MINDSTORMS EV3 Core Set

Grab and Release

Build a motorized tool to move objects.

45-90 min.
Beginner
Year 5 to 8
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Lesson plan

1. Prepare

  • Read through the student material in the EV3 Classroom App.
  • Collect some information about motorized tools and how they’re used in robotics.
  • To complete this lesson, the students will have to have built the Driving Base model, which will take about 30 minutes.

2. Engage (5 Min.)

  • Use the ideas in the Ignite a Discussion section below to engage your students in a discussion related to this lesson.
  • Split your class into pairs.

3. Explore (20 Min.)

  • Have each pair of students build the Cuboid, and the Medium Motor and Ultrasonic Sensor extensions for their Driving Base.
  • Give the students some time to use the programming stacks provided to explore how this motorized tool can be used to move the Cuboid.

4. Explain (5 Min.)

  • Facilitate a discussion about the key features of the Medium Motor extension and its limitations.

5. Elaborate (15 Min.)

  • Challenge your students to program their Driving Bases to use the Ultrasonic Sensor to stop near the Cuboid and then lower the arm to collect and return the Cuboid.
  • Don’t forget to leave some time for cleanup.

6. Evaluate

  • Give feedback on each student’s performance.
  • You can use the assessment rubrics provided to simplify the process.

Ignite a Discussion

Motorized tools can be attached to robots to enable them to perform different tasks. Some are very specialized and optimized for a single purpose, whereas others are more versatile.

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Use these questions to engage your students in a discussion about ways robots could use motorized tools:

  • What tasks should a motorized tool designed to handle objects be able to do?
  • In which situations would you choose a highly optimized motorized tool?
  • In which situations would a versatile motorized tool be better?

Building Tips

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Building Instructions

Keep the Driving Base assembled after use, rather than taking it apart.

Coding Tips

Main Program

EV3 Classroom-Programs 1-3-program en-us

Possible Solution

EV3 Classroom-Programs 1-3-solution en-us

Differentiation

Simplify this lesson by:

  • Allowing the students to place the Cuboid at a known and fixed distance
  • Spending extra time explaining how to use the Ultrasonic Sensor

Take this lesson to the next level by:

  • Asking your students to modify the Medium Motor extension to move objects of different shapes and sizes
  • Challenging your students to create their own Driving Base tools

Assessment Opportunities

Teacher Observation Checklist
Create a scale that matches your needs, for example:

  1. Partially accomplished
  2. Fully accomplished
  3. Overachieved

Use the following success criteria to evaluate your students’ progress:

  • Students can use a motorized tool to move and release an object.
  • Students can use the Ultrasonic Sensor to determine when to activate the motorized tool.
  • Students can expand their program to return an object to the starting position of the Driving Base.

Self-Assessment
Have each student choose the level that they feel best represents their performance.

  • Bronze: I’ve used a motorized tool to move and release the Cuboid.
  • Silver: I’ve used the Ultrasonic Sensor to activate a motorized tool at the right time to move and release the Cuboid.
  • Gold: I’ve used the Ultrasonic Sensor to activate a motorized tool at the right time and have moved the Cuboid to the starting position of the Driving Base.
  • Platinum: I’ve used the Ultrasonic Sensor to activate a motorized tool at the right time and have moved different objects to the starting position of the Driving Base.
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Language Arts Extension

To integrate language arts skills development:

  • Have your students prepare and deliver a presentation about how their Driving Base uses the motorized tool to complete tasks, highlighting the tool’s strengths, components used, etc.

Note: This will make for a longer lesson.

Students who enjoyed this lesson might be interested in exploring these career pathways:

  • Information Technology (Computer Programming)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Science and Math)

Teacher Support

Students will:

  • Create a motorized tool for the Driving Base
  • Explore how to move and release objects

NGSS
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.

CSTA
2-AP-12 6-8
Design and iteratively develop programs that combine control structures, including nested loops and compound conditionals.

Common Core
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Pupil Material

Student Worksheet

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