Ordering LEGO Robotics Materials for Your School
An extremely opinionated guide by Gary Stager
www.stager.org

The following recommendations are based on the following assumptions:

• Teams of two-three kids will collaborate on each project.
• Each team will need at least one programmable RCX brick.
• Sufficient building elements are required for students to leave their constructions together until they are complete and shared.
• You only need one infrared Tower per computer and one computer per every two to five teams of builders. (Less time is spent programming and debugging than engineering and different groups are ready to program at different intervals). Unfortunately, Pitsco LEGO dacta does not offer sets with RCX bricks and without IR towers. As a result, several towers may go unused.
• The richest learning experiences occur when students invent their own machines and do not rely on LEGO's prepared building plans.
• LCSI's new version of MicroWorlds, complete with LEGO Robotics control, should be available in June 2003. Email info@lcsi.ca for more information
• Free and shareware software environments more educationally-rich than LEGO's Robolab software are available and prefer the serial version of the Tower. Those happy with Robolab should buy USB sets and the RoboLab software.
• Extra sensors come in handy!
• If you already have some LEGO Technic sets containing gears, pulleys, motors, etc... You may use them with the RCX. You may wish to order extra RCX programmable bricks and fewer Team Challenge Sets. This way you can combine building elements in order to maximize the number of parts you have and minimize costs. You still need at least one RCX per team.
• LEGO book suggestions may be found at http://www.stager.org/books
• You can never have too many LEGO pieces of the Technic and playful retail brand of traditional bricks! Go to Target or Toys R Us and purchase some buckets of traditional LEGO bricks.