Students will participate in the brainstorming process for an invention idea.

 Students will complete market research and conduct random surveys to help modify and develop their invention idea.

 Students will build and program their robotic device using RoboLab Inventor Level 3.

 Students will participate in an Engineering Fair to present and demonstrate their new robotic device.

 Team Challenge Kit (1 per group)

 RoboLab software

 Copies of programming symbols for each group

 Construction Paper

 Glue

 Product Brainstorming worksheet (PDF)

 Product Proposal (PDF)

 Product Proposal Rubric (PDF)

 Inventor Level 3 directions and symbol glossary

 LINX kit with wood, saw, drill, etc.

 Hot glue guns

 Cardboard

 Software for creating charts and graphs

 Internet

 Tri-fold display board for each group

 Robotics log for each student

 Display board diagram (PDF)

 Task board

(45-minute sessions)

Day 1- Introduce Product Invention Simulation.

Day 2- Complete Product Brainstorming and begin Product Proposal.

Days 3,4,5,6 - Complete Market Research using Internet, catalogs, interviews, etc.

                   - Develop and administer random surveys.

                   - Gather survey data and graph.

                   - Design robotic device on graph paper.

                   - Turn in Product Proposal packet.

Days 7,8,9,10,11  - Build and program robotic device.

    -Test and revise program and design.

Days 12,13,14 - Put presentation board together and practice.

Day 15 – Presentations (RoboFair)

1. Discuss with students applications for RoboLab aside from just vehicles. Discuss the future of technology and the problems new technology solves. Bring in articles, videos, etc. that demonstrate real-world technology applications.

2. Show the Robotic Invention Design Brief transparency. Review what sparks an invention and the types of inventions students can create with RoboLab. Discuss specifications and pass out the brainstorming sheet. Students work in groups to narrow their ideas down to one. Get approval from the teacher.

3. Next, each group should work on completing the Product Proposal. Discuss with the class the importance of doing market research. Each group must show a real need for their idea. Conducting surveys will reveal what issues are important to consumers. Groups will find similar and/or competing products using Internet, catalogs, newspapers, phone calls, etc. Groups will also create a survey to administer to the appropriate target group. Once the teacher has approved the survey, students may get them completed.

4. Once the surveys are completed groups will use software programs such as Appleworks or Excel to chart and graph results. Each question can become a graph. Then groups may determine the final product design based on the needs of the consumers. Explanations of how the device works and the problem it solves should be as detailed as possible.

5. To finish the Product Proposal groups should develop an advertising plan, slogan, and logo. Students should also complete a detailed design on graph paper that includes labeled materials and measurements. Then the teacher may approve the entire proposal packet.

6. Students then create a RoboLab program using paper symbols and construction paper. Once completed and approved by the teacher the flowchart may be programmed on the computer. Students will also begin building their product using LEGO/DACTA materials, wood, cardboard, etc.

7. Once the device is ready groups will combine it with the programmed RCX brick. Students will certainly need to test and revise several times to achieve their desired goal.

8. Pass out the display board diagram and place the transparency on the overhead. Go over how students will turn the information in their product proposal packet into a display. All information must be typed and edited for mistakes. Students should be as creative as possible. Use past examples to help guide each group.

9. Once all steps are complete students should practice their presentations and demonstrations.

10. Organize a RoboFair to display each group’s product. Be sure to invite other classes and parents.

1. Participate in the RoboFair. Decide how to grade students (presentations, success of devices, presentation boards, etc.). Students should have to explain their projects to other students, parents, and teachers.

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