Adult Enrichment Project

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Robotics / FIRST LEGO League

Steps

Robotics /
FIRST LEGO
League
LEGO Robotics
feature the LEGO
Mindstorms
system utilizing
LEGO bricks,
electronic parts
and software to
program the
completed project.
While FIRST LEGO
League (FLL) may
be designed for
elementary and
middle school
children, it is an
excellent opportunity to combine
science, technology
and engineering to
show how fun this
subject can be.

1. Basics.
With technology only growing in the future, the introduction of LEGO Robotics allows the
students to explore in a hands-on environment. It demysties the processes computers,
smart phones and other electronic devices utilize. It also allows them to combine
mathematics, science, technology and even literacy into one program. Explore the Web
to nd out what FLL entails.
2. Building a community through cooperation.
By participating, you are helping kids learn the same principles other teams are exploring
worldwide. Not only do the kids learn to work together as a group to complete their own
challenge, they also see others from our global community compete in the same challenge.
What other projects / groups can you think of that offer this opportunity?
3. Previous theme challenges.
Explore previous theme challenges to nd out about the challenges offered and the popularity of the FLL. Heres a brief list to get you started.
1998 (pilot year) 210 global teams
1999 First Contact 975 global teams
2000 Volcanic Panic 1,540 global teams
2001 Arctic Impact 1,902 global teams
2002 City Sights 3,001 global teams
2003 Mission Mars 4,331 global teams
2004 No Limits 5,859 global teams
2005 Ocean Odyssey 7,501 global teams
2006 Nano Quest 8,808 global teams
2007 Power Puzzle 10,894 global teams
2008 Climate Connections 12,944 global teams
2009 Smart Move 14,725 global teams
2010 Body Forward 16,762 global teams
2011 Food Factor! 18,323 global teams
2012 Senior Solutions not yet available
2013 Natures Fury current competition
2014 World Class Learning Unleashed coming August 2014
4. See them in action!
www.rstlegoleague.org
Check out the LEGO YouTube Channel or the LEGO Blog, both linked to the FIRST LEGO
League site. You can see and read about previous challenges.
5. Attend a workshop.
Some schools / organizations have special kits available so kids can try a basic robot and
a few programmed moves. Find a workshop that you can watch and / or your kids can try.

6. Find a local experienced team.

Find a local team you can talk to and might be willing to meet kids who are interested
in trying out the LEGO Robotics / FIRST program. Set up a meeting with all interested
parties and have questions ready to ask.
7. What is a robot?
Dene what a robot is. Where are robots used today? Why are robots used? Why would
building and programming a robot be important to our youth?

Accept the challenge

8. Coach.
Find out about coaching by reading materials available online. You may also choose
to listen to the coach support calls (MP3s).
Remember: One coach is required per team. A coach may have more than one team,
but no team member may be part of more than one team (kids). You do not need to have
technical experience to be a coach. The kids do all the work.
9. The team.
Team members can be ages 9-14 (US and Canada), covering middle school and high
school. Other countries accept kids ages 9-16. Teams include up to ten kids. These teams
can be from a classroom, club, organization, homeschooled or a group of friends. Typically,
registration starts in May, the project is released in September and the tournaments start in
November. Make sure your group can work together for a long period of time.
10. Goals for your team.
Review the materials for the program and help your team set and achieve goals. This list
will help start you out.
Find a sponsor or group that will support your team
Find a location you can meet where you can leave your materials, including a
4 x 8 area for the play eld
Create a schedule for working on your project that all team members can make
Take turns doing the steps so everyone has a chance to fully participate
Build your robot
Plan your mission
Research your project
PRACTICE
11. LEGO Mindstorms.
Mindstorms were introduced in 1998. The main parts of the Mindstorms system include:
RCX brain of the robot where programming is uploaded
Motor can be turned on/off and direction of spin added
Light sensor used as an input device
USB either a wire or an infrared tower to send programming to the RCX
Check out Mindstorms on the Web to learn about this unique set of blocks.
12. Program a robot.
Download and watch the NXT Programming Tutorial. This programming features graphics
instead of coding. You can also check out the PDF for programming tips.

Adult
Enrichment
Project
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13. Build a robot.

Mini-challenge activities are available to help practice building a robot and programming
it. Look through these PDFs to see the Team Practice Activity. Also review the Curriculum
PDFs for additional robotic materials.

14. Research project.

Check out the research project with the current challenge. Your teams research project
will end with a live presentation utilizing posters, slide shows, models, multimedia clips
or anything else the team thinks of including. In addition to practicing with your robot,
practice giving your live presentation to make it more natural for your team to present.
15. Tournaments.
The team / project are judged on teamwork, technical design, research, presentation and
completing the mission. Time and precision of the robot are extremely important. Watch
competitions on YouTube, go to a free tournament or talk to kids who have participated.
Keep notes for things you want to share with your team.
16. Support.
Feel like supporting a team, but you dont want to do the work of a coach? You can
sponsor a team, make a donation or even spread the word. Find a way to support the FLL
and do it!

Sites to Explore
www.lego.com
www.legoeducation.com
mindstorms.lego.com
www.rstlegoleague.org
usrst.org
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics
learn.cs2n.org
raven.ipfw.edu/teacher
www.ehow.com/how_6134480_use-lego-mindstorm.html

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to start your own adventure.

Adult
Enrichment
Project
larajla.com