Damien Kee Lego EV3 Book Review: Chapters 1 and 2

If you work with Lego products, then you know of Damien Kee. If not, then you are truly missing out and need to connect yourself with this amazing person and thinker.

I recently purchased his latest book Classroom Activities for the Busy Teacher: EV3 and am working my way through the chapters when time allows.

I am going to be reviewing this book in chunks by chapters and concepts. This post will cover chapters 1 and 2.

To start with you need to follow his build instructions. This build takes very little time. It was super easy to build. Much easier than the Lego EV3 build. I would say it is not as sturdy, but for learning about the robot and making your way through this book, it works perfectly and I even have a few students using his build for their work as we speak.

Chapter 1 is just an overview of the book and how the ideas would play out in a classroom.

Chapter 2 is really where it starts. This chapter focuses on how to program the RileyRover to move. He covers Move Steering and all the options that come with this block. The visuals and layout are easy to read and understand.

What I liked about this chapter is that he mentions the math and calculations for determining circumference. As an educator and coach it drives me crazy when kids continue to just plug and chug. If they took the time to measure the wheels they would save so much time. They don't always believe me, but once they do they realize how simple of a concept this really is.

Once the robot has been programmed to move straight, then it becomes time to work on turning. He makes it clear that each robot is different and therefore no one number will be the answer. When I went through trying to make my robot go 360 degrees it took a programming turn of 840 degrees to move it in a complete circle. To turn 180 degrees I had to program my robot to go 425 degrees with the Steering Block. It need just a bit more than I though.

Last, a couple things I learned from experimenting.

1. Negative power = backward steering
2. 1 rotation of basic wheels is 6.9 inches or we use 7 inches as a standard
3. Move steering blocks controls the wheels, not the whole robot so ....... 360 degrees does not go full circle!

Next up I will cover chapters 3 and discuss how this chapter is important for documenting learning and especially for teams doing First Lego League.

Challenging my Lego EV3 Skills. Master must become Student #lego #coffeechugPLN

I have had some time to investigate EV3 and all the capabilities. I have made it a mission to be efficient in this robot by the time school starts.

Today I had a few hours to really study and tinker a bit. Here a few things I learned that I either forgot about or did not previous know.

1. Terminology - modes and parameters

2. When movement is defined in Seconds, the distance traveled is affected by the battery level. When defined in Degrees, the motion is precise.

3. Use the Wheel Pointers to help understand the relationship between motor and Driving Base rotation. Students often assume a 90-degree motor turn is equal to a 90-degree Driving Base turn. Note that the distance between the driving wheels will affect the turning radius.

Robodogs Robotics Camp

I am one of two Robodogs Robotics coaches for Bettendorf Schools. We have operated a summer camp the last few years where from this camp we create our FLL team. As I continue to share what we do and how we do things I thought it would be important to share our camp form.

We are working to change things up a bit. Each year we build and design new robot challenges so that the people who have attended the camp in years prior do not have an advantage. We also opt to not have an advanced class as people have asked us about. We keep everyone together because we like to see who has mentor-ship and leadership skills. Can the students who know how to operate a robot lead and be part of a team concept? Those skills are just as vital as knowing how to program. We look at thought process, problem solving, and speaking skills. There is so much to ponder and consider. The robot really is just the gimmick to see the whole child.

Anyways, here is our form in case you are interested in the camp or want to see how we set things up. If you have questions or want to know more please let me know.

Our robotics page is http://robodogs.wikispaces.com/ if you want to know more.

First Lego League: Global Innovation Award - PLEASE VOTE FOR US!

Who: Bettendorf Robodogs #7473

What: First Lego League Global Innovation Award- The Tongue Lift

Where: http://fllinnovation.firstlegoleague.org/tongue-lift

When: Monday, Feb. 11- Friday, March 1 starting @ 11:00 Central Time

Vote Every Day! Vote Often! Vote for Bettendorf Robodogs!
Thanks for your help! 

Here is our Robodog website where you can learn more about the team - http://robodogs.wikispaces.com/

FLL Senior Solutions - Intro Video For My Robodogs

I created this short little intro video for our Robodogs Lego Robotics team for the Senior Solutions season. The package came yesterday so I thought it would be fun to create a short little video to get them ready. We meet as a team with parents next week to figure our our schedule and groundrules and then we begin!

First Lego League: Senior Solutions Is About To Begin!

I love Robotics.

I love Legos.

So, it is only natural that I coach First Lego League.

Today I saw some blog posts from a few teams that have received their boards.

I can only say that I am excited to see this board. From what little I have been able to see I am excited for this board and a new set of challenges.

Our team will meet up for the first time next week. This will be the first time the whole team will be together since our Lego camp this summer. We will be figuring out a practice schedule and getting underway.

I will be using my new education blog to keep people updated on our journey this year. My goal is to be more current and keep people in the loop.

Here is to a new season and another journey of learning.

Here is our wiki page - http://robodogs.wikispaces.com/

Rest and Robotics

I have been super busy the last few days hence the reason for no posts. Last minute packing before embarking to Florida to compete internationally for First Lego League with our team of ten.

I am whooped. I wanted to ride tonight and again tomorrow morning, but the ride tonight is put on hold. I don't return back to Iowa until Monday morning.  Four days of nerd chaos. I need to get in some light workouts on at least two days while I am down there and two days of rest. My body and mind are in need of rest.

In the meantime you can check out our Robodogs team page at http://robodogs.wikispaces.com/

I will try to keep you updated with our progress, but if not I will be back with many stories on Monday.

18 days until my first real triathlon.
18 days until my first open water swim.
18 days until I test out what I have been training so hard to do.
18 days to complete my first tri and turn the corner for my 70.3 Ironman in Racine, WI.

Things are only getting started.

Lego Mindstorm Intro Video

I have another video series that I will be showcasing on the blog. This video series will be my journey with my new toy that I have purchased. This toy is my Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit. I have purchased this kit as I am now helping to coach the Lego Robotics Club. We have a camp in a couple weeks which will determine our team to compete with this winter. So here is my intro video.