REFLECTION

Agent:

Jackie, Rita and Greg

As Rita researched different Lego machines, Greg began to build a structure that would separate different “packages.”  We began to brainstorm designs that would move packages across a conveyer belt to sort the packages according to their color.  We decided to create a machine that allowed the black packages to across the conveyer belt and land into a black bin according to the reading of the light sensor.  Our robot would also recognize red blocks and if one landed on the conveyer belt, it would kick the block in another direction, making the block land in the red bin.  Each of our table mates took on an important role.  Rita was the researcher and Greg and Jackie were the builders.  Greg immediately started building up the meat of the robot by connecting motors and sensors to our battery brick.  Jackie decided to start building a slide and bins for the blocks to move into.
During the process of building, our robot began to take many shapes.  Our challenges began as programming time approached.  Our program started as an example from the tutorial guide we found online.  We needed to get use to programming language and understand what each command meant.  We started to combine different commands to make our robot finish tasks that would help us complete our mission.  We started to feel frustrated when our robot didn’t do what we wanted it to do so we had to ask other groups that were finding success.  With the help of many of our cadre mates, Greg created a program that moved the blocks along the conveyer belt, booting the red ones and leaving the black ones alone. 
This task taught us that we all have different strengths in a task.  Rita excelled in researching this project while Jackie and Greg were able to construct a structure that would complete our task.  Then, as the tasks became more complex, we all took part in developing a program to move our blocks.  We worked together within our table but also relied on the other talents in our cadre.  We would not have been successful without the help of our cadre.  Our team has grown from this task and we have truly succeeded from each other’s talents.

MMission:  Breaking the Code

Secret Agents:
Israel Valenzuela
Karen Simpson-Alisca
Heather Schneider
Veronica Azizi


Mission Specs:
Build a device to scan and match secret messages
Distinguish decoy messages and focus on the crucial evidence
Have Hard Fun!

Agent Insight:
“Too technical for me, but always up for a challenge”  -Veronica, Agent 004
“Legos? Okay I trust you – I am sure it is all about the process” –Heather, Agent 0000

Case Leads:

• Our first thought was to check our suspect’s supplier at “the hangout”. ( Its where all the blocks go)
• Next we decided to focus our efforts on targeting the mission at hand.  After listing possible scenarios we decided to go with one that made sense. Create a vehicle to causally roll over and scan a secret code allowing for data to be examined and corresponded with the correct code.
• We were set – we had a plan and set out to attack it.  Of course this was easier said then done.  As agents used to working alone we now had to come together and work as a team.  Our diligent work ethics helped to form a power team of investigators.

 Summary

This lego project has really tested our patience, technology capabilities, and ability to work collaboratively as a group. While we were working on it, we never thought we would be able to accomplish the mission. It seemed completely impossible!!! We were stuck on the programming part for hours and hours! We soon realized that team work would speed up the process, and that it’s not about working individually, but rather as a whole team. We were united, had a common goal, and a desire to succeed. Truly, many  heads are better than one!

Cadre 10 Fab. 4 – Lego Activity
(Laser car retrieval)
Our Group:
Marie Lindsey
Brent Hibbert
Salina Locke
Nancy Linden

Our Mission:

• To build a car that would retrieve a secret package in a laser maze.
• To successfully code movements in specific ways to avoid the projected laser areas and to turn one corner and retreat back to the entrance.
• To learn from the process
• To work together and communicate
• To ask relevant questions
• To have fun on the journey (play is learning)

Our Experience:

          Day I: The building process was accomplished in the time frame given in class. We were successful in thinking and contributing to the concept of our “low rider” car that needed to meet the six-block height requirement.

We all located and gathered parts needed for the car and the retrieval mechanism. We then split off and work in pairs. Brent and Salina worked on the body of the vehicle and Marie and Nancy developed the track to see if the height and angle of the car design would be correct for the task. We took turns making suggestions about the car design and testing out the design on the track, keeping in mind the weight and height and angle for retrieval to be successful. Brent really took a lead position in our group and helped give all of confidence in creating this design.

Day II: The coding activity was much more challenging as we did not finish the commands in the allotted frame on Thursday. Salina took the lead for us downloading the program and setting it up for us. Brent and Marie followed the directions and worked out the calculations for the possible movements and speed of the car, and Nancy documented with video and written report.

Each group member found something that they could do to contribute to this task. Each group member communicated clearly needs and task assignments for the mission.