Instruction Guide: Calculations
In this lesson students explore the use of the Math Block to perform calculations in their NXT-G programs.
Have students work through the "Calculations" lesson on the "Advanced" page in "NXT Video Trainer 2.0".
Students should be able to answer all the review questions at the end of each step and end up with a solid command of the purpose and functionality of the Math Block.
As students progress through, have them document their milestones in the Calculations Task Assignment Sheet.
Line Locator Challenge 2
This page contains a copy of this challenge from "NXT Video Trainer 2.0."
Key learning to check for during sign-off includes:
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Ensure students understand the nature of the Math Block:
- Limited to two inputs (A & B) for the four basic arithmetic functions
- Supports one input functions (A only) of Absolute Value and Square Root
- Inputs can either be entered as constants in the parameter field, or be provided by a data wire
- Can modify numeric values "on the fly" (no stored values) or use variables (stored values) as either input or outputs or both
- Students will likely either reset the rotation sensor after crossing the first line and then simply store the value at the second line, or take one reading at the first line (without a reset) and subtract it from the reading at the second line. Be sure they can explain the strategy they used.
- Ensure student can explain their calculation from degrees of rotation to linear distance
- Displaying the value and the units will require use of multiple Display Blocks
