OSU Extension
Ohio 4-H Youth Development
Ohio 4-H

4-H Robotics

 
clover Canine Companion Challenge, STEM Day, July 28, at the 2012 Ohio State Fair

Any Ohio 4-H member enrolled in 509 Robotics 1: NeXT Technology or 510 Robotics 2: NeXT Steps is eligible to participate with their robot programmed to mimic following, walking, feeding, and even playing fetch with a mischievous dog that's spilled trash and tracked mud. It's a challenge!

Watch this space for more information as state fair approaches.
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Ohio 4-H Robotics

Welcome to Ohio 4-H Robotics! You’ve chosen a fun and challenging project that puts you on the exciting path of robotics programming. For the 2012 program year, Ohio 4-H is offering a series of two robotics projects, both using LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT technology.

(Project books and kits using RCX technology are no longer available.)

509 Robotics 1: NeXT Technology

This intermediate project covers robotics basics. Youth learn what a robot is, how to build one using LEGO®, and how to program a LEGO® robot to interact with its environment via touch, sound, light, and ultrasonic sensors. The project is designed for individual members, although many 4-H members decide to complete it in small groups. A few resources are needed:

  • Project book 509 Robotics 1: NeXT Technology is available from county Extension offices and from Media Distribution at http://estore.osu-extension.org.
  • Activities are based on Kit 9797, which is available from LEGO® Education for about $350. See purchasing information below. (This same kit is used for Robotics 2.)
  • Youth need access to a computer and high speed Internet. Files and videos that support the activities, developed in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, can be accessed by following the instructions below. Thank you Carnegie Mellon!

510 Robotics 2: NeXT Steps

This advanced-level project guides youth through new robot configurations and programming challenges with activities in the book and instructional videos online at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. The LEGO® NXT robot constructed for Robotics 1: NeXT Technology is required. (No new LEGO® purchase is necessary.) A few resources are needed:

  • Project book 510 Robotics 2: NeXT Steps is available from county Extension offices and from Media Distribution at http://estore.osu-extension.org.
  • Youth need access to a computer and high speed Internet. Files and videos that support the activities, developed in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, can be accessed by following the instructions below. Thank you Carnegie Mellon!

Ready to buy an NXT kit?

We recommend ordering the LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT Robotics Pack directly from LEGO Education. This special 4-H bundle includes everything needed for the project, and then some: the kit, software, rechargeable battery, a storage bin, and live support.

Why buy direct from LEGO® Education when other, less expensive sources for kits are out there? Be sure to read Why Buy from LEGO® Education.

How to Access the Online Materials

Get ready for some exciting learning! The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy has a special place for you in its online world, where you have free access not only to materials for these projects, but also to a wealth of other robotics resources.

Go to the Computer Science Student Network (CS2N) 4-H Robotics homepage. Follow the steps under How to Get Started box for creating a CS2N account with a user name and password. (You’ll need these every time you log into the site.)

Enroll in the project (or “course”) you are taking, 509 Robotics 1: NeXT Technology or 510 Robotics 2: Next Steps.

You’re in! Good luck on your project!

Have a question about Ohio 4-H Robotics?

Contact Dr. Bob Horton, Extension Specialist, Ohio State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development, at 614.247.8150 or horton.2@osu.edu.