Explain what LEGO Mindstorms are, and how they operate. Explain that they are programmable robots that are built and then programmed to reach, grab, sense color, touch, see and perform a range of other robotic activities. Emphasize that the components to building them involve carefully following directions, physically putting them together and using interactive software to program them.
Display all of the pieces of the NXT toolkit by laying them out on a table. Pieces will include gears, wheels, tracks, tires, a micro-computer, sensors for touch, sight and color; servo motors, connector cables, user’s guide, software and a test pad.
Briefly explain how the pieces are used, and what their individual functions are. Follow the user's guide.
Let them observe, touch and manipulate the pieces to better understand them. Answer questions about their function and use.
Explain the function of each of the robots once they are built: Shooterbot (a moving vehicle that shoots balls), Color Sorter (sorts out colored objects), Alpha Rex (a humanoid that walks, talks and sees) and Robogator (an alligator robot).
Demonstrate how the NXT-G software works. Show how it uploads, the activities that are included and how it creates and interact with the robots once they are built. Demonstrate how to activate the instructions, how the drop-and-drag programming works, and how to create new programs and inventions that make their robots do things like flip, reach with robotic arms, throw things and more