To keep the WeDo simple and easy to use for younger children, the WeDo doesn’t have an intelligent brick in its building materials. No intelligent brick, so no programming and no power. The USB hub is there to provide both from the computer. But, wouldn’t it be great to be...
Design and construct a working music box in which LEGO mini-figures move while a song plays. This lesson is one in a series of introductory lessons that is applicable to all types of robotics kits. The lessons are geared to students in early primary to middle school (depending on the lesson). Additional...
Design and develop a car that is capable of traveling across flat surfaces quickly, but can also negotiate a steep ramp. Note: The WeDo version of the car remains tethered to the computer via the USB cable and therefore cannot travel very far. Tip 1: What gear train yields...
What is the best design for cars used by people on sloping paths? Construct a car that is capable of climbing steep inclines. What is torque and why is it important? This lesson is one in a series of introductory lessons that is applicable to all types of...
The idea of this challenge is to design and construct a car that can move extremely slowly. These cars must compete in the snail race; the winner is the car that crosses the finish line last. Note: The WeDo car stays tethered to the computer via the USB cable so...
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 Change axis Moving parts Motors Gears Pulleys Special gears Cam Differential Worm gear Gear rack...
How do gears interact to vary torque and angular speed? Build different gear assemblies to discover these effects. What do the terms “gear up” and “gear down” mean? This lesson is one in a series of introductory lessons that is applicable to all types of robotics kits. The lessons are...
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 to build their own advanced creations. Contents include: Simple shapes and structures Square Reversing trick...
Build a crane that can lift objects one and a half times its weight to a height of 4 inches. Tip 1: What is the relationship between torque and gear-size? Tip 2: Remember, rotation sensors can track the angle turned by the motor. Resources Crane lesson plan (PDF)
Design, construct and program a dancing robot that has at least two moving parts and at most two motors. Set your robot’s dance to music. Resources Dancing Robot lesson plan – ROBOLAB + NXT-G (PDF)