TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS BUILD "SPIKE"
A Scorpion Robot
By Heidi Heilhecker
November 21, 2007
The junior
high technology students are closing the semester with some
exciting LEGO Mindstorm projects. The latest design is of a
scorpion-like robot that can sense and strike a target.
To view Dean B. & Andrew H. with their robot in action click here ........."Spike" video
Most if not all of the students are sad to see the class come to an end. At the beginning of the semester I set some objectives for this course and am extremely happy with the students’ progress. They are:
1. Students will be interested and excited about working with technology.
2. Students will be comfortable working with and experimenting with technology.
3. Students will apply math and science concepts to technological design.
The first objective was rather simple to achieve due to the nature of the equipment purchased by the school, so I credit the administration for the program’s success thanks to their vision. The second objective was achieved shortly after building the first robot. Students spent more time troubleshooting their own problems than asking me for help. They are becoming independent problem solvers when it comes to technology. At the heart of technology is the application of math and science concepts. As we worked through different designs we addressed the circumference of a wheel to determine distance traveled, concepts of light and reflection when using the light sensor, turning rotational motion into linear motion, and many other concepts. It has been a great experience for all of us and I look forward to more next year!
TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS BUILD "SPIKE"
Post your feedback on this topic here
| Date | Subject | Posted by: |
|---|---|---|
| 11/26/2007 | The video was great. I believe... | Gayla Fredrickson |
| 12/02/2007 | Agree likewise with Dr. Fredricksen's... | Donna Uhrenholdt |
| 01/07/2008 | My son learns by doing. He thoroughly... | Laurie Waterbury |
