Welcome to the Schoolhouse Lego Robotics Club. We meet each week after school on Thursday from 2:45-4:00.
Club Rules:
Robots can not harm humans - we don't build mean robots
We let people work at their own pace and respect each others work space
We take turns with the LEGOs and share the kits
We only battle bots when the bot builders agree
We follow the Schoolhouse 5 core concepts
The Bot Track is a simple four wall track that bots must navigate through. Additional features are added to the track to increase the difficulty as teams complete qualifiers. Each qualifier is intended to test a bot skill set that is necessary to compete in a bot battle or more complex bot race. Qualifiers will be added to match the pace of the teams until a final set of competitions (races/battles) is announced for the end of the year.
After a bot completes each qualifier each member of the team that built the bot may choose a LEGO® figure, trade their current figure for a different one, or pick a LEGO® figure accessory. Bots must complete each qualifier under their own power (meaning humans can't assist bots in the track).
Qualifier 1
Two runs through the track
Each run less than 30 seconds
Each run starts at the start line
The bot can touch walls but can't move them or knock them over
Note: To complete this qualifier the two runs must be in a row (no unsuccessful runs between the two successful runs)
Skills Developed:
Independent motor control
Basic movement control
Qualifier 2
For qualifier 2 a blue line of tape will be added on the ground between the side walls
Three complete laps around the track
The three laps must be completed within 2 minutes (120 seconds)
The bot can touch walls but can't move or knock over walls and the bot can't cross the blue line
Skills Developed:
Sensor integration
Qualifier 4
Two figure eights
The bot must count laps out on the Brick display
For this qualifier the bot can't touch walls and can't cross the green line
No time limit
Skills Developed:
Brick display
Intermediate programming logic
Sensor fusion (color, distance, gyro)
We currently use Lego's EV3 Education kit. The kit includes multiple sensor types (color, tough, gyro, distance) and motors. The sensors and motors are are driven by a "brick" which we program using Scratch. Scratch provides a visual interface that makes it easier to understand programming logic and integrating the EV3 hardware.
Unfortunately, LEGO has discontinued this kit and replacement parts are getting harder to find so we will be planning to try out a new kit(s) in the near future.
Other club guidance:
Robots can not harm humans - we don't build mean robots
We let people work at their own pace and respect each others work space
We take turns with the LEGOs and share the kits
We only battle bots when the bot builders agree
We follow the Schoolhouse 5 core concepts