Daily+Tech+Assignment

Assignment for May 14, 2010

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Take a look at the [|Junior Energy (JE)] web site and find the //Light Bulb Fact// section. In your notebook:
 * Choose five of the questions they give and summarize the answer.
 * Find some other school that partnered up with Junior Energy and summarize their experience (found in the JE site).
 * How did the experience make an impact on their lives in school and at home?
 * How will YOU make this fundraiser successful at LAMS? __Be specific!!!__

 Assignment for May 11, 2010

Please take the "Working Girl" online quiz //**__individually__**// and submit it. Good luck!

 Assignment for May 4, 2010 *Today you are going to play some Math games in preparation for tomorrows exam. Please go to [|THIS]  site and have fun!

 Assignment for April 13th, 2010 
 * All after school robotics and non after school students please get into groups of two to three for today's assignment** 

Topic: LEGO Robolab VS. LEGO Mindstorms

Using the websites below, answer the following questions:  Web Resources: [|The NXT Step] [|LEGO Mindstorms defined] [|NXT Tutorial] [|LEGO Engineering]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">What are three main difference between the NXT Mindstorms and RCX Robolab programming language?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">What do you see as a benefit from using Mindstorms?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">What do you see as a disadvantage from using Mindstorms?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">What are some major building differences between the RCX and NXT kit? (i.e. brick-based vs. beam-based)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In your opinion, what are three pieces of information you need to know in order to program using Mindstorms?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Any specific questions you have?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for April, 9th, 2010

Take a look at the following images and sketch them on the worksheet you received yesterday. [|Image 1] [|Image 2] [|Image 3] [|Image 4]

Answer the following questions: <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> Our Career Day at Queens College is coming up very soon on Thursday, April 29th. Start coming up with what kind of questions you want to ask the panelists.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Why is it necessary to be able to use a microscope effectively?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">What types of careers use microscopes? Name at least 5.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Come up with two questions you have about microscopes that you are unsure about.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Look on the internet to find the answer to your questions.

While at Queens College, you will be broken into groups of 8 students. You will then have about 10 minutes with each professional to ask questions and find out how they attained (got) their current job.

Please come up 5 questions today.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for March 19th, 2010

Happy Friday and welcome to a beautiful day. The [|Vernal Equinox] is on Saturday 3/20.

Today's assignment will be discussing the future of this elective. I am not too happy with the results of the Sumo bot challenge. I need to know why the vast majority of teams were not ready to battle when you were scheduled to battle.

There will also be additional questions to figure out what precisely you want to get out of this elective for the remainder of the year. You have a unique opportunity to learn about subjects you want relating to Science, technology, and engineering.

Check out the following web sites to help you decide what we will concentrate on for the remainder of the year. If you are not specific then I will determine what we will be doing. Take this opportunity seriously and answer the survey honestly. Your participation and how specific your answers are will determine your grade.

Related web sites: [|Discovery Engineering] [|NASA for students] [|Student online directory]

Assignment for March 16th, 2010

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I would just like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate the LAMCHOP Robotics team for doing an amazing job this past Sunday at the Javits Center. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> Today you are going to take a look at the two High School divisions in the F.I.R.S.T. community. Check out the [|USFIRST] web site and do some research on these two divisions. Answer the following questions:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">What are two major differences of the two leagues?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">What were each of the themes of this year's event?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">For each division, list 5 cool things you learned about them.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">Do you think you will continue with Robotics in High School? Why or why not? (Be specific)

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for March 12th, 2010

Happy Friday!!

You all worked hard yesterday for the inspection. I was pretty impressed with the work you put in for the competition. The rest of the year will follow this example by using rubrics to grade you for each challenge. Look at the rubric to know exactly what you have to do for each project!

I will be making up the competition schedule in the next few days to begin this Monday. Get ready for the Sumo Bot challenge next week!

Enjoy your period and wish the LAMCHOPS luck for this weekend's competition!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for March 9th, 2010

Happy Tuesday!

I was out of the building yesterday and received a note from the substitute teacher indicating that your behavior was less then apropriate. This is not acceptable to me on __ANY__ level.

You are going to write a sincere apology letter to Ms. Sarno through this web site. It has to be no less than one page in length and it will be graded as a quiz so take it seriously.

Please include the following:
 * What is expected behavior in the Robotics Elective?
 * Why should you treat all the equipment with respect and care?
 * Why does Mr. Blum expect this of you?
 * Where do you think the line is between being funny and being disrespectful? How can you tell as a student?
 * Why should this class be trusted out of the building on a field trip? Give examples of your behavior

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for March 5th, 2010

Happy Friday!!


 * Remember the SUMO BOT challenge is taking place next week! <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">

Take a look at the schedule below!! During the inspection and competition, you and your group will be graded using the rubric below:



In your notebook discuss each part of the rubric. Explain for __each category__, why (or how) you will get a perfect score. Be very specific when describing.

__**Challenge Schedule:**__ February 23rd - March 4th - Design and testing period March 8th-- Inspection/Grading March 10th-11th - Challenge Begins

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">*For ALL after school Robotics students, explain how your group will make the most out of next week (the week before the city-wide competition). Be as specific as you can. Discuss teamwork, programming, the field, etc...

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for March 2nd, 2010

Happy Tuesday!!!

As you probably figured out already, we will not be taking a trip to Honeybee robotics this year. They have been very busy trying to keep up with the proposed launch date of the new [|Mars Science Laboratory.] We will instead be taking a trip to the Hayden Planetarium with Mrs.Bono's 3rd period 8th grade Robotics elective. While at the museum we will explore various exhibits and shows that feature space flight and travel and how they relate to technology and robotics. Take a look at the interactive [|AMNH] web site to answer the following questions:


 * 1) What was needed to form the first stars of the universe? *Hint: 3 things
 * 2) At the end of a stars life what happens? Why does it happen?
 * 3) Go to the [|Cullman Hall of the Universe] web site and write down three interesting facts
 * 4) Go to the [|Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites] web site and write down three interesting facts
 * 5) Write down two questions you have and try to answer them using the [|AMNH] web site.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for February 23rd, 2010 <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 200%; text-align: center;">SUMO BOT CHALLENGE Build a robot that had enough force to push another bot out of the 5' X 5' arena.

Take a look at [|THIS] web site for today's assignment. Your goal is to : Answer the following questions using the website and please write down the question in your notebook: Challenge Schedule:
 * Write down 5 strategies you can use for robot design
 * Write down 5 game strategies to win
 * What would be the purpose of creating a robot with a low center of gravity?
 * Explain why a heavier robot will not necessarily win?
 * Please write down 5 facts you learned from the web site

February 23rd - March 4th - Design and testing period March 8th-- Inspection/Grading March 10th-11th - Challenge Begins

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for February 2nd, 2010

Happy Tuesday! Today you are going to take a closer look at what careers would suit your personality. You are going to take a look at [|THIS]web site and you will take the "Work Interest Quiz." The web site will give you a short list of career types. What you need to do is select one job type and take a look at possible jobs that match your interests.

- Write all selected careers down in your notebook - Select one that most interests you and using the internet describe the job. - What would you do if hired for this job? - What are some tasks you need to perform if hired? - How much school do you need? - What kind of High School Classes should you take? - Is there a [|specialized High School] to fit your career choice? - Did you learn anything else?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> HW Assignment for January 27th, 2010

We watched a video clip today on [|Asteroids]from hulu.com. This shocking possibility of a large object impacting earth and wiping out civilization is not likely but not entirely impossible. Answer the following questions in your notebook while at home this evening:

1.) What is the likelihood of this occurring? 2.) How many times has this occurred in the past? 3.) Can you think of another instance this occurred in history? 4.) Do you think new technology including robotics could help avert this possible future catastrophe? How? 5.) How did scientists know these impacts occurred in the past?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for January 26th, 2010

Happy Tuesday! Congratulations LAMCHOPS on receiving 1st place in the research project! That is a huge accomplishment! Awesome work! We will see some pictures and videos of the competition in the next few days in class but for now, where do the Robotics teams go when they advanced to the citywide tournament?

Use the [|usfirst] web site to research what -Our team (FLL) should look forward to in March at the Javits Center - The FTC league championship is all about this year - The FRC league championship is all about this year


 * If you cannot find information about this coming year, last year's highlights will be fine.

In your notebook you need: - 5 exciting pieces of information about the upcoming FLL tournament, FTC tournament, and FRC tournament - How much money is available in scholarships from F.I.R.S.T.? - How do you qualify to receive some of it? - How could being involved with this team (or elective) lead to a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for January 12th, 2010

Happy Tuesday! Today you are going to make a Personality shield! This piece of art will represent the very best aspects of your personality. For this assignment you must:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">Fill each of the four sections with writing
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">Include at least one picture in each box (look in google images)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">Title your shield
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">BE CREATIVE!!! [[file:personality shield.doc]]

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for January 8th, 2010

Happy Friday! Next week we will be restructuring our robots to overcome some floor bump obstacles. These obstacles will throw the robot off course and will not allow it to remain straight. What are some ideas on how you can create a robot to remain on a straight course while overcoming the obstacles. Be specific and Good Luck!

Enjoy your weekend!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for January 5th, 2010

You are part of a program with Queens College called the Career and Technical Education program (CTE). As part of this program we will be building a career/values portfolio for your future. It will definitely help you to get into a High School that you are interested in. This portfolio will include items like your Value priority assignment that we started yesterday, a resume', and many other pieces of writing that will showcase your skills, experience, and interests.

Today you will begin to write down all your extra curricular experiences, interests, hobbies, which basically makes you unique. You will start to build your resume for your portfolio. Please visit [|THIS]web site and begin creating your resume'.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for December 15, 2009

Your new assignment over the next month will focus around the Smart Moves field set up. Today, you will take a look at the [|FLL web site] to see what missions you will want to work on tomorrow. Also, think about how you could use your light sensor for these upcoming missions.

Today, please complete the following:
 * 1) ** Write out a detailed algorithm for two missions. Be sure to be as detailed as possible because you will translate these algorithms into RoboLab tomorrow and will be graded how accurate they complete the chosen mission **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for December 4, 2009

We will be going on a trip in on Tuesday, January 19th to the Honeybee Robotics Corporation to visit my friend Jay, who is a mechanical engineer there. The engineers there are currently working on the new [|NASA MSL mission]. This to mission will take a probe one again to Mars to conduct Scientific investigations. It is shceduled to launch in 2011.

Go back to the [|Honeybee Robotics site] and answer the following questions:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">What is the upcoming NASA mission they are going to start to work on?
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">What is the main goal of this new mission?
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">What is Honeybees role in NASA's MSL mission?
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Discuss two of the space exploration missions Honeybee is a part of besides the Mars Explorer missions
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">What are you looking forward to seeing or talking about when we are there?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for November 20, 2009

Goal: To learn some background about the Light Sensor

Directions: Look at the Power Point from High Tech Kids slides 67-73. Please answer the following questions in your notebook.

1.) Why do you think they say that the Light Sensor is useful and frustrating?
 * ====**Give two examples of when you think it would be useful.**====
 * ====**Give two examples of why it could be frustrating**====

=<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**2.) Create a blank number line in your book to indicate what colors would read reflected light percents. For instance if you think that red would reflect 40% light then you would write that color in the appropriate space. Use the template below to start:** =



=<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">**3.) Write down five facts you learned about the Light Sensor** = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> **4.) Write down two questions you have that you are not sure about.** =

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">Assignment for November 13, 2009

The Leonids are coming this Tuesday!!! The Leonids are coming this Tuesday!!!

CONFUSED?!?! Read about them [|HERE] and [|HERE]

Answer Questions: 1.) What are the Leonids? 2.) What is the cause of this phenomena? 3.) Why will it take place on November 17th? 4.) Why will the Leonids be extra special this year? 5.) Explain how this display occurs?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for November 10, 2009

Directions: During the last Tech assignment, you were asked to write an algorithm for the touch sensor to be able to maneuver your robot through an obstacle course. Last class, we began to put together the FLL field for the Smart Moves Challenge.

Looking at the [|Smart Moves web site] and complete:  Write out the algorithm (program using words) and then draw the associated icons. You WILL be testing this out so make your algorithms as detailed as possible!
 * What are two possible missions you could use the touch sensor to complete?
 * Write out the algorithm (program using words) and then draw the associated icons. You WILL be testing this out so make your algorithms as detailed as possible!
 * Good Luck!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for November 6, 2009 Directions: Look at the High Tech Kids PP on the previous page and use slides 60-66 to answer the following questions in your notebook:

1.) How is a sensor similar to your senses?

2.) Read the slides listed above and write out a detailed algorithm (a program in words) to navigate through an obstacle course like the one shown below. Also draw out what icons you would use to accomplish this task. Be sure to think about it because you will be trying this next week in class. Use the icon glossary for help with drawing.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%; text-align: left;">

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%; text-align: left;"> Assignment for October 27, 2009

__Directions:__ //Look at the High Tech Kids Powerpoint on the previous page and use slides 38-49 to answer the following questions in your notebook://

1.) In your own words, please define an Algorithm (2-3 sentences) 2.) Why is the word Algorithm used when describing a RoboLab program? 3.) Using the example on slide #42 write your own algorithm to move your robot from where you are sitting right now in Ms. Krugers room to the door of room 315. You need to include at least two turns. Your program map and icons should look like the example on slide #43. a) Algorithm first (program written out in words) b) Convert the algorithm into icons 4.) What would be the benefit to program using this method?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for October 23, 2009

Go to the [|HoneyBee Robotics] Page

We will be taking field trip to Honeybee this year to learn about their Space Robotics program and all they have done with NASA.

Please respond to the following questions using the Honeybee website:

1.) What does Honeybee do primarily? (1 paragraph)

2.) What are two robots that Honeybee has created that is on the planet Mars right now? What specifically do they do?

3.) What is one robot that they have created that Con Edison uses right now? What does it do?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for October 20, 2009

Tomorrow, Wednesday, 10/21 there will be a brief open notebook quiz on the following:

- LEGO piece names and function - ROBOLAB command icons and their function - ROBOLAB modifier icons and their use with command icons - ROBOLAB troubleshooting and possible solutions


 * Please study with your neighbor using the uploaded worksheets and your notebook.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for October 16th, 2009

Complete assignment about the movie "When the Earth Stood Still"

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for October 9th, 2009

__Directions:__ //Look at the High Tech Kids Powerpoint on the previous page and use slides 21-34 to answer the following questions in your notebook://

1.) Describe what a modifier could do to your program? 2.) Where on the command icon would you click to add your motor power? your motor selection? 3.) How long does the typical robot battery life last? 4.) What is a better idea, lowering motor power of using gears to slow your robot? Why?


 * Remember, your notebook is going to be collected and graded next week. Make sure that all Robotic sheets are glued into your book and that all assignments are completed. ALL worksheets can be downloaded and printed from the web site. Have a great weekend!!!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;"> Assignment for October 6th, 2009 1.) Check out: [] - //Write five things you learned about Robotics in NYC from this blog//

2.) Check out: [] <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 180%;">//- Watch each of the videos and for each write two major difference of the RCX and NXT platform//

Google just for fun: "Big Dog Boston Dynamics"

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 200%;">Assignment for October 9th, 2009

- Open up the High Tech Kids Powerpoint from the previous page - Look at slides 21-34 and study them

Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1.) Describe what a modifier is in RoboLab? 2.) What could a modifier do to your program? 3.) What part of your command icon do you click to place a motor power modifier? To select the motor?