With the fear that we may loose a little traction moving forward with our robotics assignment, and I'd like to suggest the following changes so that everyone can experience the absolute "coolness" building a machine that can essentially take simple inputs and make decisions independent of any sort of direct input from the user.  Please refer to the rubric for exact expectations.

We now have two more Lego kits, and I would like both teams to break into sub-teams, with one team in charge of each challenge (the new team will need a project-lead).  Please email me the name, and team member make up by the end of Wednesday's class.

I would like everyone to match up with a partner (from their team), and install the Lego Mindstorm software on one of their test boxes.  I would then like you to work together to complete each of these tutorials, so that you have at least a basic understanding of the logic-based object oriented programming language used to make the NXT sets work.  This should only take you 30-40 minutes to complete.

Remember to follow the Engineering Design Process (these would make perfect blog subheadings as you track your progress through this challenge):

Identify the need or problem

Research the need or problem

• Use the internet, books, and other resources. Find out how similar problems have been solved.

Develop possible solutions

• Brainstorm possible solutions
• Use mathematics and science

Select the best solution

• A concept that best meets the need or solves the problem

Construct a prototype

• Draw diagrams and build models of the concept.

Test and evaluate the solution(s)

• Use measurement, observation, and run tests on the models.
• Does it work and does it meet the design constraints?
• Share your ideas with others so that they may provide input.

Redesign

• Overhaul the solution(s) based on test results and new input.

Communicate the solution(s)

• Create a report that explains the problem and solution, so that others may learn from your work.

Sources You Might Want to Look at (for both design ideas and software suggestions)
RoboChallenge
DrGraeme
NXTPrograms

Please send me the link to your One Big Project website, and I will add it to the list below.  Please take a look at what your classmates are working on...maybe you can give them a helping hand.

https://erinspipboy.weebly.com/ ​

We are going to take a look at Khan Academy's Programming Course (which should allow you to work at your own pace to reinforce the concepts that we will discuss/demonstrate in class).  Use this log sheet to track your learning.

We are also going to take a look at Scratch as a warm up for JAVA programming.  Please work your way through the introductory lessons.  These videos will also help.

But before we do anything, we are going to talk about Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches ;)​

You have the entire week to work your way through these introductory lessons.  We will be working on more complex ideas next week.

This is a very interesting news article about the newest supercomputer with a million CPU cores. You can find the story here.
​

The world's first robotic band, covering Depeche Mode.  Most of this was made using components we have in our classroom, including an Arduino and Lego Robotics.

The ELEGOO Mega 2560 "Most Complete Starter Kit" kits are ready to go!  You can grab all the digital files you'll need from this website.

We are going to finish up our introduction to electricity from yesterday, and take a look at the components we will be using in our electronics unit.  Everything we do for this unit will be based around the use of the Arduino micro-controller.

We are a bit behind in where I would like us to be in the course.  That said, we have a lot to cover, and I need everyone working full steam ahead.

Today we are going to start looking at the basics of electronics.  There is a bit of new vocabulary (and even a little math) for you to learn.  This is all in preparation for our Arduino tutorials we will be working on later in the week.  You should help download this handout to help guide your note-taking.

Your task:

1) Make sure your computer works on the switch (w/ your cable).
2) Make sure your computer works w/ a partner's (w/ your cross over-cable).
3) Research with your partner a networkable game that's
a) free to download (legally..lol)..because of the restrictions w/ the firewall you may have to download a copy at home
b) works with the hardware in the room
c) can work in Linux (either in native mode or using an emulator)
4) Claim your game by writing it on the blackboard. Once a game is claimed, it is off limits.
5) Practice setting up/playing/optimizing your game. Write these set-up instructions in a .txt file to be shared with the class, over the network

You have two days to complete the above. We will be studying the roll of servers on Thursday and Tuesday of the following week. The other two days next week will be playing games (tournament details to follow).

This is a good place to start looking for games.

We need to talk about the state of the lab.  I have tried humour, being a "stern teacher", and I've even resorted to begging, but the lab still remains in a state of chaos at the end of most classes.  Tools are not being put away, systems and components are being scattered throughout the room, and cables are being unplugged or removed. There are repeat offenders, but it seems that everyone is guilty once or twice a week.  I do not have the time to follow behind each and every one of you and clean up.  We all have to realize that we share the classroom with 3 other classes who depend on the lab to be fully functioning when they arrive.  So, what do you think can be done to assure that we leave the lab in a better state that we find it in?

Today we are going to start discussing networking in more depth.  You will need to have your system (with XP and all drivers installed), your straight-through cable and hopefully, your x-over cable all ready to go.  If you are behind, the invitation still stands that I will stay in the room at lunch and help you catch up.

Please take notes as we discuss the following powerpoint.  There will be a quiz on networking fundamentals at the end of this unit.

Today we will be starting a new unit on Networking. A quick reminder that your computer that dual boots Ubuntu and a flavour of Windows needs to be finished now.  If you are not done, this is a task that you will need to do with any extra class time you have, or more likely, at lunch.

In order to explore networks, we will need to make 2 cables (please be careful and pay attention, as we only have enough RJ-45 ends for everyone to make 1 mistake...).  You will need to make a 10ft Straight-Through and a 3ft X-Over Cable. 

Straight-Through
The most common wiring for RJ45 cables is the straight through cable. In this cable layout, all pins are wired one-to-one to the other side. The pins on the RJ45 connector are assigned in pairs, and every pair carries one differential signal. Each line pair has to be twisted. If UTP or FTP cable is used, the pairs have orange, brown, blue and green colors. The wiring of these cables to RJ45 to make a straight through cable is defined by EIA/TIA 568B. The RJ45 connectors on both ends are wired in the same way. 

Cross-Over
In very small network configurations where only two computers have to be connected, the use of a hub is not necessary. The straight through RJ45 cable cannot be used in that situation. Also when two hubs have to be connected to increase the number of nodes on a network segment, this cable is not appropriate. In both situations a cross over RJ45 cable is necessary, where the transmit and receive lines on both RJ45 connectors are cross connected. 

This is a cool video.