Tag:

MINDSTORMS

SPIKE Prime vs. Robot Inventor

by Peggy Reimers April 22, 2021

written by Peggy Reimers

Dear TCEA Responds:

I am currently drafting a grant to upgrade my district’s LEGO competition robotics and am not sure which way competitions will go, considering the upcoming retirement of the EV3 platform.

I see the LEGO SPIKE Prime core set and the LEGO Inventor series are now available. The Inventor series looks like it would be more appropriate for my student body population (GT middle school), yet I see the LEGO SPIKE promoted on the TCEA site regarding competitions. I want to request funding for the LEGO product that will allow the broadest competition level (TCEA, FLL, and EcoBots, to name a few).

Any guidance you can give is appreciated. Thank you!

Melba

Dear Melba:

Thanks for writing. What a great question to bring up for educational robotics. Look below for the information I have unearthed, plus a handy-dandy comparison chart between SPIKE Prime and Robot Inventor.

A Little Robot History

For the third generation of MINDSTORMS, LEGO built two sets around the EV3 Intelligent Brick. Both systems contained the exact same brick, but the sets were targeted to separate audiences. The #31313 retail set was developed for home users such as children and hobbyists. The #45544 was created for students and teachers in an educational setting.

SPIKE Prime and MINDSTORMS Inventor

LEGO has now repeated this same strategy with the fourth evolution of the MINDSTORMS robotic system. LEGO sells the #51515 Robot Inventor as the retail version for home and hobby use. The #45678 SPIKE Prime core set is targeted for education. The programmable Hub is the exact same for both sets. The only differences between the two Hubs are the color and the pre-installed firmware. Look below for my comparison chart between these two systems:

Helpful Websites

SPIKE Prime

To purchase, visit the LEGO Education website.
Device Guide
Technic Building Elements Overview
Expansion Set (603 pieces for $104.95)

Robot Inventor

To purchase, visit the LEGO.com website.
Device Guide
Quick Start Guide with Technic Building Elements

Additional Notes about the Robots

The fourth-generation Programmable Hub is half the weight of the EV3 Brick.
The sensor and motor cables have gone through a total redesign from the EV3 and NXT. The SPIKE Prime cables are softer and flatter than the EV3. And containing your cable around your builds is a nice upgrade. The cables are also non-detachable from the sensors and the motors.
With the release of the new EV3 Classroom app, SPIKE Prime programming are both based on Scratch 3.0. The two systems have Python coding capability.
Check out this blog for more information on SPIKE Prime.

April 22, 2021 0 comment

Robotics

Starting a Robotics Program

by Susan Anderson, Guest Author February 11, 2020

written by Susan Anderson, Guest Author

Starting a robotics program for the first time can be an intimidating process. There are always a lot of logistic questions like “What do we do? What grade levels can participate? Where will we get equipment?” And the biggest of them all, “Where do I learn to do this?”

Getting Started

The first question I ask teachers is: What equipment do you have available? In my district, we have a collection of robotics and coding equipment that teachers can check out for a month or more. Teachers can also request assistance with finding resources to learn to use this equipment. Often teachers find that there is equipment already in the building that isn’t being utilized on a regular basis.

I also try to find out what the goals and objectives are for the robots. Some teachers start with the end goal of competing in the TCEA Robotics contests, while others just want a really great technology integration activity for their classroom that will engage students.

If students haven’t worked with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3s, I usually suggest starting with something to get them used to block coding. Participating in an Hour of Code activity is always a great way to get started in the right direction. Code.org has the largest collection of activities for all age levels and experience levels, but many coding and robotics websites have great activities you could try, too. These activities give students some practice with the style of block coding, but also they help to encourage tenacity and develop problem-solving skills.

Expanding Your Robotics Program

After they have gained some confidence with programming, then I suggest moving to some of the smaller robots that can be programmed. Spheros are a great beginning robot. Their size and relatively low price make them excellent additions to any robotic collection. They don’t require a lot of advance experience, so a teacher can probably be ready to facilitate a lesson with only a little practice. You can find great lesson plans and activities on the SpheroEdu website.

Once the students have developed some programming skills and learned to solve some challenges, they are ready to work the EV3s. I recommend teams of four or less to brainstorm, design, build, and program their robot. Each teammate should have a role on their team. I find that the kids that love to work with designing and building may not be the kids that like to program. The kids that program tend to like taking ownership of how their robots performs. Last but not least, finding a good team captain might be the linchpin of the success of the team.

Making Connections

So where do you learn to use the EV3s? I’m a firm believer in letting kids become the experts, but it’s nice to have at least a little knowledge about them to help troubleshoot when things don’t work the way you expect them to.

Peggy Reimers at TCEA does an excellent workshop for teachers to learn a little about the EV3s. She travels around a bit holding these workshops in various parts of the state. LEGO also has trainers that can be contracted to come work with groups of teachers.

There also are some good, informative videos out there. Many of them start with unboxing and sorting and progress through moving the wheels, all the way up to using the sensors. Finding resources for building capacity in your team members can be challenging, but they are out there for all different skill levels.

Programming robots can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have when working with students. The thrill of a program working exactly as planned calls for a victory dance from everyone in the room!

Photo: Gaby Krumm

February 11, 2020 0 comment

Educational Trends

Ed Tech News Roundup: More LEGOs, More Gamers, and More Internet Access

by Andrew Roush November 1, 2019

written by Andrew Roush

Howdy, folks! Welcome to another in a series of biweekly ed tech news roundups. We hope you enjoy this one, and if you have a story you’d like to see included, let us know.

Esports for All?

The 2019–2020 school year has been packed with discussion, activity, and growth around esports. Not just a major trend in education, competitive video gaming is a nationwide trend, and the fast pace of change can make it challenging to keep up. Here are some of the latest esports items to cross our desk.

In a detailed opinion piece, Silicon Valley tech analyst Carolina Milanesi lays out a case for esports, looking beyond the headline-grabbing payouts and toward potential educational benefits. [Tech.pinions]
A new report notes that, while almost half of all women 18 to 29 years old say they play video games, the diversity of gamers isn’t always reflected in burgeoning esports programs. [THE Journal]

Making LEGOs Work

Many educators know the power of LEGO in the classroom. It’s a great tool for robotics, but that’s not the only trick these toys can perform.

Teaming up with Amazon, LEGO is challenging teachers and students to use the toy-maker’s MINDSTORMS kits and the tech giant’s Alexa Gadgets tools to program voice-controlled LEGO robots. [STEAM Universe]
American Public Media’s popular radio show Marketplace interviewed middle school robotics teacher Ian Chow-Miller about the benefits of LEGOs in education, from STEAM to SPED. [Marketplace]

Casting a Wide Internet

As educational resources are increasingly digital, access to high-speed internet is vital for education and everyday life. In Texas, efforts are emerging to ensure all residents of the state have access.

In San Antonio, a new initiative called Wash and Learn has set up WiFi connections at local laundromats. The idea is meant to help the 25% of area families without high-speed internet access at home. [KSAT]
According to the state comptroller’s office, only 70% of Texans even have access to broadband internet. Now, state and local agencies are looking to change that. [KFDA]

…And Finally

It seems like every year or so, a new social media app rises to become the dominant vector for memes, fashions, songs, trends, and other aspects of young people’s worlds. The app of this moment just might be TikTok. Now the video-sharing app is launching a first-of-its-kind education initiative in the massive market of India.

Jonas Koel

November 1, 2019 0 comment

Educational Trends Robotics

Exciting Summer Updates from LEGO

by Andrew Roush July 31, 2019

written by Andrew Roush

It didn’t take long after it was introduced in the U.S. for LEGO to catch on among educators. It’s easy to see why. With its simple, colorful blocks, LEGO makes an excellent learning toy. For the last 30 years, the company has had an entire Education division touting the system’s ability to inspire creative, active, and collaborative learning. Since 1998, LEGO’s robot-building software platform, MINDSTORMS, has been inspiring teachers and students to learn more about robotics. LEGO activities can even help encourage social and emotional learning through storytelling and collaborative projects.

Are you a fan of LEGO? If so, you know that the world’s biggest toy company never sleeps. In fact, a number of updates came out of LEGO world this summer. Here are some of the latest LEGO updates.

Celebrating Life Science and Nature

New sets, and a new education-related initiative, kicked off this summer at LEGO. In July, the company debuted its new LEGO IDEAS Treehouse set. Building on the introduction of plant-based polyethylene bricks in 2018, this nature-loving set is a challenge with over 3,000 elements. The model will be available to the public on August 1st.

LEGO also made major investments in marine science and ocean conservation awareness over the preceding months. In May, they announced a collaboration with the youth-leadership program Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, bringing their educational expertise to 300 students from 20 countries.

In June, LEGO expanded the environmental focus, partnering with National Geographic Kids to release new sets in the LEGO Friends line meant to encourage interest in sea life.

Here are the new sets from the Sea Life Rescue series, with descriptions from LEGO:

Turtles Rescue Mission – Jump into a cool amphibious vehicle and rescue stranded baby turtles from the island. Treat the turtles in the beach side clinic before releasing them back into the ocean.
Dolphins Rescue Mission – A submersible craft that will take you to rescue a dolphin caught in a shipwreck.
Lighthouse Rescue Center – Do life-saving research in a lab which features a sea lion play area, rest area, office, and an observation deck with a lamp that can be lit by pressing the lighthouse roof.
Rescue Mission Boat – Waste no time transporting sick animals in this high-powered speedboat that includes a bay with a launching function, a swiveling crane with a stretcher, and a lookout position.

Looking to the Stars

This summer notably marked the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the culmination of the space race when astronauts first landed on the Moon. LEGO, a brand associated with science and engineering, didn’t fail to note the occasion.

Earlier this month, LEGO took part in the Apollo 50 Festival on the National Mall hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. LEGO unveiled a life-size Apollo 11 lunar module pilot made from 30,000 pieces, the product of 10 designers and 300 hours of work. People on hand for the occasion got to help build a model of a Mars lander.

That celebration expands upon commemorative events earlier in the year when LEGO introduced an Apollo lunar lander model to their advanced CREATOR line. New sets have also been added to the CITY line inspired by Mars exploration.

Hardware and Software Updates

LEGO updates It’s not just new partnerships and kits. Robotics, one of the most exciting aspects of LEGO in education, also has news.

SPIKE Prime is LEGO’s newest robo-creation, an easy-to-use, all-in-one robotics platform designed to deliver STEAM learning to students in grades 6–8. The new SPIKE kit features a drag-and-drop coding system to make it easy to learn the basics of programming.

It also features a new computer “brick” called Smart Hub, and is made with LEGO Technic pieces in new colors. Available now for pre-order, SPIKE kits will ship early in 2020. You can learn more about SPIKE here.

Bonus Resources

If you’re ready to jump in when the classroom doors open, check out some of our best LEGO tips and tricks in the posts below.

July 31, 2019 0 comment

Coding/Computer Science Robotics STEM/STEAM

Collaboration, Creativity, and Teamwork at State Robotics Contest

by Joe Vasquez April 10, 2018

written by Joe Vasquez

Students from across the state gathered this past weekend to participate in the annual TCEA State Robotics Contest. Teams had the opportunity to put their collaborative critical-thinking skills to the test as they showcased their inventions and went head-to-head with other state finalists in the Arena division. Two hundred teams of up to four students each gathered in Hutto to test their skills. Each team had already competed at the Area level against more than 1,400 teams.

Arena Contest

This year’s challenge, Mastering Mars, allowed students the opportunity to task their robots to prepare the Martian environment for human settlement and iron mining. Each team’s robot had to complete as many tasks as they could within the two-minute time frame. Teams were allowed to use one LEGO Mindstorms programmable processing unit, LEGO-branded motors and sensors, other LEGO-branded devices, and non-LEGO parts not to exceed the five dollar limit.

It was impressive to see both Intermediate (grades 4-8) and Advanced (grades 9-12) state teams put their problem-solving skills to the test as they attempted to complete each task on the game field. Anticipation mixed with excitement filled the room as teams watched in awe as their robots performed. One contestant in the Arena Pit mentioned being able to test the robot’s capabilities and see what it can and can’t do as part of the thrill of competing. Overall, a great sense of teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity radiated throughout the groups.

Inventions Contest

As Arena contestants battled it out for the top spot, Invention participants exercised their creative-thinking skills by designing a robot to solve a real-world problem of their own choosing. From iPotty toilet assistance for the elderly to oil pipe sealing robots, students of all ages let their imaginations run free to create exciting solutions to make the world a better place. Other solutions offered to save lives, assist entomologists to gather insect specimens, and collect dangerous metal objects, among others.

In addition to providing functional prototypes of their creations, Inventions teams had to keep a detailed logbook of their progress and come up with polished presentations and marketing plans for their ideas. When asked what was their favorite part of competing at the state level, an intermediate team agreed it was the ability to create new initiatives through their inventions while being able to assist others in the process.

I hope this insider’s look into this year’s competition encourages you to incorporate robotics into your classroom while allowing your students to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills further. If you’re interested in learning more about our program and how your students can join other robotics teams next year, click here. You might also want to check out the amazing EV3 robotics workshop TCEA is offering July 16-20. This five-day robotics workshop will show you how to use LEGO MINDSTORMS to help your students develop a love of STEM along with valuable critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Whether you’re an educator, librarian, or administrator, this week-long learning opportunity will give you the knowledge, resources, and best practices to introduce a successful robotics program at your school this fall.

April 10, 2018 0 comment

Educational Trends

The Ed Tech Legacy of Seymour Papert

by Alexis Cline August 8, 2016

written by Alexis Cline

At age 88, Dr. Seymour Papert passed away this July 31, 2016. While you may or may not recognize his name, Dr. Papert had a real impact on your life and your teaching career, especially when it comes to technology in education. Here are just a few of the ways Papert’s work influences teaching and learning today.

1. In the 1960s, decades before laptops and personal computers, Papert postulated that “Computer programming and debugging can provide children a way to think about their own thinking and learn about their own learning.”¹

2. Dr. Papert’s book Mindstorms: Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas (1980) has been called the “seminal work on technology and learning.” The book postulated, “technology, rather than threatening traditional education, could enhance and support the type of learning educators believed in.” ² LEGO’s EV3 Robotics kits are named “MINDSTORMS” in honor of Papert.

3. Papert’s examination of learning and technology led him to champion a Constructionist philosophy. In its simplest form, this is the idea that children create knowledge from experience. If you teach robotics, have a makerspace, or use computers to help students learn, you are following Papert’s Constructionist belief. ³

4. Papert, then a mathematics professor, served as co-director of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at MIT, where his collaboration with Professor Marvin Minsky resulted in the book Perceptrons, “which marked a turning point in the field of artificial intelligence.” ⁴

5. Dr. Papert, who enjoyed boundless curiosity and intellect, was one of the cofounders of the MIT Media Lab, which, “continues to focus on the study, invention, and creative use of digital technologies to enhance the ways that people think, express, and communicate ideas, and explore new scientific frontiers.” ⁵Scratch and Scratch Junior, well-know, programming software, were both developed by the people at the MIT Media Lab.

6. In an August 1, 2016 memorial blog post, Dr. Mitch Resnick, a former student, longtime collaborator, and friend of Papert, is quoted, saying, “For so many of us, Seymour fundamentally changed the way we think about learning, the way we think about children, and the way we think about technology.” ⁶

Dr. Papert’s legacy is one TCEA proudly celebrates. His understanding of hands-on, minds-on learning and his early recognition of technology’s transformative potential in education laid the groundwork for the limitless possibilities and access to information now afforded to students around the world. While he will be sorely missed, his endowment will live on.

Sources
1. Harel, Idit, and Seymour Papert. Constructionism Research Reports and Essays: 1985-1990. Norwood, NJ: Ablex, 1991. Print.
2. Rifkin, Glenn. (2016, August 1). Seymour Papert, 88, Dies; Saw Education’s Future in Computers. New York Times, A21.
3.Harel, Idit, and Seymour Papert. Constructionism Research Reports and Essays: 1985-1990. Norwood, NJ: Ablex, 1991. Print.
4. “In Memory: Seymour Papert.” MIT Media Lab, 1 Aug. 2016. Web. 1 Aug. 2016.
5. “MIT Medi Lab FAQs.” MIT Media Lab, n.d. Web.
6. “In Memory: Seymour Papert.” MIT Media Lab, 1 Aug. 2016. Web. 1 Aug. 2016.

August 8, 2016 0 comment

Robotics STEM/STEAM

Rocky Mountain Robots #ISTE2016

by Peggy Reimers June 17, 2016

written by Peggy Reimers

What can I say? When I get to train educators about robotics, life is always good!

I am so excited to be facilitating a hands-on workshop called Build and Program a LEGO Robot on Sunday morning, June 26 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Denver, Colorado. I cannot think of a better way to kick off ISTE 2016. The only way to learn robotics is to do it! Participants will spend the entire three hours of the workshop building and programming a MINDSTORMS EV3 robot. Built into the training will be classroom activities and management tips that will make the robotics program run smoothly.

If you are subject to acute mountain sickness (aka altitude sickness) or won’t be able to make it to ISTE this summer, consider coming to Austin instead in the fall for a learner-driven workshop designed to give you hands-on, minds-on experience with EV3 robotics. Save the date, September 15-16, 2016 on your calendar. Whether you are a novice or experienced educator, this workshop will build your engineering knowledge and skills, establishing a solid foundation in building and programming. Additional topics that will be covered include on-brick programing, classroom management techniques, and EV3 sensor activities which can be modified to fit any grade level.

Featured Image: ISTE 2016 logo.

June 17, 2016 0 comment

Coding/Computer Science Robotics

LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Software Gets an Update

by Peggy Reimers February 29, 2016

written by Peggy Reimers

The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 software has a new addition. If you have not updated your EV3 software lately, now is the time to do it. Drum roll, please. The Lobby now has a new section called Teacher’s Support that is divided into four sections:

Teacher’s Information
Lesson Plan
Assessment
Element Survey

Available under the first section, Teacher’s Information, is a 17-page PDF that gives you a rundown of EV3 in the classroom. Topics include How Do I Get Started?, Classroom Management Tips, and Suggested Lesson Planning Routes. My favorite part in this section is the explanation of the Robot Educator. The Robot Educator has always been the hidden gem of both EV3 and NXT software. This jewel contains 48 tutorials which, through building and programming activities, guide and support teachers and students from basic to more advanced skills. As an added bonus, the tutorials are divided into lesson planning routes through the STEM subjects.

Next up is the Lesson Plan section with two main topics: lesson plans and rubrics. The Introduction to Robotics Lesson Plan has seven lesson plans, two master challenges, and four design brief challenges. Each lesson includes the build, programming examples, challenge design, and discussion questions. If you are looking for a student self-reflection form or teacher assessment for the lesson plans and master challenges, check out the matching rubrics PDF.

The third section, Assessment, is, surprisingly, all about creativity. Several behavioral indicators are covered and creativity self-report templates have been created for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Scientific research by Dr. Mark Runco provides the foundation for all of the procedure and concepts described in this section. My first impression was “Why include a whole piece on creativity?” But it is definitely worth the read and can be used outside of robotics in other subject areas where creativity and innovation comes into play.

Part 4 is the Element Survey. This section gives you easy access to the Language of LEGO (names of the LEGO pieces and parts). You can also find the five-page list of LEGO elements in the User Guide.

BIG BIG NEWS!! Most teachers in the LEGO robotics world know about the EV3 hardware and software. But did you know LEGO Education offers the following curriculum bundles:

EV3 Design Engineering Curriculum ($379.95)
EV3 Science Curriculum ($199.95)
EV3 Space Challenge Curriculum ($349.95)
EV3 Coding Activities (?)

Hold the fort or in this case, hold the robot! THE BEST NEWS is LEGO has taken away the price tag for these curriculum pieces. You can download each one here for free. In order to use these, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software must be installed on your computer. These resources focus on students aged 10-16 with links to national curriculum standards. Includes student-ready resources, full teacher support, assessment tools, sample programs, and building instructions.

One caveat:

If you are using the EV3 Science Curriculum you will need:

+ Renewable Energy Add-on Set ($109.95)

+Temperature Sensor ($39.95)

If you are using the EV3 Space Challenge Curriculum you will need:

+EV3 Space Challenge Set ($189.95)
These 4 pieces released by LEGO are such a bonus for robotics teachers. If you are looking for curriculum, I would certainly start here. Go Bot Go! (Additional resources for this blog were added on March 10, 2017.)

Featured Image: Photo taken by TCEA Staff

February 29, 2016 0 comment