Lesson 11:
Color Detection

1. Explain the limitations of the color sensor, and the ways in which they affect how it can be used

2. Use the color sensor to detect various colors

3. Use colored indicators to navigate a robot through an environment

1. Explain the limitations of the color sensor, and the ways in which they affect how it can be used

In reflection question 2, check that students explain that the robot can only detect particular colors, so any markings on the ground must be on its detectable color list.

2. Use the color sensor to detect various colors

Check for mission success in ‘Back to Back and Forth’.

3. Use colored indicators to navigate a robot through an environment

Check for mission success in ‘Back to Back and Forth’ or ‘Around the Colored Square’.

• Slideshow: Color Detection

• Color sensor support article

• Wait Until Color block support article

1. Where do you see markings on the ground that help people navigate in your everyday life?

Student answers will vary, but may include examples such as road surface markings to show lane borders or markings that indicate dangerous or prohibited areas. If your school has marked ‘Bus Zones’ or ‘Fire Lanes’, these would be good topics for discussion.

2. Why is it important to know the limitations of the color sensor when marking the ground with colors that tell it where to go?

Students should recognize that the color sensor can only accurately detect certain colors, so the navigation markings on the ground must be chosen from its approved color list. Otherwise, the robot may not detect the intended color and the program will not work properly.

3. How could marking the robot’s environment with colors help it to navigate more safely?

Student answers may vary, but they could include examples such as putting warning markings around dangerous areas that cause the robot to stop or turn around. Colored Markings could also lead the way to the most efficient or safest route for the robot.

• Familiarize yourself with the above resources.

• The missions might take longer, either assign it as homework or dedicate the next session to complete these missions.

• Use the ‘C’ key to show the Color sensor's beam in the simulation.

Q1. What does the color sensor detect?

A1. Color IDs. (And red values as a bonus)

Q2. Where is the color sensor located on the robot?

A2. Front right.

Q3. How many Color IDs can the color sensor detect?

A3. Seven.