I'm a teacher interested in teaching with the Mindstorms system. Do you have any online lessons or curriculum.
We hope to add that to our web site soon. Until then check out these links for more information:

The Engineer's Club at the Paraclete Center.
Engineering Curriculum ideas from LDAPS.
Weston Middle School Technology Education.
Weird Richard's LEGO® bricks.
Linda Hamiltion's LEGO® Links.
Mindstorms in Education maintained by: Kin W. Lau.
Mindstorms in Education - a list of links compiled by Franz-Michael S. Mellbin.

How was LEGO® Mindstorms developed?
The LEGO® RCX microcomputer Brick was inspired by the Epistemology and Learning Group at MIT's Media Laboratory. The Robotics Command system (RCX) is a programmable brick that has three sensor ports, three output ports, four control buttons, an LCD display, and an infrared transmitter. It also has a microprocessor to process programs, internal memory to store firmware and programs, and a built -in speaker to produce beeps and tones. Yes, your RCX can sing! Click here to see the internals of the RCX and more technical information.

Where can I find out more about Mindstorms?
You can learn more about the retail version at LEGO® official Mindstorm site. LEGO® Dacta is a divison of LEGO® specializing in materials for schools. Pitsco, a company in Kansas, sells curriculum and additional supplies for Mindstorms in Schools.

FAQ about MIT Programmable Bricks and LEGO® Mindstorms - Written by Fred Martin, Research Scientist at MIT.

How do you download the programs to the RCX?
The Robotics Invention System includes an infrared transmitter tower. This IR transmitter establishes a wireless link between your computer and the RCX. With the IR transmitter programs can be downloaded from your computer to the RCX. These programs can then be executed or run independently by the RCX.

The RCX can also send and receive messages from other RCX units through the infrared port. The RCX can be programmed to respond to these messages. Your robot can think on its own! Click here to see a robot that plays tic-tac-toe against a human opponent.

Are you using Mac or Windows machines?
At Mueller we are currently using Windows machines. The RCX Code software that comes with the RIS can only be used with Windows. Robolab can be used with Mac or a Windows.

What is a graphical programming language and how does it work?
A program is a series of commands that a computer can interpret and respond by running or executing the commands. Usually these commands are written in text and require a programmer to learn the particular text language and syntax in addition to the logical step by step concept of computer programming.

A graphical programming environment uses icons or pictures to represent commands. These icons can then be stacked together in a string to create a program that the RCX can execute. This allows children (and adults) to create programs using logical step by step instructions without worrying about syntax errors. The program is downloaded into the RCX and the abstract program then becomes concrete as the robot follows the commands. This allows the programmer to trouble shoot the program by comparing the robot's movements to the anticipated movements.

Click here to see a demo of Robolab.

How does the RCX react to its environment?
The RCX has three senor or input ports that are used to attach light, touch, rotation, and temperature senors. In addition, the RCX has three internal sensors: a counter to count events, a timer to keep track of time, and an RCX message holder to receive messages sent from other RCX units. Yes, your robot can talk to and respond to other robots using their infrared ports. Click here to learn more about sensors.

What powers the RCX?
The RCX uses six AA batteries or a 9V plug in power pack. With this power it serves three output ports that are used for attaching motors as well as lights, fiber optics, and other output devices.