Students will become familiar with Pilot level of RoboLab software.

 Students will design vehicles using Lego/Dacta materials.

 Students will develop a flowchart of algorithm that requires the vehicle to complete at least   three different steps.

 Team Challenge Kit (1 per group)

 RoboLab software

 Copies of programming symbols for each group

 Construction Paper

 Glue

 Robotics Log

(45-minute sessions)

Day 1- Introduce and design flowcharts.

Day 2- Program and build.

Day 3- Build, test, and revise.

Day 4- Class demonstrations.

1. Demonstrate how to use Pilot level of Robolab. Show how to add steps and manipulate power levels and times. Students will have access to two motors, 1 touch sensor, 1 light sensor, and other Lego building materials.

2. Group students with 3-4 per group. Pass out Pilot level symbols for students to cut out. Each group will arrange the symbols on construction paper to show exactly what the vehicle will do in correct sequence. After getting approval from the teacher groups may glue the symbols down. Then they will use a marker to wire the symbols together. Each step should be placed on a separate row. Be sure to begin and end the flowchart correctly with stoplights.

3. Once the flowcharts are completed students may go to the computer and program. Save program until ready to download. Since this is the first time using the Robolab program it is helpful to have one group at a time working on the computer with the teacher while other groups are designing flowcharts and building. 

4. Using the Team Challenge kits each group will build their vehicle. If RCX Bricks must be shared between groups, students may want to build their vehicles in a way that will make it easy to remove the Brick after each use. 

5. Download completed programs into the RCX Bricks.

6. Once the vehicle is completed, groups will test the program to see if the vehicle does what the students intended for it to do. They will then go back to revise programs and vehicles. At this point, assign a deadline for class demonstrations. Otherwise students will never be finished.

1. Each group will explain their vehicle design and what it is supposed to do. Other groups may want to ask questions.

2. Demonstrate vehicles.

3. Students write about and evaluate their experience in a log.