LEGO WeDo Introduction Module E
Mar 28, 2015
LEGO WeDo Introduction
Module E
LEGO WeDo Introduction
• In this module you will learn about – robotics in everyday use– how you can use WeDo’s to facilitate positive
youth development. – the WeDo kit and components, – the WeDo Activity Pack (LEGO curriculum)
• Gain hands-on experience with a WeDo kit.• Resources
Everyday Robots
Everyday Robots
• What is a robot?
Everyday Robots
• What is a robot?• Definition of ROBOT per Merriam-Webster
Dictionary– 1 : a machine that looks like a human being and
performs various complex acts (as walking or talking) of a human being
– 2: a device that automatically performs complicated often repetitive tasks
– 3: a mechanism guided by automatic controls
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robot
Everyday Robots
1. What role do robots play in our daily lives?2. What is a career field where people work with
robots?3. What is your favorite fictional robot?
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use Everyday– Military Robots– Unmanned Vehicles: Aircraft for
Surveillance – Industrial: Car Manufacturing
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Market_For_Military_Robots_By_2016_999.html
http://www.tirekick.com/TK07/VW-Puebla.htm
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use Everyday– Space Exploration – Mars Rover– Medical Robotics: da Vinci
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
http://www.davincisurgery.com/davinci-surgery/davinci-surgical-system/
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use Everyday– Toys: Zhu Zhu Pets –
Robotic Hamster– Household Robots:
Roomba Vacuum
http://store.irobot.com/product/main_irbtEnhan.jsp?productId=4447146
http://www.zhu-zhu-pets.com/
Everyday Robots
• Robots are a part of everyday life.• Components of robotics such as sensors are in
many devices we use daily. – Ex: motion sensors are used to open automatic
doors.• Used by most people daily to offer
convenience and security.
Step 4: The WeDo Introduction
What is a WeDo?
• WeDo is a LEGO product that allows elementary aged youth to build robots using LEGO pieces.
• Robots are connected to a computer and programmed to perform specific functions using the WeDo software.
• Each individual kit has plans for 12 different LEGO robots.•More building resources
are available through LEGO.
What Do WeDo Robots Look Like?
Amazing Mechanisms
Wild Animals
Play Soccer Adventure Stories
Great introduction to icon programming with friendly step-by-step directions on the screen. Task pallet
WeDo Programming Software
Step 5: The WeDo Kit, Building Guides and the Alligator Build
Inside the WeDo Kit
http://www.legoeducation.us/ImagePopup.aspx?reftype=1&refid=1573&defimg=9539&pop=1&referer=http%3A//www.legoeducation.us/store/detail.aspx%3FID%3D1573%26c%3D0%26t%3D0%26l%3D0#undefined
Inside the WeDo Kit• LEGO Bricks
This image is a scan of the card board insert provided in each kit.
Inside the WeDo Kit• Each kit contains a
Mini Figure with interchangeable heads and hat/hair
• Three different sized axles
• Various gears and other components
This image is a scan of the card board insert provided in each kit.
Inside the WeDo Kit• Sensors– Light Sensor
– Tilt Sensor
• Motor
• USB HubThese images are a scan of the card board insert provided in each kit.
The Building Guides
• Makes the construction process straightforward
• Full color pictorial guide• Similar to most LEGO
build kit instructions• Very user friendly
The Building Guides
• Amazing Mechanisms• Wild Animals• Play Soccer• Adventure Stories
Building the Alligator
Diagram of completed
step
Identified pieces use
to complete step
Large white number
indicating each step
Building the Alligator
The Finished Alligator
The Check List• Is the gear is facing the correct direction?• Are rubber bands connected securely?• Is the motion sensor lined correctly?• Does the mouth open and close? Test Gear.• Are sensors securely attached to the USB Hub?• Are all LEGO bricks attached securely?• Look over entire build and make sure it is identical
to the guide.
Step 6: The WeDo Activity Pack
• Curriculum• Add-on Software• Provides step-by-step on-
screen instructions in building and programming
• Classroom type activities and handout materials are provided for each build
Review the Activity Pack
• Page 80 – Objectives• Page 81 – Animated Movie and Discussion
Questions• Page 82 – Construct, overview of mechanisms
and process• Page 83 – Basic Functions of software• Page 84-86 – Lesson Plan
Step 7: Programming with the WeDo Software
• Demonstration Video (add link)• Alligator Build – stop animation movie
showing the alligator build itself– Click on the link above to launch movie (note:
movie must be embedded on cd with ppt. to launch.)
• Self Demonstration• Continue to ….(add link to page in ppt)
WeDo Software Introduction
• Drag and drop icon based software • Provides an intuitive and easy to use ‐ ‐
programming environment• Software automatically detects motors and
sensors when they are attached to the LEGO USB Hub
• Includes a Getting Started Guide with simple building tips and programming examples
Desktop Icon
WeDo Software Introduction
Icon Palette
WeDo Software Introduction
Getting Started Guide and Activities
Button
Getting Started Guide
• Each component icon is clickable, which leads to further instructions
The Alligator
Advance Button
Advance Button
On Screen Building Instructions
Start Programming
• Plug in robot by connecting the USB to the computer
• Sensor icon should appear in upper left hand corner (insert pict. Of sensor)
Experiment with the Programming
• Experiment with the program by adding additional icons such as sound, backgrounds, text or change the motor directions.
Programming Discussion
• What was a challenge you encountered while building?
• Where there any challenges using the software?
• Was this easier or harder than you thought it would be? Explain.
Step 8: LEGO WeDo Resources
• Lego Education Resource for Teachers– www.legoeducation.us/global.aspx
• Additional Activity Packs can be purchased to add on to the four themed based builds
Additional Robotics Resources• LEGO Education Resource for Teachers
– http://www.legoeducation.us/global.aspx• For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)
– www.usfirst.org• Jr. First LEGO League
– www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/jfll• First LEGO League
– www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll• KISS Institute for Practical Robots: Robotics Laboratory: Wheels and
Navigation Activity– www.kipr.org/curriculum/wheels_nav.html
• STOMP Sample Units, Activity Database– http://stompnetwork.org/stomp-resources
• Carnegie Mellon University – Robotics Academy– www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/roboticscurriculum/index_to_robotics.htm
Additional Robotics Resources
• Look for new contacts and volunteers to help build your program.
• Older more experienced youth can make great mentors.
Youth Development Adaptations
Consider the following skills that can be developed through WeDo projects and the Activity Pack projects • Youth are encouraged to use creativity, teamwork and
problem solving = life skills!• Youth develop language and literacy through narrative and
journalistic writing, storytelling, explaining, interviewing and interpreting
• Youth experience mathematics when measuring time and distance; adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, estimating, and using variables.
Youth Development Adaptations
Consider the following skills that can be developed through WeDo projects and the Activity Pack projects • Youth experience science through working with simple
machines, gears, levers, pulleys; and experimenting with transmission of motion
• Youth discover technology when programming; using software media; and designing and creating a working model.
Youth Development Adaptations
• How could youth use WeDo robots to perform service learning? – (ex: providing a WeDo workshop for 4-H members)
• How could a club use WeDo kits as a fundraiser?• How could a 4-H member use a WeDo kit in a
traditional 4-H activity, such as a county fair or communications contest?
• How could a teen leader use WeDo kits to do an activity with junior members?
Questions