With the challenge to program computers to mimic the human reaction after …
With the challenge to program computers to mimic the human reaction after touching a hot object, students program LEGO® robots to "react" and move back quickly once their touch sensors bump into something. By relating human senses to electronic sensors used in robots, students see the similarities between the human brain and its engineering counterpart, the computer, and come to better understand the functioning of sensors in both applications. They apply an understanding of the human "stimulus-sensor-coordinator-effector-response" framework to logically understand human and robot actions.
Career exploration video - These Hands - Austin - Amazon / Technology. …
Career exploration video - These Hands - Austin - Amazon / Technology. The video showcases a deaf software engineer who uses American Sign Language (ASL).
In this lesson, students begin to focus on the torque associated with …
In this lesson, students begin to focus on the torque associated with a current carrying loop in a magnetic field. Students are prompted with example problems and use diagrams to visualize the vector product. In addition, students learn to calculate the energy of this loop in the magnetic field. Several example problems are included and completed as a class. A homework assignment is also attached as a means of student assessment.
Students strengthen their communicate skills about measurements by learning the meaning of …
Students strengthen their communicate skills about measurements by learning the meaning of base units and derived units, including speed one of the most common derived units (distance/time). Working in groups, students measure the time for LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT robots to move a certain distance. The robots are started and stopped via touch sensors and programmed to display the distance traveled. Using their collected data, students complete a worksheet to calculate the robots' (mean/average) speeds at given motor powers.
This single instrumental qualitative case study explores and thickly describes job performance …
This single instrumental qualitative case study explores and thickly describes job performance outcomes based upon the manner in which self-directed learning activities of a purposefully selected sample of 3 construction managers are conducted, mediated by the use of Web 2.0 technology. The data collected revealed that construction managers are concerned with the performance expected of them, in addition to how well they perform their work-related activities (orientation to learning), indicating that organizations should provide guidelines on the use and expected outcomes of self-directed learning in addition to providing the tools, resources, and time (environmental factors) to match performance needs; construction managers feel that work-related activities expected of them, how well the work-related activities are performed, and consequences for poor performance at work are determining factors in selecting Web 2.0 technologies; while construction managers understand the need for rules restricting the use of Web 2.0 technologies in performing their jobs, they feel these rules do hinder their performance because access to specific information they need to answer a question, solve a problem, or research to learn something new is sometimes restricted; and successful performance outcomes are determined by compliance to expected performance behaviors of others, such as answering a question or solving a problem an architect or superintendent have presented, as well as expectations construction managers have set for themselves. The following are appended: (1) Call for Participation--Web 2.0 Technology Project; (2) Informed Consent Letter and Form/Template; (3) Semistructured Interview Guide; and (4) Permission to Conduct Research Study.
Student pairs first act out the instructions a robot is given with …
Student pairs first act out the instructions a robot is given with one person providing instructions and the other person following the instructions. This activity helps students understand how robots are programmed and with what type of precision commands must be given. Then students program LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT taskbots to navigate a simple maze. The goal is to teach students that robot computers simply follow directions exactly as they are given, thus one must be very clear and logical with programming instructions.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) enables direct communication between the brain and an external …
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) enables direct communication between the brain and an external device. BCI systems have become a popular area of study in recent years. These technologies can be utilized in various ways to assist people with disabilities and healthy individuals. Regarding substantial BCI advancements, we can say that these systems are on the verge of commercialization. This review has considered current trends in BCI research on inclusive education to assist students with disabilities in achieving improved learning outcomes for all students in an inclusive environment.
Students are given a difficult challenge that requires they integrate what they …
Students are given a difficult challenge that requires they integrate what they have learned so far in the unit about wait blocks, loops and switches. They incorporate these tools into their programming of the LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT robots to perform different tasks depending on input from a sound sensor and two touch sensors. This activity helps students understand how similar logic is implemented for other every day device operations via computer programs. A PowerPoint® presentation, pre/post quizzes and worksheet are provided.
After completing the associated lesson, students test their understanding in two programming …
After completing the associated lesson, students test their understanding in two programming tasks that utilize LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT robots and sound/touch sensors. In the first challenge, students become acquainted with wait blocks by designing programs to simply make robots move forward until "hearing" a noise, and then turn left. The second, more challenging activity pushes students to fully understand the potential of wait blocks. They create programs that make the robots change speed several times when a touch sensor is pressed. Students gain practice in the iterative design-program-test-redesign process. A PowerPoint® presentation, pre/post quizzes and worksheet are provided.
Students learn about electrical connections, how they work and their pervasiveness in …
Students learn about electrical connections, how they work and their pervasiveness in our world. They consider the usefulness of wireless electrical connections for connecting electrical devices. Morse code is introduced as a communication method that takes advantage of on/off states to transmit messages by electrical bursts sent via wires, light or sound. They learn the Morse code rules and translate a few phrases into Morse code. Specifically, they learn about a wireless connection type known as Bluetooth that can be used to control LEGO robots remotely from Android devices, which leads into the associated activity.
Students are introduced to the concept of electricity by identifying it as …
Students are introduced to the concept of electricity by identifying it as an unseen, but pervasive and important presence in their lives. They are also introduced to the idea of engineers making, controlling and distributing electricity. The main concepts presented are the science of electricity and the careers that involve an understanding of electricity. Students first review the structure of atoms and then learn that electrons are the particles behind electrical current and the motivation for electron movement. They compare conductors and insulators based on their capabilities for electron flow. Then water and electrical systems are compared as an analogy to electrical current. They learn the differences between static and dynamic forms of electricity. A PowerPoint(TM) presentation is included, with review question/answer slides, as well as assessment handouts to practice using electricity-related terms through storytelling and to research electricity-related and electrical engineering careers.
Students learn about electric motors and rotational sensors. They learn that motors …
Students learn about electric motors and rotational sensors. They learn that motors convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and typically include rotational sensors to enable distance measuring. They also learn the basics about gear trains and gear ratios. Students create a basic program using the LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT interface to control a motor to move a small robot. Then, through a 10-minute mini-activity, they make measurements and observations to test a LEGO rotation sensor's ability to measure distance in rotations. This prepares them for the associated activity during which they calculate how many wheel rotations are needed to travel a distance. A PowerPoint® presentation, worksheet and pre/post quizzes are provided.
This lesson introduces students to the major characteristics of robots. The associated …
This lesson introduces students to the major characteristics of robots. The associated activity uses the LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT system as an example. Before studying robots in more detail, it is important for students to consider the many items they encounter in their daily lives that are robots so they can explore ways engineers can utilize robotics to solve problems in everyday life.The activity also serves as an introduction to the LEGO NXT system so that students may utilize it as an educational tool in subsequent lessons and activities.
This activity is a lab investigation/teacher directed inquiry, in which a student …
This activity is a lab investigation/teacher directed inquiry, in which a student discovers the pathway of an electric current from a battery source, through a light bulb's inner structure, and then back to the battery source to complete a simple circuit.
Students learn how engineers transform wind energy into electrical energy by building …
Students learn how engineers transform wind energy into electrical energy by building their own miniature wind turbines and measuring the electrical current it produces. They explore how design and position affect the electrical energy production.
Students are introduced to the role of electricity and magnetism as they …
Students are introduced to the role of electricity and magnetism as they build speakers. They also explore the properties of magnets, create electromagnets, and determine the directions of magnetic fields. They conduct a scientific experiment and show cause-effect relationships by monitoring changes in the speaker's movement as the amount or the direction of the current change.
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