OBJECTIVES

MATERIALS

 Team Challenge Kit (1 per group)

 RoboLab software

 cardboard

 LINX kits

 other needed building materials

 web design software

 Tri-fold display board for each group

 Product Brainstorming worksheet (PDF)

 Product Research packet (PDF)

 Display board format diagram (PDF)

 Product Proposal (PDF)

TIME

(45-minute sessions)

Days 1-10- Conduct lessons on the environment using Science curriculum and other resources

Days 11,12- Complete Product Brainstorming and begin Product Research Packet.

Days 13-17 - Complete Research using Internet, email, interviews, etc.

                   - Develop and administer random surveys.

                   - Gather survey data and graph.

                   - Design robotic device on graph paper.

                   - Turn in Product Proposal packet.

Days 18-22   - Build and program robotic device.

                     -Test and revise program and design.

Days 23-25   -Type research information

                     -Put presentation board together and practice.

Day 26- Presentations (RoboFair)

PROCEDURE

1.      Conduct lessons about the environment including the atmosphere, natural resources, conservation, and ecosystems.  Use the Science curriculum, videos, literature, and other resources. Students may record notes on material using a folder, flip chart, note cards, journal, etc.  These topics can be covered throughout the year as earth and life science lessons are taught.

2.      Brainstorm as many environmental issues and problems as possible on the board.  Organize groups of 4-5 students.  Each group will use the Product Brainstorming worksheet to develop invention ideas that address an environmental concern.  Narrow the list to three and then one.  Obtain teacher approval of idea.

3.      Present students with the Product Research Packet.  Students will organize members of the team to research and collect data for each required section of the outline.  Students will then share and record information collected by the other members of the group. A lesson in writing bibliographies may be necessary so students can properly record resources.  Obtain teacher approval. 

4.      Each group will complete a Product Proposal form to explain their invention idea and provide evidence that there is a need for the invention.  Part of the proposal is to conduct market research to determine consumer opinions about the invention idea. Students should develop a 3-4 question survey to administer to an appropriate target group such as students, parents, farmers, etc.  After conducting the survey each group will organize the data into graphs using Appleworks or a similar spreadsheet program.  Groups should also investigate similar and/or competing products using the Internet, catalogs, newspapers, phone calls, etc. so as not to duplicate an existing product.  Students will present the Product Proposal form to obtain teacher approval.

5.      Groups may use Lego/Dacta  and other building materials to build their invention.  Meanwhile, some members of the group may want to begin planning the RoboLab flowchart.  After receiving teacher approval for the flowchart plan, students may then begin programming on the computer.

6.      Once completed, the students may download the RoboLab program into the RCX Brick, and then combine the Brick and invention.  After testing the finished product, students will need to work on revising the program and adjusting their invention.  It may take several tries to make the entire system operate properly.  Conduct debriefing sessions often to allow students to discuss their difficulties and solutions.

7.      Have each group organize and type the information from their earlier research.  Use the Robotic Display Board Diagram as a guide so students will understand the minimum requirement.  Pass out display boards once students have completed the word processing.  Students must organize all data, graphics, etc neatly on the board according to the diagram.  Use special software programs to print creative titles or banners to place at the top of the display board.

8.      Each group will practice presenting their research, conclusions, and product.  Host a RoboFair and invite other students, teachers, and parents to see the working inventions and presentations

EVALUATION

1.      Each group will present their research and invention at the RoboFair.

2.      Students will complete the RoboFair Evaluation (PDF) to reflect on their experiences and what they have learned . Complete the Product Proposal Rubric (PDF), Robotic Presentation Rubric (PDF), Invention Rubric (PDF), Display Board Rubric (PDF).

3.      Students should complete a posttest to assess their mastery of material.

4.      Students will use research to design and create a web page to post on the classroom web site.  Students will include pictures of their inventions as well as product explanations, the environmental problem, solutions, terminology, resources, etc.