CURRICULUM INDEX 

Robotics: Assistive Devices for the Future                Grades 6-8
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 to create their LEGO robot prototype. The module culminates in a final presentation where student teams present their products to a panel of judges.

Contents of the Curriculum Resources Packet:

(1) TeacherÙs Guide
    Introduction to the Unit
    Lesson 0              Introduction to the Engineering Design Process
    Lesson 1              Wheelchair Design Challenge
    Lesson 2              Selecting a Solution
    Lesson 2.5           More About Gears (Optional)
    Lesson 3              Programming with ROBOLAB
    Lesson 4              Programming with Sensors
    Lesson 5              Begin Final Project (Identify Need, Research Problem, and Develop Possible Solutions)
    Lesson 6              Continue Final Project (Select the Best Possible Solution, Begin Constructing Prototype)
    Lesson 7             Continue Final Project (Finish Constructing Prototype, Test and Evaluate Solution)
    Lesson 8              Communicating the Solution
    Lesson 9              Complete Final Project
    Lesson 10            Final Presentation

(2) Student Handouts and Homework for All Lessons

(3) Supplemental Teacher Resources                     
    Robolab Installation Guide for PCÙs
    LEGO Mindstorms Electric Components
    Guide to Robolab Pilot 1-4
    Robolab Pilot Challenges
    Guide to Robolab Inventor 3
    Robolab Inventor 3 Icons
    Robolab Inventor 3 Challenges
    Robolab Troubleshooting Guide
    Robolab Cheat Sheet
    More About Gears
    Robo Technology Set Contents
    Useful Web Links

Download the Curriculum PDF (6MB)

 

Contents of the Supplemental Zip File:

(1) Power Point Template for Presentation 1
(2) Power Point Template for Presentation 2

Download the Zip File (12 KB)

 
The preparation of this curriculum was partially supported by grant DRL-0423059 from the National Science Foundation. Grantees undertaking such projects are encouraged to express freely their professional judgment. This curriculum, therefore, does not necessarily represent the position or policies of the National Science Foundation.