Visitors

I love it when visitors come!

One visitor we have had is the head of the Robotics Department at Sci-Quest.  His first name is Chris.  He seems to stop by to see what we are doing most Fridays.

He brought in some of his robots to show to the kids.  They are very interested in all that he contributes.  One of his robots has a drag system instead of a caster wheel.  One class I would like to test out which system works best.

Chris said that he would help us in anyway we need it.  The robot he is showing here is from the First Tech Challenge.

I just want to say how wonderful Sci-Quest has been in this whole adventure.  We come every Friday rain or shine.  They have a room waiting and ready for us with a projector that has internet and powerpoint capabilities.  The room is big with 5 tables so we can spread out.  Angela Moulton has been the driving force behind all the accommodations we receive.  Sci-Quest has been so generous in helping our kids.  Thank you, Sci-Quest!  We couldn't do it without you!

Five Kits

I didn't realize how hard it would be to rotate 5 kits between 2 classes.  I bought two more kits for Christmas, but they are the retail sets.  The retail version doesn't have the sound sensor.  It includes a colored light sensor instead of the black and white light sensor provided in the educational kit.

This past week Group 1 worked on building a NXT robot that has several attachments.  The plans included a sound sensor for which I only have 5 sensors.  When we have class, each child wants to work on their own robot.  I told the kids that during the FLL season they will have to come up with their own design.  We are going to test out many designs.

I have to figure out how to teach Group 2 using those same kits with the partially built robots.   I think I figured out how to do this, even though it takes a lot more work.  After I get done with the first class, I take apart the robots and then let the second group build their robots. Then when I get to the next class of the first group, I have to make sure the robots are assembled to the step they were on so they can continue building. Does that make sense?

I also figured out how to construct a light weight portable table to use. I have taken the educational play mats that fit together like a puzzle and made a table top out of them. On the edges I put a foam border using pipe insulators. The puzzle mat fits perfectly! Now all I have to do is make a bag to carry it all in. I have to test it out first on the floor before I put it on a table. I would not want a NXT to go over the border and come crashing down to the floor. This table will be useful off season to practice on.

After we build our basic NXT robots with sensors we will test them out on our new portable table. I am going to have my son demonstrate the programming.

Building NXT's will give the kids a sense of accomplishment.