TransformersRobotics

BINGO, Sensors and 'Snakes on a Plane'

We played People BINGO to get to know each other better (please download the People BINGO Excel file for your team building).  We had a short course on NXT sensors and how each works (you may download the Sensor Class Word file).

 

We took turns programming some pre-built robots.  The object was NOT to crash into the wall using odometry (rotation/servos), touch, ultrasonic and light sensors.  They really liked making the NXT speak “ouch!”, when the touch sensor hit contacted the wall.

For research we took turns watching videos about transportation at at great website, Teacher's Domain.  Snakes from Hawaii hitched rides on planes’ landing gear, then ate the eggs of local birds in Guam, driving them to extinction. This was real Snakes on a Plane!

 

First Practice

We had our first official practice of the Smart Moves season.  There are six kids on the team – three boys and three girls – ranging in age from 9 to 14.  Five are rookies!  We look forward to learning a lot and having fun.

 

We got to know each other a little better and then did a bit of research.  We listed all of the forms of transportation we could.  Did you know you could ride an alpaca?  We built two robot prototypes and programmed them to drive in a straight line.

 

 

 

 

Challenge Model Assembly Party

It has become a Transformers tradition to “make light work with many hands” when building the challenge models.  We invite whole families to put the models together and eat dinner with each other.  This also lets us get to know each other a little better.  This year’s theme is Smart Move.

 

Transforming Transportation

 

Can FIRST LEGO League teams transform the way we look at transportation? The key to the 2009 “Smart Move” Challenge is accessing people, places, goods and services in the safest, most efficient way possible. In this journey, teams will consider many modes of transportation beyond their daily routine and streamline their options by making smart moves!