Robot Wheels!
Two students inspect the wheels of a LEGO robot.Copyright 2011 Ursula Koniges, AMPS Program, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Students solidify their understanding of the terms "circumference" and "rotation" through the use of LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robotics components. They measure the circumference of robot wheels to determine how far the robot can travel during one rotation of a motor. They sharpen their metric system measurement skills by precisely recording the length of a wheel's circumference in centimeters, as well as fractions of centimeters. Through this activity, students practice brainstorming ways to solve a problem when presented with a given scenario, improve their ability to measure and record lengths to different degrees of precision, and become familiar with common geometric terms (such as perimeter and rotation).
Engineers must have strong problem solving, measurement and spatial description (geometry) skills in order to be successful in their specialized fields. Accurate and precise measurements and descriptions are important to the design of all types of engineered products and projects.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Determine the circumference of round and circular objects.
- Use a ruler to measure objects to the nearest fraction of a centimeter.
- Describe the concept of rotation.