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Robotics in the Classroom

 

Using Robotics and Congruent Triangles

Level of Students:  
9th -12th Grade High School Geometry 

Teacher: 
Melissa Howard, Wichita High School North
Contact: Mathteacher02@aol.com

Supplies:  
LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 
SMART Board Interactive White Board
medium PDF 
icon Robotics Worksheet
Tape for Triangles

Photos:  Look at us in Action!

Objective:  
The student will be able to use the formula D = R*T and other resources to find congruent triangles using the robots.

Plan

First, have a couple students use the tape to make any size triangle on the floor.  Once the triangle has been made, the students need to work together to map out a plan for the robot to go equal distance of each side, and equal angle measurements for each angle of the triangle.  This should be done one step at a time.  While students are doing this, they will start to understand that the distance that the robot goes is based on the power (rate) and time that the motor is turned on.  The next step is the angle.  Angle measurements are also made by determining the power of each wheel and the time the power is left on.  This should be done by the students on a guess and check method.  While using the SMART Board, the students can take turns to plot different programs to download into the robot.  Have the students take turns programming and trying to robot to see what the result will be. This keeps the students involved in a class activity.  The worksheet can also be used during this time to keep the students involved in the process of programming the robot.

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Alternative Method

A great alternative method would be to divide the class into groups of 4 students.  Each group should have their own laptop with robotics software and a robot.  This would enhance the student participation. 

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Reflection

I used this lesson in a geometry class made of mostly 9th and 10th graders.  The class interest level was very high.  The students were involved in the process of programming and setting the robot to check the results of their programming.  I had students take turns in either programming or handling the robot.  When doing this project as one group, I am glad that I had a worksheet to keep all students participating in the discussion. I think the lesson worked very well for this class.  The attached pictures definitely show the students interested and hard at work to find a congruent triangle.

 

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