July 2011
Students and Parents,
The Nelson Mandela School Lego Lab Team has decided to grow the Robotics Team in an organic manner. We had several discussions last year about building a Robotics team but decided that it would be better to introduce Lego Robotics first into the science curriculum and then see what kind of student interest there might be to build a team in the future. Also, with the secondary school moving closer, this might help prompt interest in grades 5th-9th.
In the meantime, the students that are currently enthused about the Lego Lab will continue to work together in teams with perhaps the idea that when they are ready, a Robotics Team might be a possibility. Getting into Lego Robotics is expensive (the yearly kit and the need for a dedicated laptop) and there is a quite a steep learning curve for students and coaches a like. The Lego Lab AG began last year and we are still working towards building the best program for the students and will continue to monitor the situation about Lego Robotics. Also, we need to find parents or community volunteers to help coach a team.
The Mind Sport Competitions occur in the Fall of each year and each year there is a new theme. Each team is made up of 3 to 10 members (6 to 7) is ideal who build and program a robot using Legos and NXT Software. In the competition, the robot would be required to move on a course and complete tasks. Also, team members would be required to give a 5 minute presentation on a real world problem based on that year's theme.
The expense to begin the Robotics Mind Sport Team is around 800 Euros per team and primarily covers the cost of the kit. This does not include entrance fees, travel costs nor the use of a laptop computer.
Please check this space in the future for more information. If you or your child has interest in this aspect of the Lego Lab or you interested in being a coach of the Robotics Team, please email us at legolab@nelson-mandela-school.net.
