We, Robots

1. We, Robots Or Encounter at FarPoint A problem-solving simulation By Mary Mellon

2. FarPoint Mission • L.A.R.R.-E. must successfully navigate a “canyon” maze • L.A.R.R.-E. must successfully locate a light source (robogold) on a black stripe located on the “plain” after leaving the canyon. The robot will stop when it “discovers” the robogold and play a sound to indicate that it has found the correct place. • Programmers will be allowed to change programs only once during their Mission trial. They will not be allowed to make any physical changes to their design of L.A.R.R.-E. once they start the trial. Limited repairs will be allowed.

3. Basic Equipment and Materials List • 5-6 Lego Mindstorms robotic kits • Minimum of 6 Batteries for each kit • 5-6 Windows based computers (98 or above) • Introductory Powerpoint presentation • Materials to construct the “canyon” and “mining” challenges • RIS (Robotic Invention System) software for each robot • Handouts as needed throughout the “mission”

4. Day 1 • Watch the introductory Powerpoint presentation • Discuss the importance of robots in the exploration of Space. • Introduce the Mission and its parameters • Questions

5. Day 2 • Assign teams, discuss responsibilities of each team member assignment • Begin working through the missions, answering the “certification” questions along the way • Any other questions? • Team Log entry 1—make a team list of 10 criteria for evaluating this experience

6. Day 3 • Continue with the missions and certification --the goal being to finish them today or tomorrow • Questions • Team Log 2

7. Day 4 • Begin programming for the FarPoint Mission • “Be the robot” • Questions • Team Log 3—Algorithm for L.A.R.R.-E.’s behavior

8. Day 5 • Continue programming work • Questions • Team Log 4—Gear ratio, wheels, time-trials data gathering exercise

9. Days 6-8 • Continue programming work • Questions • Team Log 5-7 technical writing exercises • Optional internet research days

10. Day 9 • Begin official FarPoint Mission trials • Team Log 8

11. Day 10 • Any remaining Mission trials • Evaluation and Debriefing of experience • Final Log entry assignment

12. Science Standards • As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students will develop the abilities to do scientific inquiry, be able to demonstrate how scientific inquiry is applied, and develop understandings about scientific inquiry. • As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students will demonstrate abilities of technological design and understandings about science and technology.

13. Reading Standards • Standard 1 – Reading: The student reads and comprehends text across the curriculum. • Standard 4 – Research: The student applies reading and writing skills to demonstrate learning.

14. Other Standards • NCTM-National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: • Standard 6: Problem Solving • NSES-National Science Education Standards: • Standard A: Science as inquiry • Standard B: Physical Science • Standard E: Science and Technology

15. Other Standards cont. • ITEA—International Technology in Education Association: • Standard 3: The relationships between technologies and the connections between technologies and other fields • Standard 8: The attributes of design • Standard 9: Engineering design • Standard 10: The role of trouble-shooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving

16. Bloom’s Taxonomy • Analysis—students will use analytical skills to determine the steps needed to to solve the problem. • Synthesis—students will use and modify basic skills learned in tutorial “missions” to solve new problems • Evaluation—students will evaluate their current solutions in light of the presented criteria for success and make changes accordingly

17. Algorithm • 1. Move forward whenever possible • 2. Backup and turn whenever a wall is hit • 3. Locate the place with the light • 4. Go to the place with the light • 5. Stop • 6. Play a tone or tune