I. Project No. 0106
II. Project Title: AppaLEGO City: Using LEGO Robotics to Model Intelligent Transportation Systems
III. Principal Investigator:Linda Hamilton, Instructor, Department of Mathematics, Appalachian Transportation Institute, Marshall University, 400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755; Phone: (304) 696-6660; email: Hamilton@marshall.edu
IV. External Contact: Dr. Charles W. Estus, Sr., Director, UTC, Assumption College
V. Project Objective: To teach math and science in grades K-12 using a LEGO model city equipped for the study of urban traffic and environmental pollutants.
VI. Project Abstract: The project is designed to extend successful earlier work utilizing LEGO robotics to assist students in learning abstract concepts in K-12 science and math. A high-tech model city will be built complete with roads, bridges and traffic incorporating intelligent transportation systems, using sensor input for traffic monitoring and control and for measuring environmental pollutants. Using RoboLab, a system developed by NASA to control and monitor the Sojourner Rover's positions on Mars, teachers and students will be able to drive vehicles, monitor traffic and pollution in classroom visits on site. Finally, a website will be created that will give teachers and their students easy access to AppaLEGO City for use in their classrooms.
VII. Dates: 1 June 2001 - 31 May 2002
VIII. Total Budget: $5,600.00
IX. Student Involvement:100+ students ranging in age from three years to fourteen
X. Technology Transfer: The website created for the project will give access to teachers around the nation and world. The project will be modeled at the UTC Projects Conference in May, 2002.
XI. Potential Benefits: A successful model for teaching abstract science and math concepts to students K-12 using LEGO technology, will be used to incorporate the study of urban transportation issues into teaching math and science.
XII. TRB Keywords: surface transportation, environmental effects