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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

LEGO Robots: Parking

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LEGO Robots: Parking

An 8th Grade STEM Lesson

Karla Jones

June 2023

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Notes for Teachers

You can download the APP on the APP store or you can download the software from the website.

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MINDSTORMS EV3 downloads – LEGO Education

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List of Materials

  • LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 core set
  • LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Software or programming APP

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NGSS Engineering Standards

Arizona Computer Science Standards

MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

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MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

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MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

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MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

7.AP.PD.3 Systematically test and refine programs using a range of possible inputs.

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Objective(s):

Students will understand that algorithms are capable of carrying out a series of instructions in order.

Students will explore the concepts of outputs by comparing different ways in which wheeled robots can move.

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Agenda (lesson time)

  1. Connect: (10 minutes) Ignite a classroom discussion around the following questions:
    1. How do autonomous cars work?
    2. What would it take to ensure that autonomous cars are safe?
    3. What types of movements do autonomous cars need to perform?
  2. Construct (20 minutes)
    • They follow a set of instructions based on the APP.
  3. Contemplate (35 minutes)
    • Have students try autonomous driving scenarios to program:
      1. parallel parking
      2. angle parking
      3. perpendicular parking
  4. Continue using text-based programming
    • Have students explore programming in different languages.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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How do autonomous cars work?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Groups of 4
  • Students will be using the APP to explore and come up with a solution of their own.
  • EV3 Autonomous Parking
  • Spike Prime Parking Resource

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Assessment

Were they able to park their autonomous cars in a parallel parking, angle parking and perpendicular parking?

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Differentiation

Provide them with a plan on how to do one type of parking and let them do the other two.

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Provide them with extra time to complete the assignments.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Allow them to research how real autonomous cars work and what the engineering design beyond them are.