Programming with LEGO Mindstorms
A collection of resources to support the use of LEGO Mindstorms (NXT / EV3) in lessons and with robotics clubs.
EV3 Activities for the Busy Teacher
this teachers guide introduces basic robotics using Lego EV3 hardware and software – the activities are based upon a single robot model which can be constructed from the education core set.
Students learn about basic movement of the robot rover in the context of space exploration.This context emphasises the importance of accuracy and testing, as it is difficult to fix problems on distant planets. The general nature as well as the origins of robotics are covered.
Making Music with the NXT
This teachers guide, makes use of Lego NXT programmable kits to create musical instruments. Controllable devices are built that can ‘play’ percussion instruments such as a xylophone and a drum; other ideas include making a trumpet using NXT touch sensors for buttons, or controlling tone using the ultrasonic distance sensor. The projects are suitable for students with experience of using NXT at a basic level. They do not require extensive programming skills, and contextual information relating to music is provided for teaching by non-experts. The projects require Lego NXT kits, as well as the NXT 2.0 programming environment. Building instructions are included. Users of LEGO EV3 may be able to translate the activities to the new software and hardware.
Silver award: build a robot
This sample project will support students to achieve a silver level CREST award. In this project, students will build a simple robot, for example using Lego or Meccano, that they can steer with switches. They could then adapt it to perform a ‘useful’ task.
Robotics with Enchanting and LEGO® NXT
Enchanting is free to use software that enables students to program LEGO Mindstorms NXT robots. Unlike Lego’s proprietary software, Enchanting allows the students to program in a Scratch like environment. This resource includes instructions on how to get started with coding in Enchanting and student activities to try.
Classroom Activities for the Busy Teacher: NXT
This is a teachers guide introduces basic robotics using Lego NXT hardware and software.
Lego Mindstorms
This is a link to Lego’s curriculum content for their EV3 Mindstorm RobotsDesigned as toys, they are incredibly robust and easy to be build, leveraging the Lego building skills of students. The Mindstorm software is based on LabView, which is used in industry for automation. However, this graphical ‘Dataflow’ approach to programming may jar with students’ experience of procedural languages like Scratch. There is over 30 hours of classroom instruction and problem-solving activities. Each of the activities begins with a design brief and ends with a final project that can be presented and shared.
Mind Cuber is an additional EV3 resource, it contains all the necessary resources to build a robot, capable of solving the Rubik’s Cube. Suitable for students aged 11- 14, this stand-alone project could be used as differentiation for the ‘most able’ or as a code club activity.