After School LEGO® and Robotics Classes

These classes are arranged through an agreement with the school and the Seaborg Center.

Conducted by Joan Berrevoets
Certified teacher, trained in RobLab and NXT software by Carnegie Mellon University

Simple Machines with LEGOS® (Grades 2-4, 3-5, 6-8)

This class teaches students basic mechanical engineering concepts as they apply to simple machines. Each week students will build and test a different type of simple machine with LEGO®. As they work through structured activities, they will explore how levers, wheels and axles, gears, and pulleys produce different types of movement and help us conserve energy.

LEGO® Robotics – RCX and Robolab (Grade Levels: 2-4, 3-5, 6-8)

This class teaches students how to build and program LEGO® robots with Robolab software. Students will use activities developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute. The Robocamp challenges encourage them to use their LEGO® building experience to construct robots and program them using Robolab software.

There are two possible Robocamp themes:

• Students will be led through tutorials and instruction slide shows that will teach them the basic skills needed to conquer several space-related challenges. Participants will have opportunities to learn about our solar system as they learn about robots.
• The second Robocamp is based on saving the environment. Structured activities assist students in successfully building and programming robots that monitor and clean up the ecosystems in a fictitious national park full of geysers and hot springs.

LEGO ROBOTICS – NXT VERSION (Grade Levels: 4-6 and 6-8)

Students learn how to build and program LEGO® robots using the newest technology developed by LEGO® and the software developers at National Instruments LabVIEW. This exciting new system adds several new sensors, including an ultrasonic sensor that enables the robot to see using “echo-location.”

Students will progress through activities designed to teach programming, behaviors, systems, control, sensors, feedback and more. Working at their own pace they can proceed into using engineering design and communications technology to complete a project.