Instruction Guide: EV3 - Introduction
In this Lesson we have 2 Primary Instruction Resources:
- The 1st resource, Introduction to EV3.ppt , talking about EV3
- 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:
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Asks students to come up with examples of real robots.
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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
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Ask how many students have worked with Lego
- LEGO® MINDSTORMS® is the "manufacturer" of the EV3 (first robot characteristic)
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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
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EV3 sensors (light, touch, gyro, ultrasonic)
- Have students compare these to human senses
- These are how EV3 robots “sense their environment” (second robot characteristic)
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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
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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
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Show video examples of Rubik’s Cube Solver, Sudoku Solver and Flyer Robot.
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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
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Exact same hardware as students will use in class
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.
