Line Follower

Lesson Plan: Building and Programming a Simple Line Follower Robot with LEGO Mindstorms

Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)

Objective: Students will design, build, and program a simple line follower robot using LEGO Mindstorms. They will learn how to use sensors to detect and follow a line, understand basic principles of robotics, and develop problem-solving skills through hands-on experimentation.

Materials Needed:

• LEGO Mindstorms EV3 or NXT kit

• Computers or tablets with LEGO Mindstorms programming software installed

• Printed black line course on a white surface (can be made with black tape)

• Projector or interactive whiteboard (for instruction)

• Worksheets or notebooks for planning and reflection

Lesson Outline:

Day 1: Introduction and Building the Line Follower Robot

1. Introduction to Line Follower Robots (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on what line follower robots are and where they are used (e.g., in automated warehouses, on factory floors).

• Show a video or example of a line follower robot in action.

• Explain the basic concept: the robot uses a sensor to detect the contrast between the black line and the white surface, allowing it to follow the path.

2. Understanding the LEGO Mindstorms Components (10 minutes)

• Introduce the essential components of the LEGO Mindstorms kit, focusing on the color or light sensor and motors.

• Explain how the color sensor detects different colors or shades of light and how the motors control the movement of the robot.

3. Planning the Line Follower Design (20 minutes)

• Have students sketch a basic design of their line follower robot in their notebooks.

• Discuss the placement of the color sensor and the importance of keeping the sensor close to the surface.

• Encourage students to think about the structure and stability of their robot.

4. Building the Line Follower Robot (50 minutes)

• Students will start building their line follower robot using the LEGO Mindstorms kit.

• Provide guidance on how to attach the color sensor and motors to the robot.

• Assist students in assembling a sturdy and balanced robot that can move smoothly along the surface.

Day 2: Programming and Testing the Line Follower Robot

1. Introduction to Programming the Line Follower (15 minutes)

• Explain the basic programming logic for a line follower robot:

  • The robot should move forward as long as the sensor detects the black line.

  • If the sensor detects white, the robot should turn until it finds the black line again.

• Demonstrate how to create a simple line follower program using the LEGO Mindstorms software.

2. Writing the Program (25 minutes)

• Students will write a program to control their line follower robot, focusing on:

  • Calibrating the color sensor to distinguish between the black line and the white surface.

  • Programming the robot to make small turns when it detects the white surface, ensuring it stays on the black line.

  • Fine-tuning the program to adjust the robot's speed and turning sensitivity.

3. Testing and Iterating (35 minutes)

• Students will test their line follower robots on the printed black line course.

• Encourage them to observe how well their robot follows the line and make adjustments to their program as needed.

• Provide time for students to iterate on their design and programming, improving the robot's accuracy and performance.

4. Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes)

• Have students demonstrate their line follower robots to the class, explaining their design and programming choices.

• Lead a discussion on the challenges they faced, how they solved problems, and what they learned about sensors and robotics.

• Encourage students to reflect on how they could further improve their robot or apply what they’ve learned to other projects.

Assessment:

• Participation and Engagement: Monitor student engagement during the building and programming phases.

• Line Following Performance: Assess the effectiveness of the robot in following the line accurately and consistently.

• Programming: Evaluate the students’ understanding of the programming concepts and their ability to create a functional line follower program.

• Reflection: Review students' reflections on their design and programming process, noting their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Extension Activities:

• Advanced Programming: Introduce more complex programming concepts such as PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control to improve the robot’s line-following accuracy.

• Obstacle Detection: Challenge students to add an ultrasonic sensor to the robot to detect and avoid obstacles while following the line.

• Multiple Line Patterns: Have students design and program their robots to follow more complex line patterns, such as intersections or curves.

This lesson plan provides a hands-on experience that combines robotics, engineering, and programming, making it ideal for engaging middle school students in STEM education.