LEGO Robotics Explorers: A 4-Month Self-Study Course
\Course Description:\
\Welcome to “LEGO Robotics Explorers”\! This comprehensive 4-month self-study course is designed to take you on an exciting journey into the world of robotics using LEGO Education kits. Whether you’re a curious beginner or have some experience with LEGOs, this course will equip you with foundational knowledge in mechanical design, programming, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities. You will learn to build and program various robots, understand how sensors and motors work, and apply computational thinking to solve real-world challenges. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your LEGO robots to life\!\
\Primary Learning Objectives:\
\Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:\
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\Understand the basic components of a LEGO robot and their functions.\
\Design and build stable and functional LEGO robot structures.\
\Develop foundational programming skills using block-based coding (e.g., LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 or SPIKE Prime software).\
\Utilize various sensors (e.g., touch, color, ultrasonic, gyro) to enable robot interaction with its environment.\
\Implement basic control algorithms for robot movement and decision-making.\
\Troubleshoot and debug robotic programs and mechanical designs.\
\Apply iterative design processes to improve robot performance.\
\Collaborate and communicate effectively about robotics projects (even in a self-study context, through reflection and documentation).\
\Creatively solve open-ended robotics challenges.\
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\Necessary Materials:\
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\A LEGO Education Robotics Kit (e.g., LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Home Edition, LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set, or LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set). Ensure the kit includes a programmable brick, motors, and a variety of sensors.\
\A computer or tablet with compatible LEGO programming software installed (available for free download from the LEGO Education website).\
\Internet access for accessing online resources and supplemental tutorials.\
\Optional: Graph paper, pencils, and a notebook for planning and design.\
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Course Content:
\Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and Your LEGO Kit\
\Lesson 1: What is a Robot? And Meeting Your LEGO Brain\
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\\Learning Objectives:\
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\Define what a robot is and identify common robot characteristics.\
\Unpack and identify the main components of the LEGO robotics kit.\
\Understand the function of the programmable brick (EV3 Brick or SPIKE Prime Hub).\
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\\Key Vocabulary:\
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\Robot: A machine designed to carry out a complex series of actions automatically.\
\Programmable Brick/Hub: The “brain” of the LEGO robot, containing the processor, memory, and ports.\
\Motor: A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, causing movement.\
\Sensor: A device that detects and responds to stimuli in the environment.\
\Input: Information received by the robot from its environment (e.g., sensor readings).\
\Output: Actions performed by the robot (e.g., motor movement, sound).\
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\\Content:\
\Welcome to the exciting world of robotics\! Before we dive into building, let’s understand what a robot truly is. At its core, a robot is a machine that can sense, think, and act. It takes in information from its surroundings (senses), processes that information (thinks), and then performs actions based on its programming (acts). Think about everyday robots like vacuum cleaners or industrial robots in factories. They all follow this basic sense-think-act cycle.\
\Your LEGO robotics kit contains all the pieces you need to build your own robots. The most important piece is the programmable brick, often called the “brain” of your robot. For EV3 users, this is the EV3 Brick; for SPIKE Prime users, it’s the Hub. This brick is where you’ll load your programs and where the robot will process all its information. Take some time to carefully unpack your kit. Familiarize yourself with the different types of pieces: the various LEGO Technic beams, axles, pins, gears, motors, and sensors. Pay close attention to the programmable brick/hub, as it has ports for connecting motors and sensors, a screen, and buttons. Understanding these core components is the first step to becoming a LEGO robotics master\!\
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\\Hands-on Example:\
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\Carefully unpack your LEGO robotics kit, sorting the pieces into their designated compartments (if applicable).\
\Identify the programmable brick/hub. Turn it on and explore its basic menus and functions.\
\Connect one motor to a port on the programmable brick/hub. Briefly test it by running a simple built-in program (if available) or just observing how the motor clicks into place.\
\Connect one sensor (e.g., a color sensor) to a different port. Observe how it connects.\
\Spend 15-20 minutes just exploring the physical components of your kit.\
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\Week 2: Building Blocks: Understanding LEGO Technic\
\Lesson 2: Beams, Pins, and Connectors: The Foundation\
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\\Learning Objectives:\
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\Identify and differentiate between various LEGO Technic beams, pins, and connectors.\
\Understand how to securely connect LEGO Technic pieces.\
\Begin to plan simple structures using LEGO Technic principles.\
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\\Key Vocabulary:\
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\LEGO Technic: A line of LEGO products characterized by more complex, functional models.\
\Beam: Long, bar-like pieces with holes for pins.\
\Pin: Small cylindrical pieces used to connect beams and other elements.\
\Axle: Long rods that rotate, often used for wheels and gears.\
\Connector: Specialized pieces for joining Technic elements at various angles.\
\Structural Integrity: The ability of a structure to withstand forces without breaking or deforming.\
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\\Content:\
\LEGO Technic is different from regular LEGO bricks. Instead of stacking, Technic uses beams with holes and pins to create strong, functional structures. The key to successful LEGO robotics is understanding how these pieces connect. Beams come in various lengths, measured by the number of holes. Pins are crucial for holding beams together; they fit snugly into the holes. There are also different types of pins, some with friction for a tight hold and others without. Connectors allow you to join beams at angles, build corners, and create more complex shapes. When building, always think about structural integrity. A robot that falls apart easily won’t be very useful\! Practice making strong connections and try to build structures that can withstand a little push or pull.\
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\\Hands-on Example:\
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\Sort out all your LEGO Technic beams, pins, and basic connectors.\
\Practice connecting two beams using pins, ensuring a secure fit.\
\Build a simple square frame using four beams and appropriate connectors. Try to make it as rigid as possible.\
\Experiment with different types of pins (with and without friction) to feel the difference in connection strength.\
\Build a small, stable platform that could potentially hold the programmable brick.\
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\Week 3: Getting Started with Programming: Your First Moves\
\Lesson 3: Introduction to Block-Based Programming\
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\\Learning Objectives:\
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\Launch and navigate the LEGO robotics programming software.\
\Identify common programming blocks for motor control.\
\Write and download a simple program to make a motor move.\
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\\Key Vocabulary:\
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\Block-Based Programming: A visual programming language where commands are represented as graphical blocks that users drag and drop to create programs.\
\Program: A sequence of instructions that a computer or robot follows.\
\Loop: A programming construct that repeats a sequence of instructions.\
\Sequence: The order in which instructions are executed.\
\Motor Block: A programming block used to control the speed, direction, and duration of motor movement.\
\Port: A connection point on the programmable brick/hub for motors and sensors.\
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\\Content:\
\Now that you’re familiar with the physical parts, let’s bring them to life with programming\! LEGO robotics kits use intuitive block-based programming software. This means you don’t need to type complicated code; instead, you drag and drop graphical blocks that represent different commands. Think of it like building with digital LEGO bricks\! The software typically has