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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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)

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

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

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-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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