Welcome to Lego Robotics Camp!
In this camp, we will learn about the pillars of computational thinking, how computer scientists develop and analyze algorithms, and how solutions can be realized using Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots and the Python programming language.
Specifically, participants will be introduced to the following topics:
- Variables
- Basic events and event-handling
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Functions
- Algorithm design and analysis
More importantly, we will think creatively and have fun! The high level goal of the camp is to provide a gentle introduction to programming, robotics, and computer science in a friendly and engaging environment.
Camp Logistics
Camp begins each day at 9am and end around 3:30pm. Participants should bring a laptop, lunch, snack, water bottle, and clothes for playing and swimming each day. Masks are required when indoors. Each day consists of a combination of unplugged (screen-free) activities in addition to programming lessons and assignments. An approximation of our daily schedule is as follows:
- 9:00-9:15 Arrival
- 9:15-10:15 Computational thinking unplugged activity
- 10:15-10:30 Snack and mask break
- 10:30-12:00 Daily lesson and lab overview
- 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch and mask break
- 1:00-2:30 Lab (programming activity)
- 2:30-3:30 Wrap-up and free time (soccer, swimming, etc)
- 3:30 Show-and-tell and dismissal
Required Software
All participants are required to bring a laptop running Windows 10 or MacOS configured with the required software (listed below). Lego kits will be provided.
- Install Visual Studio w/EV3 extension. (Follow steps 1-5 prior to arrival on the first day.)
Additional Resources
For reference, here are relevant and useful links to EV3 and Python resources:
- Pybricks Micropython (Python library for Lego robots)
- Visual Studio Code (with EV3 MicroPython extension)
- ev3dev (Linux-based OS for EV3 robots)
- Pybricks for EV3 devices (Useful Micropython EV3 modules)
- EV3 Lessons (Cool EV3 lessons and activities)