Instruction Guide: EV3 - Introduction

In this Lesson we have 2 Primary Instruction Resources:

  1. The 1st resource, Introduction to EV3.ppt , talking about EV3
  2. The 2nd resource is the EV3 Trainer (a.k.a. Introduction to Programming LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3) lesson on Ports.

Resource 1:

Slide 1 Use the Powerpoint file Introduction to EV3.ppt  to transistion from a discussion of robots in general to the specifics of the EV3.

Slide 2 Different Types of Robots:

  •  Asks students to come up with examples of real robots.
     
  • Discuss what type (Military, Domestic, Industrial, Entertainment, Exploratory, Medical) each example represents
    •  Discuss how each example addresses the 4D's: Dangerous work, Dull (repetitive) work, Delicate (precision) work, Dirty work (hostile environments, beyond human capability), etc.
  • The first slide has some sample robot images

Slide 3 EV3: Our Robotics Technology of Choice

  • Ask how many students have worked with Lego
    • LEGO® MINDSTORMS® is the "manufacturer" of the EV3 (first robot characteristic)
  • Explain we will explore hardware vs firmware vs software in future lessons
    • Hardware – what you can see/ touch
    • Software – instructions programmer (student) gives robot 
    • Firmware – instructions manufacturer gives robot 
  • We’ll be focusing on the hardware for the next few lessons 

Slide 4 Hardware includes tradition LEGO® MINDSTORMS® building pieces plus EV3 parts

Slide 5

  • EV3 sensors (light, touch, gyro, ultrasonic)
    •  Have students compare these to human senses
    • These are how EV3 robots “sense their environment” (second robot characteristic)
  • EV3 motors
    • Have students compare these to human capabilities (muscles)
    • These are one way EV3 robots “respond to instructions” (third robot characteristic)
    • The speaker, LCD screen and Brick button lights are other ways the EV3 can “respond to instructions” (third robot characteristic)

Slide 6

  • EV3 “brick"
    • Have students compare these to human capabilities (brain)
    • Controls motors, lights and LCD screen based on instructions and sensory input

Slide 7 EV3 – Although made by LEGO® MINDSTORMS®, the EV3 not just a simple toy 

  • Show video examples of Rubik’s Cube Solver, Sudoku Solver and Flyer Robot.
    • Exact same hardware as students will use in class
      • Point out brick, motors and sensors in videos 
    • More complex software than students will start with, but all within reach in advanced classes
    • Additional examples can be found on Youtube

Resource 2:

The EV3 Trainer has a video describing the EV3 Ports

Basics > Getting Started

  • Getting Started 3: Ports

The EV3 Trainer Teacher's Guide references this In the Classroom section, page 17.