The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Table of Content

Table of Content……………………………………………………
1
materials Needed for each
student……………………………… 2
materials needed for
Instructor…………………………………... 3
Class Description (summary)
……………………………………... 4
Class Description for Class
Listings…………………………........ 4
Class 1 ……………………………………………………………….
5
Class 2 ……………………………………………………………….
7
Class 3 ………………………………………………………………
14
Class 4 ………………………………………………………………
20
Class 5 ………………………………………………………………
23
Class 6 ………………………………………………………………
26
Rubric ……………………………………………………………...
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The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

RESOURCES:
https://education.lego.com/en-us

materials needed for each student.

Week 1

o EV3 brick.
o EV3 large motor (2)
o EV3 medium motor
o EV3 color sensor
o EV3 Ultrasonic sensor
o EV3 touch sensor
o Mindstorm cable (3)
o Base robots build kit.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

o Wheel (2)
o Mindstorm base robot instruction book

week 2
o Computer with EV3 software
o EV3 Programming Cable

week 3
o Half Lifetarm 1x3 with 2 Axle Holes and Pin
(Crank)
o small L-Bent Lift Arm with Axle Pin and Friction

Materials needed for instructors.

week 1
o EV3 brick
o EV3 large motor (2)
o EV3 medium motor
o EV3 color sensor
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

o EV3 Ultrasonic sensor

o EV3 touch sensor
o Mindstorm cable (3)
o Robotic Bunny

week 2
o Stack of Duplo blocks

Week 4
o Challenge Activities(optional)

week 5
o Sumo table

week 6
o Certificates
o Challenge activities
o Challenge booklet

Class Description (summary)

The Mindstorm Fundamentals (EV3) class is
designed for students that have no knowledge of the
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

EV3 brick, the'EV3' programming language, or the

use of the touch, color, or ultrasonic sensors.
Students will explore the EV3 brick, examine the
EV3 programming language, create a working robot,
and then write code that will allow the use of the
sensors, and finish by solving a challenge. When
completed, the students should have working
knowledge of the fundamentals of the brick, the
programming language, and a working knowledge of
the sensors.

Class Description for Class Listings

This class will explore the EV3 brick, the EV3-G
programming language, and the touch, color, and
ultrasonic sensors. Students will:
o Explore the EV3 black through the basic

functions.
o Examine the EV3 programing language by

selecting exploring the fundamental coding

options.
o Program the EV3 to follow a line using the color

sensor.
o Program the EV3 to stop before hitting an object

using the ultrasonic sensor.

o Program the EV3 to react to an object with the

touch sensor.
o Program the EV3 to use multiple sensors to

solve a challenge.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Upon conclusion of the class the EV3 brick, the

programming
the student should have a good basic understanding
of language, and sensor usage.

Class 1
Class1 Objective
the objective of the first class is to learn the
functions of the EV3 brick and build a simple robot
that will hold Ule EV3. If time permits they will
program the robot to do simple tasks using the Brick
Program.
Class 1 Materials Needed
o EV3 Brick
o EV3 Color Sensor
o EV3 Touch Sensor
o EV3 Ultrasonic Sensor
o EV3 Large Motor
o EV3 Medium Motor
o 3 EV3 Connecting wires.
o EV3 Basic Build Book
o Parts needed to build the Bot Base
o Permanent Marker

Class1 Activity
Robot Discussion
Ask the question, "What is a robot?" it must be 4 things: Electronics,
have movement, be programmable, and accomplish a task. If you have
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

access to a robotic animal, like the bunny demonstrate how it works,

then pull off the "skin" so the students can see how a robot works.
The student will then be introduced to the EV3 brick. Cover the
physical parts of the EV3 such as the ports on all sides, front keypad,
and technic pin holes.
The instructor will then by having the student’s tum the EV3 on. Next
discuss all the items on the screen. These include the Wireless
Connection. Status Icons, Brick Name USB Connection and Battery
Indicator. Also discuss the buttons and their
uses.
instructor will then discuss the EV3 Brick Interface. 'This consists of
the following tabs: Programs Run Recently, File Navigation, port View,
and Settings. Proceed through each of these areas and explain how
they function. While on portview have the students plug in all the
different sensors and motors to get an example into

Robot Build
The instructor should now conclude discussion about the
EV3 and start a build of a simple robot to hold the EV3 and
sensors to be used in Classes 2 - 6 Use pages 8 to 22 in the
Mindstorms Education book for the instructions on how to
build this robot.

Class 1 Extras
If students finish building early, they may program the robot
using EV3 Program on the brick.

When discussing inputs/outputs consider using the body as a

real-life example of inputs and outputs. Eyes, taste, skin,
ears are all inputs while voice, tears, and movement can all
work as outputs.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

SAMPLE LESSON PLAN: (120 min)

(10 min)
Class starts with introductions and roll call. Consider having the
students either call out their names or go around the room with
introductions.

(10 min)
Begin discussion on what makes a robot and uses of robots. Use real
world examples of robots such as the Bunny.

(40 min)
Give students their trays of materials and EV3 bricks. Start by
covering all the physical parts of the EV3 brick. Tim on the bricks
while covering this part as they do take a while to turn
on.While.covering the parts on lhe brick's system, use port view to
cover the functions of every sensor and motor.

(55 min)
Have students write their names on their trays then give students their
instruction booklets as well as the kits needed to build their robots.
Walk around helping students if they seem to be struggling or getting
confused.

(5 min)
Have students put their trays away in the proper place and give hints
about what the plans are for the next week.

Class 2
Class 2 objective
The objective for the second class is to learn the functions of the EV3
programming Language All aspects of the language will be show?. but
only the Action, Flow Control. and Sensor Blocks will be explored in
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

detail. The instructor will then assist the students as they program t-
eir roost lo do simple operations such as move . forward, backward,
and t-m. They will Chen save the program to the EV3, find the program
on the File Navigation tab, and run the program.

Class 2 Materials Needed

o Computer with EV3 Software
o EV3 Programming Cable

Class 2 Activity
EV3 Programming
The instructor will guide the students in starting the EV3 program on
the PC Once open the student will, e shown how to create a new
project and then a new program.
Next, they will be taken on a tour of the program demonstrating items
in the following areas: NOTE: although the complete list is here, only
spend time on the blocks with the asterisk as these are considered
fundamental.

Action Blocks (Green)

Action Blocks

o Medium Motor
o Large Motor
o Move Steering
o Move Tank
o Sound
o Brick Status Light
o Mind sensors Glide Wheel-M
o Mind sensors NXT MMX
Mind sensors NXT servo
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Flow Control (Orange)

Flow Control Blocks

o Switch
o Loop Interrupt
o Start
o Wait
o Loop

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The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Sensor Blocks (Yellow)

Sensor Blocks
o o Brick Buttons
o o Color Sensor
o o Gyro Sensor
o o Infrared Sensor
o o Motor Rotation
o o Temperature Sensor
o o Timer
o o Touch Sensor
o o Ultrasonic Sensor
o o Energy Meter
o o NXT Sound Sensor
o o Mindsensors
AbsolutelMU
o o Mindsensors Angle
Sensor
o o Mindsensors
CunentMeter
o o Mindsensors Dist-Nx
o o Uindsensors
LightSensorXrray
o o Mindsensors Numeric
Pad
o o Mindsensors NXTCAM
o o Mindsensors PPS58
o o Mindsensors PXPNx
o o Mindsensors SumoEyes
o o Mindsensors TouchMux
o o Mindsensors VoltMeter

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The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Data Operation Blocks (Red)

Data Operation Blocks
 Variable
 Round
 Constant
 Compare
 Array Operations
 Range
 Text
 Logic Operations
 Math
 Random
Advanced Blocks (Dark Blue)

Advanced Blocks
 File Access
 Data Logging
 Messaging
 Bluetooth Connection
 Keep Awake
 Raw Sensor Value
 Unregulated Motor
 Invert Motor
 Stop Program
 Comment
 Mind sensors 12C Address ID
 Mind sensors Brick Conversion
 Mind sensors Read 8 bates
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The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

My Blocks (Teal)

After the blocks have been discussed, the instructor will discuss the EV3 programming
control panel at the lower right corner of the screen.

the topics here will include.

o Renaming the EV3
o
download.
o
Download and Run
o
Run
o
Brick Information Tab
o
Firmware version
o
Port View Tab
o
Output ports
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

o
Input ports.

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Dead Reckoning
The Students Will Now be shown 4x8 foot table with a brick tower at
one end. They will be asked to program, using dead reckoning. The
robot go forward, circle the brick tower, and return the starting line.
Sensors should not be used at this time.

Class 2 Extras

If time permits, start the programming with an example

program of displaying eyes on the screen This incorpo lacing
blocks, adjusting settings on the blocks, and even loops.
Also gives a chance to explain the idea of robots doing
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

EXACTLY what they are told to do. If deciding on what

movement block to use (Move Steering/Move Tank) they
both have different advantages. Move Tank is easier to
precisely calibrate your movements while Move Steering
gives less control, but generally smoother turns.

If the students complete early, have them program the robot

to go to the tower, circle the tower, and return home. Other
variations may be used.
Should leave around 45 minutes to 1 hour for students to
complete Dead Reckoning Larger groups get more toward an
hour, smaller more toward 45 minutes. The goal of this time
is for students to learn Programming by Permutations, or
trial and error programming.

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Example Lesson Plan: (120 min)

(10 min)

Class starts, have students get trays from cart along with a
programming wire for the EV3.

(10 min)

Startup computers and open the MindStorms Software. Show students

how to start a riew program and plug in their EV3 into the machines.

(20 min)

Explain each tab of the programming interface including the useful

blocks within each.
Consider dragging up a move tank block to help students learn how to
place and adjust block settings.

(20 min)
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Create example program of displaying eyes on the brick. Create the

first program with just the display block to show how fast robots work
along with how they only do.
EXACTLY what we tell them to. Add in a wait block or loop to get the
picture to display for a longer time. Consider using two display blocks
and wait blocks to cause shifting pictures on the display.

(55 min)

Explain the challenge of Dead Reckoning. Show the students how to

measure distance using port view and moving their robot's wheels
along the path. Create the first two blocks of their program to get
them started. TAKE NOTE OF ANY DIFFERENT SIZED WHEELS. Let the
students use their remaining class time to attempt to complete the
challenge. If any students finish the challenge, have them make their
turns more curved, into a more oval shape of a path.

(5 min)

Recap the lesson and cover any questions students may have before
having them put their trays away.

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Class 3
Class 3 Objective:

The objective of Class 3 is to have the students create a program that will
allow the robot to follow a black line and then move around the room without
hitting an object.

Class 3 Materials Needed

Half Lift arm 1x3 with 2 Axle Holes and Pin (Crank)
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Class 3 Activity:

Line Follow The students should now build an attachment with the
Color sensor. Have the students attach the color sensor to their robot
have a gap between the table and the sensor. If the sensor is placed
on the existing axel, it will touch the table. To solve this problem, have
the students attach the "Halt Liftarm 1 x 3 with 2 Axle Holes and Pin"
or "Crank" to the color sensor as shown below.

Sensor needs to point down but must This creates an axle hole in the
lowest position on the sensor which in turn raises it up one notch,
placing it at the proper height.
The instructor should discuss what they would do if they were asked
to follow a line. This would include looking left and right until they find
the line, and then continue check to make sure that they are still on
the line. The students will then be guided they create a program to
follow a line. A program that will work is shown here:
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

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Note that the students are asked to us the Reflected Light

setting on the color sensor They will need to use Port View
to find the correct setting. Also, ask the students to make
sure that they have followed Rule 1: When a new block is
added to the program, check the port!
The students should now modify the program until their
robot successfully follows the line.
Next have the students change the switch from Reflected
Light to Color The program to make this function should look
something like this:
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

16

Collision Avoidance
Programming for collision avoidance will take several steps, they are:

1. Program to stop at the wall.

2. Modify to stop then turn at the wall.
3. Modify to stop, turn, then repeat that step (robotic vacuum)
4. Now use the knowledge they have just learned to make the robot
follow the line and stop when they are near an object.

1) Stop at the wall.

Here is a program that will have the robot move until it is 10 inches
from the wall.

2) Stop then turn at the wall.

Here is a program that will have the robot move until it is 10 inches
from the wall, then turn (either direction) and stop.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

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3) Robotic vacuum (Roomba).

This time the robot will move until it is 10 inches from the wall, turn
(either direction), then repeat that action.

4) Collision Avoidance

Now follow the line and stop before hitting someone. Continue
following the line after the object moves. Note: The students may use
Reflected Light or color sensor to follow the line. The following
program uses Color. Also have them come with in 8 inches before
stopping.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

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Example Lesson Plan: (120 min)

(10 min)

Welcome and wait for students, have them get their robots out and
discuss ideas of what thing they could use a color sensor for.

(20 min)

Explain what the goal of class will be and how they are going to use
the color sensor to follow the line. Attach the color sensor to the
robots using either the Crank or with Small L-Bent lift arm and pins.

(30 min)
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Walk the students through how to make a line follow program on the
TV. Have all the students make the program after with their
measurement and test to make sure it works.

(20 min)

Lol Walk the students through a collision avoidance program on the TV

Have all the students make the program and test to to make sure it
works. Watch for Port Errors in the student's programs.

(35 min)

Walk the students through nesting switches by showing them the line
follow /collision avoidance program. Have the students create their
own with their own measurements and have them test it to make sure
it works.

(5 min)

Have the students put the robots away and pack up for next class .

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Class 4
Class 4 Objective:

The objective of Class 4 is to have the students create programs that

will use the touch sensor and learn how to properly design additions to
their robots.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Class 4 Materials Needed:

Challenge Activities (Optional)

Class 4 Activity:

Touch Sensor to Start Operation

The first task will be to use the touch sensor to change the sound
once the touch sensor is pressed. We will make the two sounds
change each time the button is pressed. Here is a copy of a program
that will make this happen.

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The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Next the students will do the same thing with display. The eyes will
move back and forth when the button is pressed. Here is a program

that will make this run.

Now the students will use the button to make the robot go. We will use
the line following program to make this happen. Here is an example of
a program that will make this work.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

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Bumper Cars

A good use of the touch sensor is to make a bumper car that will drive
around a sumo table. Relatable real-world applications are with crash
sensors cars or the light in a refrigerator. First have the students build
the program to drive until the touch sensor goes off, then back up, turn
around and drive again.

After the kids test the programs for -5 minutes, ask them if it works
well. Address the very small activation area and how the bumper has
to hit exactly right in order to press the touch sensor down. Discuss
ideas of how to make the sensor more "touchy or activate easier.
Spend the rest of class adding more to the touch sensor / bumper to
make it easier to activate.

Class 4 Extras:
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

If your class has a large amount of time remaining it is a good idea to

take this week to show them the Challenges class and then, if time
allows, have them attempt challenges themselves. Pick some
challenges from levels 1,2, or 3 and bring them into the classroom for
them to work on.

Class 5

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Class 5

Class 5 Objective:

The objective of Class 5:

is for the students to review the line following/don't hit program. Then
have the students create a simple version of sumo.

Class 5 Materials Needed

Sumo Table

Class 5 Activity

Review First ask the students to write program that will follow a line
but stop when closer than 8 inches to another robot. Here is a program
that will do that.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

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Sumo

Next will be a program to perform simple Sumo. The instruction will

move through several steps to get to the final program. The first will
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

just move across the table and stop at the white line. Here is that
program.

o Now the robot will stop at the white line, back up one rotation,
and turn. Note the use of the tank drive block for the spin turn.

o Next, the student will program this to continue moving around

the table.

o Finally ask the students to add an ultrasonic sensor to continue

turning until it finds another robot. The program should look
something like this.

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Class 6

Class 6 Objective.

Final Test:

The objective of Class 6 is for the students to review the line

following/don't hit program.
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

This is their "test". The students will then be instructed on how to

make a "My Block". Finally, they will be instructed on the challenges
and given the opportunity to solve one or two.

Class 6 Materials Needed:

o Certificates
o Challenge Activities
o Challenge Booklet

27
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Class 6 Activity For their "Final Test", the students will be

asked to create a line following program where their robot

will not hit another Here is a program that will do this.

Challenges:

Finally, the students will be shown the Challenges Level 1 manual.

They will then could modify their robot and solve challenges as time
permits.

Should do this right after the test with the students, encourage them
to try any challenge they want and explain what the goal of challenges
is. You should encourage mindset of not looking at the challenge, but
starting with what you know, how to do. EX: "I know how to move to
get to the robot arm, so the first thing I should do is measure how far I
need my first movement block to go." Thinking of the challenges in
this way turns the daunting task of completing them into a matter of
doing what you know how to until you reach a point where you must
experiment.

Certificates:
The Mindstorms Fundamentals (EV3) Booklet

Remember to pass out the Certificates.