Lesson Planning

Mindstorms NXT

Points to consider before creating a lesson.

Sturdy structuresinstructional builds original builds

Functionsmoving forward moving backward turning

Sensors neededtouch light ultra sonic sound

ProgrammingTeams or individuals

Planning the lesson

• Challenge/Objective What problem will students try to solve?

What task or tasks should the robot complete?

• TEKS CorrelationsIdentify TEKS the lesson will cover.

Planning the lesson

• Materials NXT building elements

Non-LEGO materials needed

• Building SkillsPrerequisite skills students need

New skills that will be learned

Planning the lesson

• Programming Skills Prerequisite skills students need

New skills that will be learned

• Curriculum IntegrationWhat other subject area knowledge and

skills will be integrated?

Planning the lesson

• ProceduresWhat steps will the teacher follow to

teach new skills?

How will the teacher guide the students through the project?

• TimeHow long will it take to teach and

complete the lesson and task?

How will the lesson work into the schedule?

Planning the lesson

• AssessmentsProduct evaluation/rubricGroup evaluation/rubric

Individual evaluation/rubricStudents must write about their experience

and evaluate what they have learned.

• ExtensionsHow can this task be extended or modified to

address a related challenge or question?

Working with Design Challenges

Create ratio tables based on wheel rotation and distance traveled.

Use estimation to determine how far a rover travels along a number line.

Create a game that is based on probability.

Math

Working with Design Challenges

Design and program an instrument that measures weather changes.

Design and program a model of the earth that will simulate day and night.

Simulate echolocation to locate and retrieve offspring.

Design and build a robot that will avoid obstacles while retrieving an object.

Design and build a device that will test how well sound travels through different objects.

Science

Working with Design Challenges

Design and build a device that solves a problem in a story.

Design and build a robot that recreates a scene from a story.

Language Arts

• Don’t try to do it all in one year.• Set Long Term Goals

• Plan simple activities that build in difficulty.

• Network with other teachers.• Trouble shoot projects before class

introduction.• Be a learner and have fun!Be a learner and have fun!

WORDS OF WISDOM…

…WORDS OF WISDOM

Where to start…

Teach the Language of LEGO

Klutz Book: excellent jumping off point

Set up your challenge routine

Show students how you want things organized = classroom procedure

The Engineering Journal

The Engineering Journal

James Floyd Kelly, author of The Mayan AdventureHe created the Design Journal found in his book.

•demonstrates the development of a robot

• uses a step-by-step method

• keeps thoughts organized

• moves forward in a constructive way

• he calls this the Planning & Design Process

The Engineering Journal

The JournalJournal is divided into 6 sections. There is nothing printed on the back so students may continue a section on the back if needed. Use pencil and encourage changes, as students observe the robot. Nothing is written in stone and the best answer is not always the first.

1. Robot Name (name)

1. Robot Purpose (what is the robot suppose to do?)

1. Task List (list of small, single-item tasks)

1. Limitations & Constraints (obstacles)

1. Ideas on the Fly (aka brainstorming)

1. Schematics (basic shape, drawings, layout of course, but you don’t have to be Da Vinci!)