In my teaching of mathematic concepts in K-12 outreach projects as well as when I teach at Marshall University, I work with LEGOâ sets, ROBOLABâ, Mars Red Roverâ, DUPLOâ, and LEGOâ DACTA materials.In September, 2000, I was invited to visit Tufts University by ROBOLABâ developer, Chris Rogers, to look at using ROBOLABâ and math. I got to speak with Dr. Rogers about the program and I also see the more complicated programming than I had previously been able to work with.Dr. Rogers installed a new ROBOLAB beta version on my lap top computer so that I would be able to use the updated version.Right away students did several projects. In one project students were testing a normal and noisy classroom using a LEGO microphone and ROBOLABâ for graphing the results.We found that this particular class�s normal sound level is 70 decibels, while slightly noisy conversation registered 90 decibels.(And a noisy room next door could go as high as 104 decibels.)The students were impressed with the project and discussed how to make their sound environment more acceptable and avoid ear damage.Another pair of students built a ROBO bug and used ROBOLABâ to program it to move straight and turn when it encounters a barrier.A third pair investigated robotic behaviors using ROBOLABâ.One fifth grade student paired with her first grade brother to build a DUPLOâ clock and ROBOLABâ to program its movement. Then they used the regular movements to practice counting by two and five.
An RCX, LEGOâ microcomputer, was built into the project, program made and then uploaded with an infrared tower and run the program.The final pair from this fall built a rover whose design was older than the students building it.The interesting facts about this project were that it was somewhat similar to our Mars Red Rover robot housed at Davis Creek Elementary.
While at Tufts University I saw student projects that had been made by engineering students.LabView is the software program behind ROBOLABâ.It is an industry standard and it was also used for many NASA programs.
I also took pictures of transportation while visiting in Boston.During the past summer I worked with RTI, Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute, to offer classes using LEGOâ materials to students in grades 3 - 8.This past summer I taught week long classes in robotics featuring intelligent transportation systems.Students worked to build and program a city wide transportation system into a model for the last class.Parents attended, as well as siblings, and other friends, to admire their work and listen to their demonstration of their particular model and see the programmed robots at work.The pictures from the trip to Tufts will be real examples for future workshops.
I took museum pictures for math and science project ideas.I looked for things I could use LEGOâ materials with to build into an educational experience for students.I have found that this hands-on kind of activity encourages students to see the benefits of learning math and science. The positive connection in hands-on activities fosters math and science concept retention in students.
Many of the projects students have done using LEGOâ materials and ROBOLABâ I have put on http://netapps.marshall.edu/lego/ .I have also done projects for several years in the fifth grade class at Davis Creek Elementary and work with Sharon Simon, the teacher. Those web pages can be found at http://daviscreek.cabe.k12.wv.us/legositemap.htm