Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

00:00 - 00:20 - Registration Confirmation, Welcome, and Expectations for Camp

00:20 - 00:50 - Receive Kit and overview of all components

00:40 - 00:50 - Tape name to kit

00:50 - 01:00 - Challenge 1: Build a Box

01:00 - 01:30 - Box Build

01:30 - 01:40 - Break and Box Gallery Walk

01:40 - 02:30 - Continue Working on Box

02:30 - 02:40 - Robot Box Gallery Showcase

02:40 - 02:50 - Tear Down and Kit Organization

02:50 - 03:00 - Closing Thoughts

Challenge 1: Build a Motorized Box

The goal of this activity is to get students building right away. There is a lot to learn when it comes to design principles and how to use all the pieces. Camp is not enough time to dive into everything, but we can cover enough to develop proficient designer and builders when it comes to using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kit.

This beginner activity allows the students to focus on the beam and peg building system of Mindstorms. It will allow students to learn how to attach beams to the EV3 along with diving in at the surface level of the programming language and interface.

Additional missions are included for the students who need an advanced set of skills to be developed.

Option 1: Picture Box

This option is to help students begin to understand the programming interface of the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms. Students will open up a new program (a basic intro and overview will be provided in camp prior to this). Students will create a new program called, “Picture Box”. The goal of this program is very simple:

1. Add an image to the display screen of the EV3 brick.

2. Add lights to the EV3 brick

This challenge introduces the students to the EV3 software with a very simple two step program. Additionally, students will learn how to download and navigate programs on the brick to run their ideas they have developed.

Option 2: Motorized Lid

This option takes the programming a bit further by challenging the students to add a motor to their box. Students may use the large or medium motors to activate their box through the use of:

1. Touch Sensor

2. Ultrasonic Sensor

3. Color Sensor

The challenge here is to develop a lip that opens and closes through the use of a sensor and a motor. This activity introduces students to the motor block and what the options are for controlling a motor and how to operate the motor.

Objectives:

1. To develop an understanding of how the beams and pegs work together.
2. To develop various ways to attaching beams to the EV3 brick.
3. To develop methods of forming right angles using beams and pegs
4. To develop and engage the skills necessary for creative problem solving.

Materials

LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kit

Red and blue balls

Time Allotted

30-60 minutes depending on prior knowledge of students and how advanced you want to take the activity (see rubric)

Build a Box Rubric

Bronze

A box was built using the EV3 as the bottom. A lid was also created

Silver

A box was built using the EV3 as the bottom. A lid was also created using a hinged method and was able to hold both balls

Gold

A box was built using the EV3 as the bottom. A lid was also created using a hinged method and was able to hold both balls. The box also had an image on the EV3 brick display along with lights

Platinum

A box was built using the EV3 as the bottom. A lid was also created using a hinged method and was able to hold both balls. The box also had an image on the EV3 brick display along with lights. Additionally, the lid was operated by a motor that opened and closed the lid using a touch sensor and/or ultrasonic sensor

Sample Code and Tutorial

Head to this link to download sample code

Results

To see more videos and photos check out the album here