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=Intermediate Robotics with Lego Mindstorms =

Instructor
Eric Himburg

Purpose
It is an exciting time to be a participant in the Intermediate Robotics with LEGO Mindstorms summer camp. We will be learning and experimenting with the NXT – a microcomputer, and will build as many different robot designs - rovers, bulldozers, robotic arms, animals - as time permits. While having fun we will learn basic robotic design concepts, become proficient in the Mindstorms programming software and be able to apply this knowledge to an assortment of tasks. Instructors guide students in constructing different robot types using Lego pieces and then challenge them to solve problems, some being straightforward and some requiring innovation and teamwork. Small groups will build, program, test their robots and participate in fun competitions. Students will progress through activities designed to teach programming, behaviors, systems, control, sensors, feedback, and simple circuitry. It’s an action-packed, fun-filled week of hands-on learning.

Expectations
1. Be courteous to your instructors and your peers. 2. Everyone participates in all activities. 3. You will work in a group. Groups will be in twos. 4. Daily schedule is typically as follows: 5. You may not understand everything it is you are to do. Ask your instructors whenever you are in doubt. 6. Inform teachers when leaving the room (to go to the restroom for example).
 * Warm-up games during morning arrival
 * Simple building & programming to learn new skills
 * Break outside – welcome to bring snack
 * Challenge using skills learned earlier in morning
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Lunch (please pack your own)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Simple building & programming to learn new skills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Robotics enrichment – hands-on activity, programming or short video
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Continue programming skills and challenge
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Clean-up before pickup

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Blogging
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">During the week we will be documenting our robotic endeavors on this web site. After successfully building and programming a robot, students will discuss the function of the robot and what they accomplished with it. Student blogs can be found on the navigation pane link on the right (or just click here). Each student is assigned a different "robot name"; this ensures confidentiality and also introduces students to some of the famous science fiction robots. Ask your student what their robot name is so you know which blog to read.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Daily Schedule
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Every day a list of activities is printed out and placed by the sign-in sheet. However, this schedule is also located on this web site and can be found be clicking on the link in the Navigation Pane to the right or by clicking here.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Robot Blueprints
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">If a camper would like to build one of the robots constructed during the week of camp they can find the blueprints to build it on the "Blueprints" link found on the navigation pane to the right. Or simply click here.