Mondstorms

Lego makes something called Mindstorms - this is basically a kit to  build robots with the ability to program them using a PC. (These kits are about $100.) The  robots have a small microprocessor and can receive a program from  a PC via a wireless link  (great usability!)

While the actual construction of the robots takes some time, it would be fun and  educational to have a set of robots to take to a classroom with a Laptop computer set  up  to program the robot. Note that "program" really means selecting some objects  graphically and linking them together - it is very simple.

So, this high-tech toy could really generate a lot of interest in computers and  technology.

Thanks to Andrew Cahoon in Oregon for providing this activity idea.

I'm working with some students at McKenney Elementary in Olympiausing the lego  mindstorms robotics invention system (http://www.legomindstorms.com ). Essentially the set consists of  legos, motors, gears, pushbuttons, and a controller block that can drive motors or monitor  pushbuttons, light, temperature, etc. Our final project is going to be a candy dispenser,  which is obviously too involved for a one-day project for NEW.

However, there are many simple projects that could be developed using the set. One  possibility is to have a lego vehicle that runs up to the edge of the table and then backs  up. The vehicle could be pre-built, and the lesson to the students would be to write the  software (using PC software that came with the mindstorms set) to get the  vehicle moving  and monitor the pushbuttons to find the edge of the table. They could then download the  software into the vehicle, and run and debug it. It was a very instructional exercise for  the kids I'm working  with.

(Editor note: This activity requires a substantial investment in the Legos: ~$200.)

Thanks to Greg McGrath in Washington for providing this activity idea.

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