[Yr7-10it] Robotics hardware and software choices , capabilities and pricing

[Kevork Krozian]

Dear Robert,

 Once again you have been a wealth of knowledge, experience and information.
I will take this advice to our robotics group and stay in touch perhaps with 
some exchange of resources and any other material that can be mutually and
collectively useful for others on the list.


With thanks

Kevork Krozian
kevork at edulists.com.au
www.edulists.com.au
Tel: 0419 356 034
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Ruzbacky" <ruzbackyr at aloysius.vic.edu.au>
To: "Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List" 
<yr7-10it at edulists.com.au>
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:18 PM
Subject: Re: [Yr7-10it] Robotics hardware and software choices ,capabilities 
and pricing


>I have taught year 9 robotics for about 5 years.
>
> We bought 10 of the Lego Mindstorm kits (the old ones) and Robolab version
> 2.5.4. This has held us in good stead over the last few years. We did buy
> a new Lego NXT kit, but it doesn't have as many parts, though there are
> some "cool" new things you can do. I also purchased rechargable batteries.
> Over time, the wheels of these robots wear out hence the robots don't
> always move dead straight with the old kits. Each kit comes with a book
> showing how to build the robots and assorted attachments (eg: a robot claw
> or crane). The old kits had heaps of lego parts, so that's why I still use
> them instead of upgrading to the new kits.
>
> With Robolab, it's an icon based programming software, so it is easy for
> students to connect motors and get them moving. Because it's picture
> based, students pick it up fairly quickly. We used notebooks in class for
> the programming.
>
> We built some wooden shallow boxes for students to test their robots in so
> they don't fall off the tables. I'd advise doing it a science lab with big
> benches so you have lots of space.
>
> The course consists of a series of exercises in a group to learn the
> building / programming followed by a group assignment. I added some art
> elements where they can decorate the robot, make a "stage" or set where
> the robot(s) perform, etc. Students also had music whilst the robot danced
> or performed another function. Students also videod the performance of the
> robot, including testing stages where things didn't work.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert
> St Aloysius College
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> Hi  Folks,
>>
>>
>>     Our Science and IT departments are linking up to set up robotics as a
>> topic and then elective for possible inclusion next year.
>> We had a demo by one supplier yesterday and I am keen to seek any other
>> advice from those more experienced in these areas.
>>  Can I ask what types of robotics hardware and software choices and
>> capabilities schools who have travelled down this path have taken ?
>> What levels they have taught these at and positives and negatives of 
>> their
>> implementation ?
>>
>> With thanks
>>
>>
>> Kevork Krozian
>> Digital Learning Manager
>> Forest Hill College
>> k.krozian at fhc.vic.edu.au
>> Mobile: 0419 356 034
>>
>>
>
>
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