Using The Lego Robotics Kit As A Teaching Tool In A Project Based Freshman Course

摘要

Abstract For an incoming freshman, beginning of his/her college life can be an exciting but challenging experience. Some of these challenges may include: displacement from home, lack of friends, tough course work, and unfamiliar environment in general. The Maximizing Engineering Potential (MEP) program at Cal Poly Pomona recognized the difficulties that the freshmen face, and has designed a sequence of freshmen classes to help the students deal with the problems mentioned above. One of these classes is the Freshmen Orientation (EGR111) to be taken during the winter quarter of the freshmen year. EGR111 is a project-based class. Through different projects, the goals of this laboratory are to: • Familiarize students with computers and software, including word processor, spreadsheet, and programming. • Expose students to engineering concepts. • Help students understand and value teamwork during the project. • Develop the students’ proficiency in writing technical papers and making technical presentations. • Establish a mentoring relationship between students and faculty. • Retain students in engineering. One of the projects incorporates LEGO Robotics Kit in the class. The students are to utilize the available parts in the kit to design, build and program a “smart car,” so that the car will maneuver itself through an obstacle course. Throughout the quarter, the students are required to turn in a weekly memo documenting the progress of the car, drawings of their design, calibration reports for the motor and sensors, and a video report documenting the progress of the car. A final oral team presentation and a race through the obstacle course are required at the end of the quarter. Results of a survey recently conducted indicate that students, in general, have expressed satisfaction about this class and indicate that this class had help them to learn to work as a team and become better engineering students.