NXT CD and Training Online October 13, 2006
Posted by tomshepp in Lego robotics, NXT, curriculum, robotics.add a comment
I did an online Lego robotics course a couple of years ago through Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy (http://www-education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/). Through the course I learned about the building and programming (using Robolab software) of Lego robots using the RCX-based Mindstorms for Schools kit.
With the introduction of the new NXT-based robotics kits this year, I have been looking into doing a similar course. The Robotics Academy is selling an NXT robotics curriculum (two-cd set) entitled, Robotics Engineering: Introduction to Mobile Robotics, Vol. 1 (http://store.robomatter.com/roenvoiintom.html) for $225.00 (US). With the purchase of the cd set you get an online teacher training course free (8 weeks).
I am considering this option so I thought I would pass along the information to anyone out there that may also be interested. The price is steep, but I learned a lot on the last course and I used the cd that I purchased the last time to teach my students.
BTW, they are still offering the RCX-based online training (8 weeks but no cd) for $55.00 (US).
Thomas
NL Robotics Update October 13, 2006
Posted by tomshepp in LEGO, NL, robotics, update.add a comment
A few Issues and Events requiring your consideration:
1. TRAINING SESSION SCHEDULE:
October 14
Thomas Sheppard is hosting a working meeting for teachers and students at Frank Roberts JHS, Foxtrap Access Road, this coming weekend. It’s a terrific opportunity for students to collaborate and learn a great deal about the design of mechanical and the programming aspects of the FLL competition. Teams willbring their own lego units, some will bring field set-ups, all will bring their own laptops for programming. Don’t forget extension cords and power bars.
Other dates may follow.
2. COMPETITIONS
We have had discussions about the dates of the Intermediate School robotics competitions.
November 25
We know that the Skills Canada Intermediate Skills Challenge (ISC-2006) will be held at Mt. Pearl Intermediate on Saturday, November 25th. There will be a robotics element to that competition, which will involve JUST the robot performance on this year’s “Nano Quest” Challenge.
December 2
We are examining the dates and location for the full-fledge First Lego League qualifying competition. At the moment, we’re pretty sure that the date will be Saturday, December 2, (the weekend after the ISC). We are investigating two sites…..Mt. Pearl Intermediate and St. Francis School , which have graciously offered to be our host venue. Both appear to be quite desireable, albeit for different reasons.
Pre-registration will be required.
3. T-SHIRTS
We have secured permission to use the graphic art produced by Hi-Tech Kids, at a modest cost, and of course, we have access to the FLL Lego and Nano logos for the preparation of team T-shirts. You will be able to select one of an array of colours with these logos on the shirt, as well as your school name and possibly logo as well. My philosophy about these items is that they’re excellent promotion for the school and the kids like to wear them. They should be good quality 50/50 shirts.
I’m making a guess at about $15-17 / shirt, given the artwork and the screen printing involved. Given that price, we need to know how many teams will order it as we will pre-order these units, on a pre-paid basis. It’s something we need to get rolling now.
4. PD OPPORTUNITY.
There will be a PD opportunity in FLL Robotics during the Avalon East Region close-out, and possibly also in the Avalon West Region PD close-out. Search your PD calendar for this opportunity.
5. REGISTRATION FEE
We’ll soon settle on a registration fee for the provncial competition, which will be a little higher than last year, but not enormous, when shared among the team. Pre-competition registration with a reasonable deadline will be a fact of life, as we have to plan on the numbers arriving.
Next Meeting October 6, 2006
Posted by tomshepp in LEGO, meeting, robotics, teams.add a comment
Hi Teams,
I will be hosting the next meeting for Lego Robotics teams. This will be an opportunity for you to bring along some team members and work on Nano Quest. Here is the info:
Location: Frank Roberts Junior High (Foxtrap Access Road, CBS)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
We will be in the gym and we will have two mats setup to work on. If you want your students to work on the mat you will need to bring the following items:
- your computer with the programming software
- your robot and robotics kit
- extension cords
I would like to keep the numbers down due to supervision concerns so I ask that a maximum of 10 students per team be allowed. Please keep in mind that students will not be allowed outside the gym area and that you will be responsible for your students.
I am requiring a confirmation if you plan to attend and please include how many students you will be bringing. The reason is that I need to setup the gym and this can be a lot of work if the numbers are large. Deadline for confirming your attendance is Wednesday, Oct. 3rd. If you do not email me I will assume you are not coming.
I would like you to treat this as an opportunity for students to get together and learn from each other so please come with a spirit of co-operation. Also come prepared with questions and issues you wish to discuss.
Thomas
NXT links October 4, 2006
Posted by tomshepp in Uncategorized.add a comment
I was into the forum on the FLL site and noticed a few links about the NXT kit so I added them to the links menu on the right.
