WeDo 8+ […]

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WeDo activities and building projects

WeDo curriculum resources

13 October 201431 July 2022
WeDo
Reference

Posted by Wayne Burnett

The WeDo kit can be used to support learning across the range of subjects. The guides that come with the WeDo and WeDo 2.0 software provide ideas of how to achieve mathematics, science, technology, engineering […]

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WeDo curriculum resources

NXT books

26 August 20141 August 2022
NXT
Reference

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

MINDSTORMS NXT books with an education focus Bracken, Chris, Damien Kee, and Rob Torok. Educate NXT Bratzel, Barbara. Physics by Design with NXT Mindstorms Church, William, Tony Ford and Natasha Perova. Physics with Robotics: An […]

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NXT books

EV3 Software compatibility with NXT

4 March 20141 July 2016
EV3, NXT
How To
Reference

Posted by Rob Torok

This is a summary of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Software with the NXT brick and associated hardware. Remember: The NXT firmware cannot be updated using Firmware Update in the EV3 software. If you want […]

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EV3 Software compatibility with NXT

EV3 tutorials: By students, for students

18 December 201314 December 2017
EV3
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Rob Torok

Check out this awesome collection of tutorials that Sarah Lichtenberger’s fifth graders have produced. Topics include… MyBlocks Multi-tasking Follow an object Displaying the speed Displaying distance Using the Gyro Sensor For example, here’s one showing […]

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EV3 tutorials: By students, for students

NXT-G examples: Motors

17 December 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate a range of techniques for working with motors in NXT-G. Drive for time This code turns on Motor A for two seconds, and then turns it off. Similar code can be made […]

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NXT-G examples: Motors

NXT-G examples: Sounds, displays, and delays

17 December 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate some ways of working with sounds, displays, and delays in NXT-G. Controlling the Display This program uses two touch sensors combined with two Switches – all in an infinite loop – […]

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NXT-G examples: Sounds, displays, and delays

The Harvester: A quick EV3 robot build

10 December 201327 September 2018
EV3
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

NOTE: See the updated version of this quick build here. Like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to come up with a quick robot design for your students. I recently decided to spend a […]

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The Harvester: A quick EV3 robot build

Why I like educational robots

18 November 20131 August 2022
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Craig

With all the available STEM options, we often get asked Why Robotics? So here are some quick thoughts to kickstart your thirty second elevator speech for robotics program support. See what you think. I like educational robots because they […]

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Why I like educational robots

Using EV3 software to run the NXT

1 November 201321 December 2017
EV3, NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

The new EV3 software is backwards compatible with the NXT. But what exactly does this mean? What works? What doesn’t work? What sort of works? Here is a quick rundown: Programming: The NXT can be […]

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Using EV3 software to run the NXT

RicEditor tutorial: Create a cannon game

28 October 201314 December 2017
LabVIEW
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

Before you start This post is a tutorial on how to work with “RIC” image files to create a simple game using the NXT display. For an example of what the finished game will look […]

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RicEditor tutorial: Create a cannon game

LabView examples: Projects

18 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

Here are some example projects using LabView. Hand Puppet code LabVIEW for MINDSTORMS code for the LEGO hand puppet. Morse Code This example shows how to turn a user input into a corresponding sequence of […]

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LabView examples: Projects

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

LabView examples: Programming structures

11 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of programming structures in LabVIEW. Acceleration and Case Structure This example shows how to use shift registers and case structures to produce an effect similar to acceleration. If the sensor […]

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LabView examples: Programming structures

LabView examples: Sound

4 October 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples demonstrate the use of sound in LabVIEW. Play Song This example demonstrates how to play a song in the NXT code. Sound as Response This program emits a beeping sound as an NXT […]

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LabView examples: Sound

LabView examples: Display

27 September 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate display control in LabVIEW. Create Points This example shows how to make points on the NXT screen given coordinates on the front panel. Displaying Sensor Values This examples shows how to display […]

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LabView examples: Display

ROBOLAB examples

27 September 201321 December 2017
ROBOLAB
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of various features in ROBOLAB. NXT multiple events Multiple events can be setup in the same code to track different variables. All event structures must have the same event landing. […]

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ROBOLAB examples

LabView examples: Sensors

20 September 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (PDF) demonstrate the use of sensors in LabVIEW. Graphing sensor values This program takes sensor values and graphs them on the front panel. Line follower This program is provided in the “Behaviors” section of […]

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LabView examples: Sensors

RCX constructopedia

20 September 201321 December 2017
RCX
Downloads
Getting Started
How To
Reference

Posted by CEEO

The RCX constructopedia (PDF, 55Mb) includes an extensive set of instructions designed to introduce beginners and advanced builders alike to new concepts in building with the RCX. 418 pages. Contents include: Stationary builds Sturdy structures Bracing […]

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RCX constructopedia

EV3 rechargeable battery issue

16 September 20132 September 2014
EV3
Getting Started
How To
News

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Some of the new EV3 rechargeable batteries have a circuit error and do not work properly. After you recharge one of these defective batteries, install it in the EV3, and turn on the EV3, you […]

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EV3 rechargeable battery issue

LabView Examples: Motors

11 September 201316 May 2019
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples (ZIP) demonstrate motor control in LabVIEW. Front Panel Steering Control This example shows how to control the steering icon using the front panel. Position Control This example shows how to keep an object […]

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LabView Examples: Motors

NXT Constructopedia

7 September 201321 December 2017
NXT
Downloads
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

The NXT Constructopedia Beta 2.1 (PDF) is a set of building hints for the NXT Education Base Set (9797). It contains smaller hints and a few larger models. Its aim is to provide users with inspiration […]

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NXT Constructopedia

NXT-G power programming tips

7 September 20136 September 2013
NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Srikanth M

What to do, what not do, and where it pays to be cautious! This posts throws light on some very important aspects of programming robots in NXT-G. Any program that we write for NXT-G should […]

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NXT-G power programming tips

Create your own games with “RIC” files

27 August 201310 March 2022
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

One way to display information on the NXT screen is by using a “RIC” image file. Most of the default graphics that you see on the NXT use this file type. For example, the the […]

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Create your own games with “RIC” files

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

ROBOLAB programming references

23 August 201320 May 2016
ROBOLAB
Reference

Posted by CEEO

Here are a collection of programming references for ROBOLAB… Quick start NXT guide for ROBOLAB 2.9 (PDF) Using ROBOLAB, 2003 (PDF) ROBOLAB reference guide v1.4 (PDF) ROBOLAB quick guide solutions (PDF) – These are the […]

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ROBOLAB programming references

Sample music: ROBOLAB

22 August 201318 July 2022
ROBOLAB
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

Here is a collection of sample music files for ROBOLAB. The following pieces of music are included… Bach – Cello Suite #1 Bach – Minuet in D Bach – Prelude in C Beethoven – Ode […]

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Sample music: ROBOLAB

ROBOLAB quick guide

21 August 201318 July 2022
ROBOLAB
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

Here is a selection code examples and some simple challenges for the various modes of ROBOLAB, i.e. Pilot, Inventor, and Investigator. In each case, the idea is to copy the sample code and then see […]

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ROBOLAB quick guide

Image processing in LabVIEW

21 August 201320 May 2020
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

The Image Processing VIs are a rudimentary set of image capture and analysis VIs that allow the user to grab images from a USB camera (using Chris Salzmann’s QuickTime VIs) and analyze them. These VIs […]

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Image processing in LabVIEW

Third-party sensor update for ROBOLAB

21 August 201318 July 2022
ROBOLAB
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

This third-party sensor update for ROBOLAB supports the HiTechnic IRSeeker v2 (in all four modes) and fixes a Vernier bug. Note: Requires ROBOLAB 2.9.4 or higher. Installation instructions Download and unzip Third-party sensor update (6/24/2010) […]

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Third-party sensor update for ROBOLAB

How to update the EV3 firmware

19 August 201319 February 2016
EV3
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

How to update the firmware on the EV3 using the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software: First, make sure that the EV3 is on and connected to the computer. Under Tools on the menu at the […]

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How to update the EV3 firmware

How to update the NXT firmware in LabVIEW

19 August 201319 August 2013
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

This is how to update the firmware on the NXT using LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS (LVLM) or LabVIEW for Education (LV4E). 1. First go to tools and select NXT Terminal: This window will pop up: […]

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How to update the NXT firmware in LabVIEW

How to update the NXT firmware in NXT-G

18 August 201318 July 2022
NXT
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

How to update the firmware on the NXT using NXT-G: First, make sure that the NXT is on and connected to the computer. Under Tools on the menu at the top of the screen, choose […]

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How to update the NXT firmware in NXT-G

How to write efficient NXT-G programs

17 August 20131 August 2022
NXT
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

Writing Efficient NXT-G Programs (PDF) describes how to make your NXT-G programs as efficient as possible to create complex behaviours with a minimum of memory. These techniques are particularly relevant for competitions such as FIRST […]

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How to write efficient NXT-G programs

ROBOLAB programming icons

12 August 20131 July 2016
ROBOLAB
Reference

Posted by CEEO

The ROBOLAB Worksheet Kit (PDF) contains a set of images of the programming blocks used in the ROBOLAB. These can be used to create worksheets and instructions for students. See also ROBOLAB programming references.

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ROBOLAB programming icons

NXT-G programming icons

12 August 201318 July 2022
NXT
Downloads
Reference

Posted by CEEO

The NXT Worksheet toolkit (ZIP) contains a set of images of the programming blocks used in the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Software (NXT-G). These can be used to create worksheets and instructions for students. Note: These […]

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NXT-G programming icons

Third-party sensors: Code examples

12 August 20131 July 2016
NXT, ROBOLAB
Reference

Posted by CEEO

Here is a collection of code examples for third party sensors. Codatex Download Codatex code examples (ZIP) including: RFID read NXT-G – This code will use the Codatex RFID sensor to find the correct RFID tag. […]

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Third-party sensors: Code examples

Sample music: NXT-G

2 August 201318 July 2022
NXT
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

Here is a collection of programs written in NXT-G that play a range of well known and some maybe not so well known tunes. Sample music NOTE: All files are zipped *.rbt files. See below […]

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Sample music: NXT-G

NXT building tips

2 August 201321 December 2017
NXT
Downloads
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

NXT Building Tips is a brief PDF guide to tips and tricks for building with the LEGO NXT, including: Basic LEGO brick stacking Using pegs to connect beams Connecting beams using axles and bushings Constructing […]

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NXT building tips

General building tips and tricks

19 July 201321 December 2017
Cross-Platform
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

Here are some tips for building with basic LEGO bricks, beams, and axles. Building a sturdy structure 1. Use interconnecting bricks. When you interconnect your bricks, the structure will not fall apart when you move […]

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General building tips and tricks

Light theremin

10 July 201321 December 2017
Cross-Platform, NXT
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by CEEO

In this activity, use an NXT brick equipped with two light sensors to emulate a theremin. One sensor will change pitch as the amount of light sensed changes, and the other sensor will change volume as […]

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Light theremin

Science through LEGO Engineering

1 July 20137 September 2017
Cross-Platform
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

The following four curricula are designed to introduce students (in Grades 3 to 5) to various science concepts through design-based LEGO projects. The first several lessons of each unit engage students in scientific explorations sometimes […]

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Science through LEGO Engineering

ROBOLAB 2.9.4c patch

1 July 201321 December 2017
RCX, ROBOLAB
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

This patch for ROBOLAB 2.9 fixes a few major issues with both the RCX and the NXT and adds some new features, including support for many 3rd party sensors. Use the extended help area to […]

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ROBOLAB 2.9.4c patch

9797 NXT basic car instructions

26 June 201331 August 2017
NXT
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

This is a very basic NXT vehicle. It is made exclusively of pieces from the 9797 NXT Education kit. This car was designed to be built very quickly so that it could be used in […]

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9797 NXT basic car instructions

LabVIEW examples: Advanced

20 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Downloads
How To

Posted by CEEO

These examples demonstrate some advanced features in LabVIEW. Using a Sub VI This example shows a possible implementation of a sub VI. Sub VI’s are essentially consolidations of other code into one icon. Multiple NXTs […]

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LabVIEW examples: Advanced

How can we build a sturdy wall?

Posted by CEEO

Students will investigate the properties of sturdy structures by constructing a LEGO wall. The wall must be about 6 bricks high and withstand the “Flick Test”. The Flick Test involves flicking the top of the […]

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How can we build a sturdy wall?

ROBOLAB for LabVIEW

18 June 20131 August 2022
LabVIEW, RCX, ROBOLAB
Downloads

Posted by CEEO

ROBOLAB for LabVIEW is an add-on for LabVIEW that enables you to run the classic and much loved ROBOLAB within a current installation of LabVIEW. Notes This is not a standalone product, so a version […]

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ROBOLAB for LabVIEW

LabVIEW, RCX, ROBOLAB
Downloads

Managing robotics equipment in the classroom

16 June 201318 July 2022
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Any teacher using LEGO robotics in the classroom quickly develops strategies for dealing with the multitude of plastic pieces. Here are some suggestions. Kits Ideally, each pair or small group of students should have its […]

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Managing robotics equipment in the classroom

Managing a project-based robotics classroom

16 June 20131 July 2016
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Running a project-based robotics classroom often raises new and different issues than those found in more traditional classrooms. Here are some tips for classroom management. Project Rules Set clear expectations for students. A sample list […]

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Managing a project-based robotics classroom

Which LEGO kit?

16 June 20134 January 2016
Getting Started

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Getting started with LEGO robotics can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. Here is a brief guide to the various kits. Quick advice: If you are new to LEGO robotics and working with children […]

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Which LEGO kit?

Getting Started

NXT-A-Sketch

14 June 201330 March 2020
LabVIEW
Challenge Ideas
How To

Posted by CEEO

Just like its little red counterpart, the Etch-A-Sketch®, the NXT-A-Sketch lets you turn two knobs to draw your picture. However, rather than using a stylus and aluminum powder, the LEGO NXT model is entirely digital, […]

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NXT-A-Sketch

Motor vs Move – Part II: Action

11 June 201321 December 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

In Part I of Motor vs. Move, we looked at how the Move block incorporates a control algorithm to help robots move more accurately. What else is different between the Motor and Move block in […]

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Motor vs Move – Part II: Action

Thinking outside the box: A look into LEGO organization and sorting

11 June 20138 June 2017
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by CEEO

Whether you have a classroom full of bricks and RCXs or a brand new set of Technic beams and NXTs, teachers who use LEGO materials all have a common problem—how to organize those all of […]

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Thinking outside the box: A look into LEGO organization and sorting

A simple TETRIX robot

11 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

TETRIX is a robotics building system that was created by Pitsco. The system consists of aluminium elements for construction and powerful drive motors, controlled by an NXT brick. This article provides building instructions and programming […]

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A simple TETRIX robot

NXT car with NXT bluetooth remote

10 June 201321 December 2017
LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

The NXT’s Bluetooth feature enables NXTs to send messages to each other wirelessly. What’s that good for? Well, lots of things – including making your own remote control car (where you make the car and […]

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NXT car with NXT bluetooth remote

LabVIEW, NXT
How To

What to buy (WeDo 1.0)

4 June 20131 March 2018
WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by Wayne Burnett

Planning on introducing the WeDo into your class? Below are some ideas on what you need to get started. Note: This guide is for the classic version of LEGO WeDo, which comes in a white […]

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What to buy (WeDo 1.0)

MIDI and the NXT

3 June 20136 April 2020
Cross-Platform, LabVIEW, NXT
How To

Posted by CEEO

In this article, we talk about how you can make your own digital musical instrument with the LEGO NXT and connect it to an iPad using MIDI. The idea You can design and build your […]

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MIDI and the NXT

Datalogging in LabVIEW: Timed datalogging

2 June 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

A simple way to log data in LabView involves specifying a time interval between each measurement and the time interval over which the recording takes place. For example, we could measure the sound level for […]

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Datalogging in LabVIEW: Timed datalogging

LEGO WeDo Mac OSX 10.7 issues

31 May 201318 July 2022
WeDo
How To

Posted by John Burfoot

With thanks to Esther Lee and John Heffernan, here are a couple of solutions if the LEGO WeDo themed activities do not appear (yellow LEGO face is greyed out) while operating LEGO WeDo software (v1.2) on […]

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LEGO WeDo Mac OSX 10.7 issues

It’s not rocket science: Keep it simple!

Posted by Damien Kee

The word ‘robotics’ can be a little intimidating to a teacher new to the field. I constantly encounter teachers who have been thrust unsuspectingly into the role of the ‘robotics teacher’ simply because they were […]

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It’s not rocket science: Keep it simple!

LabVIEW basics

28 May 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

Automatic Tool Selection: When the tool selection window at the top of the tool palette is lit green, LabVIEW will select whichever tool appears to be the correct one. When the tool selection window is […]

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LabVIEW basics

Third Wheel

28 May 20134 April 2019
Cross-Platform, EV3, NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

A simple two-motor NXT car needs a non-powered slider, wheel, or wheels of some type. A single wheel is often a good choice, since it is simple to build and makes turning the car easier […]

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Third Wheel

Clicking brick syndrome

25 May 201323 November 2017
NXT
How To

Posted by Srikanth M

Do you have a problem that your LEGO NXT brick won’t start? It won’t show up in the software… but it gives a strange sound. Put your ear right up to the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT […]

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Clicking brick syndrome

Robotics: Assistive devices for the future

17 May 20137 September 2017
Cross-Platform
Getting Started

Posted by CEEO

This curriculum module engages middle-school students in designing, building and programming a LEGO robot that could work as an assistive device for the physically challenged population. The students form teams or “companies” that work together […]

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Robotics: Assistive devices for the future

Three troubleshooting tips for NXT-G

13 May 201317 June 2013
NXT
How To

Posted by Bill Shaw

Troubleshooting NXT-G programs can be a little challenging. There aren’t any traditional debugging tools built into the environment. Here are three ways you can emulate common troubleshooting techniques when your program isn’t working the way […]

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Three troubleshooting tips for NXT-G

Introduction to LabVIEW

7 May 201318 July 2022
LabVIEW
Getting Started
How To

Posted by Svein-Tore Narvestad

When we start LabVIEW we get a screen that consists of three windows: Understanding the three windows Front panel: This is where we can insert charts, buttons and switches that we can use to […]

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Introduction to LabVIEW

NXT Sensors

12 April 201316 May 2019
NXT
Reference

Posted by CEEO

Touch Sensor The Touch Sensor gives your robot a sense of touch. The Touch Sensor detects when it is being pressed by something and when it is released again. Suggestions: You can use the Touch […]

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NXT Sensors

NXT-G quick programming guide

12 April 201321 December 2017
NXT
Getting Started
How To

Posted by CEEO

The following are examples of programming challenges for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Software (NXT-G). Move Forward, Wait, Move Reverse You will need an NXT car with two motors. Attach one motor to Port A and the […]

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NXT-G quick programming guide

Get Started with WeDo

1 January 201331 July 2022
WeDo
Getting Started

Posted by Wayne Burnett

LEGO WeDo is a robotics kit designed for younger students. The original WeDo set was released in 2009. WeDo 2.0 was released at the beginning of 2016. WeDo 2.0 (45300) The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 […]

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Get Started with WeDo

Get Started with EV3

1 January 201331 July 2022
EV3
Getting Started

Posted by Barbara Bratzel

LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is the third version of LEGO’s MINDSTORMS robotics platform. It was launched in September 2013, and follows the RCX (1998) and the NXT (2006). The MINDSTORMS EV3 kit includes a programmable brick […]

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Get Started with EV3

Get Started with NXT

1 January 201331 July 2022
NXT
Getting Started

Posted by Rob Torok

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT is the second version of LEGO’s MINDSTORMS robotics platform. It was launched in 2006 and was followed by LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 in 2013. The platform included a programmable brick (also known as […]

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Get Started with NXT

General Advice for Getting Started

1 January 201331 July 2022
Cross-Platform
Getting Started
Pedagogy

Posted by Rob Torok

To help you get started with LEGO robotics and engineering in the classroom, here is a collection of posts related to classroom management, kit storage, and assessment. Classroom management Starting a robotics program: The MINDSTORMS robotics […]

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