Activity (Hands-On)Grades 3 - 5
Arctic Animal Robot
Materials List
Each group needs:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot, such as the NXT Base Set (5003402) for $159.98 at https://shop.education.lego.com/legoed/en-US/catalog/product.jsp?productId=5003402& isSimpleSearch=false&ProductLine=NXT. Specifically, the LEGO NXT motor, LEGO NXT brick and LEGO pieces are needed to make the walker robot. These can also be individually purchased at https://www.bricklink.com/v2/search.page?q=LEGO%20NXT%20motor#T=A; one robot per group is ideal, but if not enough are available, share one or several robots amongst all teams, taking turns running the experiment at the front of the classroom)
- LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software 2.1, available as a single license (2000080) for $39.97 or a site license (5003413) for $271.96 at https://shop.education.lego.com/legoed/en-US/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod120017&isSimpleSearch=false&ProductLine=LEGO+MINDSTORMS+Education+NXT
- computer, loaded with NXT 2.1 software
- a roll of flexible metal mesh (see a photograph of this metal mesh in Figure 1, commonly found at art stores)
- opaque and easy-to-remove tape (for best results, use the arrow-shaped adhesive-backed notes)
- ruler or measuring tape
- Arctic Robot Worksheets (PDF), one per student
- computer with internet connection
- colored "job" bracelets, 3 per group, of 3 different colors (for example, re-usable silicone rubber bracelets purchased online at reasonable prices, such as http://www.speedywristbands.com) or make from construction paper, although rubber is more durable and can be used again or similar activities)
- graph paper with squares that are 1cm x 1cm
- (optional) colored pencils and/or markers
To share with the entire class:
- 1 aluminum foil baking pan filled with cotton balls ("snow"), one "standard" bag is usually enough
- 2 aluminum foil baking pans, each filled with other strange or difficult-to-navigate material, such as sand, marbles, toothpicks
- computer and projector to show students the Adaptations Design with Robots Presentation (PPTX) PowerPoint file