Learn to Program the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 in EV3-G
NOTICE: On 8/18/2021, Amazon AWS permanently discontinued support for network protocols used by Robot Virtual Worlds, Virtual Brick, and Expedition Atlantis. These products are no longer able to communicate with CS2N. Please see this article for details.
Introduction to Programming provides a structured sequence of programming activities in real-world project-based contexts. The projects are designed to get students thinking about the patterns and structure of not just robotics, but also programming and problem-solving more generally. This curriculum includes videos, animations, and step-by-step lessons designed to help beginners learn behavior-based programming using the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 hardware and EV3-G icon-based programming software.
Introduction to Programming provides a structured sequence of programming activities in real-world project-based contexts. The projects are designed to get students thinking about the patterns and structure of not just robotics, but also programming and problem-solving more generally. This curriculum includes videos, animations, and step-by-step lessons designed to help beginners learn behavior-based programming using the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 hardware and EV3-G icon-based programming software.
Additional Resources
EV3 Getting Started
EV3 Getting Started teaches the user about the robot's hardware, firmware and how to write, compile and run programs on the robot. The module also covers “Big Ideas” in computer science and how to use the Robot Virtual Worlds. Complete the requirements and earn the “EV3 Getting Started” Badge
EV3 Movement
In the Robot Movement, the user learns to write programs that move the robot forward, backward, make turns and control the robot’s gripper arm. Complete the requirements and earn the “EV3 Movement” Badge.
Introduction to Moving Forward
Robot Configuration
Moving / Steering Forward
Activity: 50 cm
Arm Control
Activity: Cargo Retrieval
Code Review
Challenge: Sensabot
Upload Code: Sensabot
Introduction to Turning
Robot Configuration
Turning in Place
Activity: 90 Degree Turn
Other Turns
Activity: Dizzy Drill
Code Review
Challenge: Orchard
Upload Code: Orchard
EV3 Sensors
Sensors introduce the user to the Touch, Ultrasonic, Gyro and Color Sensors. The user will learn how to use the Move Steering, Wait, Sound, and other blocks, users will also gain an understanding of the appropriate sensors to use to accomplish different tasks. Complete the requirement and earn the “EV3 Sensors” Badge.
Introduction with Touch Sensor
Robot Configuration
Wait for Touch
Forward until Touch
Activity: Vacuum
Code Review
Challenge: Arm Position
Upload Code: Arm Position
Introduction with Ultrasonic Sensor
Robot Configuration
Wait for Near
Activity: Threshold Value
Forward Until Near
Activity: Backward Until Far
Code Review
Challenge: Maze
Upload Code: Maze
Introduction with Gyro Sensor
Robot Configuration
Turn for Angle (part 1)
Turn for Angle (Part 2)
Activity: Square Box
Code Review
Challenge: Mower
Upload Code: Mower
Introduction with Color Sensor
Robot Configuration
Wait For Green
Activity: Railroad Crossing
Forward Until Red
Activity: Forward to Stop Line
Code Review
Challenge: Traffic Light
Upload Code: Traffic Light
EV3 Decisions
In Decisions, the user will learn how to use looping blocks, Switch blocks and incorporating data such as sensor feedback, and then solve programming challenges. Complete the requirements and earn the “EV3 Decisions” Badge.
Introductions to Loops
Robot Configuration
Looped Movements
Activity: Square Lap 1
Loop with Count Control
Activity: Square Lap 2
Loop with Sensor Control
Activity: Square Lap 3
Code Review
Challenge: Container Handling
Upload Code: Container Handling
Introduction with Switches
Robot Configuration
Move If Clear
Activity: Color Sensor Compare Switch
Looped Decision
Activity: Smarter Decisions
Code Review
Challenge: Strawberry Plant Sorter
Upload Code: Strawberry Plant Sorter
Introduction with Switch Loops
Robot Configuration
Obstacle Detection Failures
Obstacle Detection
Activity: Obstacle Detection Until Black
Code Review
Challenge: Obstacle Orchard
Upload Code: Obstacle Orchard
Introduction to Line Tracking
Line Tracking
Activity: Track Line for Rotation
Challenge: Line Tracking
Upload Code: Line Tracking
EV3 Final Challenge
The Final Challenge introduces the user to concepts such as flowcharts, iterative design, project planning and the engineering process. At the end of the module, the user needs to solve the “Search and Rescue” challenge, where the robot will have to visit four different rooms and solve specific problems. Complete the requirements and earn the “EV3 Final Challenge” Badge.