Design Challenge:
In this unit, you will learn how to program and build robots by participating in a variety of challenges. You will then use the knowledge you have acquired to build and code a BattleBot to compete against your classmates. The goal is to build your robotics coding skills enough to become the LEGO Battle Bots Champion!
To begin, let's learn a bit about the history of robotics and where the future will take us in combatting the 4D's of robotics.
What do robots do?
Robots are usually designed and programmed by humans to complete repetitive tasks. For example, picking fruit and vegetables in the farming industry requires people to perform the same action over and over again, often in uncomfortable positions. Robots are now being used to identify food that is ripe based on color sensors and pick our fruit all day and all night!
What is programming?
Programming is a term used for the instructions that humans give to robots. There are several programming languages that have been invented to "speak" to robots and tell them what to do. One such language is called "ROBOT C". This is the language we will use to tell our LEGO Mindstorms kits what to do.
Statement of Inquiry
The BIG IdeaDeveloping positive technological innovations that are adaptive requires iterative collaboration with people who have different skills and perspectives.
Factual Questions
Remembering facts and topicsWhat language do we need to code LEGO Robots?
What types of builds are most relevant to my project?
Conceptual Questions
Analysing big ideasWhat types of skills and perspectives do I need to make my bot better?
How will changes in code and construction improve my product?
Should we focus more on the code or the build in our iterations? Why?
Debatable Questions
Evaluating perspectives and developing theoriesWill future advanced robots have a positive impact on communities?
Key Concept
Links to other learningDevelopment Students constantly adapt and change their plans when creating the solution, dependent on the thoroughness of their planning and, when evaluating, students develop testing methods to assess the success of the solution.
Related Concepts
Adaptation: What changes in code and construction can make the bot better
Collaboration: Building on individual strengths within a group (coder & builder roles)
Global Context
Real-world applicationScientific and technical innovation
the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments
In life, you will end up working with wide range of group partners. Typically, when we choose our own partners, they are also our friends. Some friends we work well with, while others tend to distract us from our work. In an effort to find the best working groups, we will do a quick personality test =)
Tasks:
Download and install the EV3 Classroom Software using your Manager App (⌘ + Space and type Manager)
Take the 16 Personalities Test
Fill out the Google Form
SKILLS RESEARCH
In this unit, you will be learning how to build and code a LEGO EV3 Robot to help you understand the logic of coding. Please click on the icon to learn more about this skill.
When finished with the group activities (10, 20, & 30 point challenges), each individual will be given a simple 8 question coding quiz to ensure that all students understand how to build and code the robots.
Teacher Feedback
Now that you have completed your robot coding training, you will receive a grade from both the group work you did in the 10, 20, & 30 point chalenges as well as the coding quiz.
Instructions:
Review the comments and marks on Toddle.
Ask the teacher for clarification if needed. Improve and resubmit your work if required.
Your predicted mark for Criterion C is listed in your feedback on Toddle.
Feedback Checkpoint
Preparing for Battle
A3: Existing Products
Analyze a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem
B3: Design Justification
Present the chosen design and justify fully and critically its selection with detailed reference to the design specification
Classroom Instructions:
Now that you have learned the basics of building and coding robots and using all of the sensors, it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Designers usually don't start from scratch...so let's being looking for some existing products that might be similar to what you have been brainstorming. Using the template below, conduct a SWOT analysis of the best robot builds you can find on the internet. Search videos or images of SumoBot code to learn more advanced ways of coding your final BattleBot!
Research and analyze 3 existing products and use the following technique:
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
List positive aspects about the product.
Weaknesses
List negative aspects of a product.
Opportunities
List ways to improve the product to make it more relevant to your target audience.
Threats
List things you don't control that could limit the success of your product.
Once you have found your preferred build a code, indicate and justify your reasons for choosing that particular build and code.
Design Process Documentation:
Open up Toddle and go to your Design Assignments
Select Preparing for Battle! Summative Assessment and open up the workbook submission template.
Click on Slide 1 and begin researching existing LEGO SumoBot Builds. Download the images of your 2 favorite builds and discuss with your partner, which one you think would be the strongest to build. Make note of the sensors in the strengths area.
In the B3 section at the bottom, note which build you decided to try out and justify, or give reasons, why.
Click on Slide 2 and look up some EV3 SumoBot Code. Research and select some code you'd like to try that might work with the sensors from your build. Discuss with your partner and justify why you would like to try this code.
When finished, review your first 2 slides and click Save.
Exemplar & Rubric:
C3: Product & C4: Modifications
Follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately
Fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution
D3: Improvements
Explain how the solution could be improved
Classroom Instructions:
During the design cycle, it is rare that everything goes to plan. Sensors fall off, motors don't work, things need to be adjusted...document what changes you made during your battles to gain the upper hand.
Present your final design by documenting the following:
A 10 second video of the robot functioning as intended
Sensors used
Robot Build Description
Robot Code Description
Screenshot of your most complex code
Changes you made during your battles to improve your bots
Improvements you wish you had made to the robot overall if you had more time.
Peer Assessment
Now that you have completed your robot, let's reflect on your progress with a peer.
Instructions:
Review the comments and marks on Toddle.
Ask the teacher for clarification if needed. Improve and resubmit your work if required.
Your predicted mark for Criterion A, B, C, & D are listed in your feedback on Toddle.
Feedback Checkpoint