OBJECTIVES

  Students will learn basic RoboLab programming by working with Inventor Level 3.

  Students will design, build, and program a robotic animal to complete at least two different tasks.

MATERIALS

paper RoboLab icons

TIME

Days 2, 3, 4- Present Design brief. Design and build.

Days 5, 6- Plan and program RoboLab program.

Days 7, 8- Download program and test Mechanimal.  Troubleshoot and modify.

Day 9- Presentation Day.

Day 10- Self Evaluation.

PROCEDURE

2.  Present students with Design Brief: Design, build, and program a robotic animal "mechanimal" that can complete at least two different tasks when touched.  This project requires students to use a touch sensor.

3.  Arrange students into groups.  Require each group to design a mechanical animal on graph paper.

4.  Once approved groups may begin using the design to build their mechanimal.

5.  Groups will then use paper RoboLab icons to organize their program.  Get approval and glue pieces onto construction paper.  Draw a line from icon to icon to represent where wiring will go.  Students must have training before attempting to make a paper flowchart.  Work with class on Pilot and Inventor Level to familiarize students with the software.

6.  Each group will program on Inventor Level 3.  Download the completed program into the RCX Brick and test.

7.  Groups will troubleshoot problems.  Modify structure and/or program until the desired outcome is reached.  Use difficulties students are having as opportunities to teach about structures, programming, and other science principles.

EVALUATION

2.  Each student will complete a self evaluation to discuss what he or she learned from this activity.

3. Complete the Mechanimal Rubric (PDF).