Getting Started with LEGO Mindstorms in the Classroom: Ordering and Organizing Materials
This guide provides essential tips for educators on how to effectively order and organize LEGO Mindstorms materials for classroom use. It covers the materials utilized, such as the NXT Education Resource Kit, NXT software, and additional pieces. Learn how to implement better accountability among students through organized bins and mini-kits, ensuring equitable access to all LEGO components. The guide also offers insights on group dynamics, role assignment, timed activities, and introduces book recommendations for further learning.
Getting Started with LEGO Mindstorms in the Classroom: Ordering and Organizing Materials
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Ordering Materials • Materials used here • 9797 Kit (NXT kits) • LEGO Mindstorms Education NXT Software (NXT-G) • Other Materials • Extra Pieces • http://www.legoeducation.com/store/default.aspx?CategoryID=162&by=9&c=1 • NXT Education Resource Kit – 671 pieces • http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1277
Organizing your LEGO collection • Kits • More accountability for students • Everyone has same access to pieces • Intensive Sorting • Bins • Easier to sort • Students have access to all pieces • Can run out of limited pieces • Mini-Kits • Essential/limited pieces, everything else in bins
Student Groups • Ideal - 2 students : 1 kit : 1 computer • Realistic Solutions • Give students roles - programmer, builder, designer, spokesman - rotate roles • Design Contracts - I build this part, you build this part • Timers - 5 minutes on computer, then switch
A Note on Gender • In general, same sex pairs work better • Girls tend to plan before building • Boys tend to grab pieces and start building without a plan • Types of activities • Variety - not all cars or animals • Consider competition carefully
Book Recommendations • The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor’s Guide by David J. Perdue • http://mindstorms.lego.com/books/ • Primary Engineering: Projects for Grades K-2 by Terry Green • Engineering with LEGO Bricks and ROBOLAB (3rd edition) by Eric Wang • Physics by Design (2nd edition) by Barbara Bratzel • www.LEGOeducation.com