Teaching Modules aligning Common Core Learning Standards in Mathematics (CCLSM) Using LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 & NXT

The following modules are teacher constructed. These are a free resource in efforts to foster inquiry and integration in STEM education. You may be able to adapt to other grade levels. The module plan is listed as “UBD,” which stands for Understanding By Design, developed by Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe. You can download a copy of a blank UBD template. Many modules contain coding instructions, which teachers developed and should be useful, although we don’t guarantee they are perfect. Feel free to contact our center with questions and feedback regarding your experience implementing the modules

2014 Modules using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 software with EV3 and/or NXT bricks.



3rd grade Measurement & Data - Making EV3 Move Module
Make It Move Romano 2014
Key terms: guess, estimate, predict, reasonable, accurate, measure, centimeter, distance, seconds, centimeters, pattern, bar graph
summary: Students will build and program an EV3 Robot in order to graph data, identify arithmetic patterns and interpret that data. They will communicate their reasoning through speech and writing. Module includes student packet and code. Time frame: 5-45 min lessons.
standards: CCLSM: 3.MD.3; 3.OA.8; 3.OA.9 and has connections to the 3rd grade ELA standards for speaking and listening.

4th-6th grade Measurement & Data and Geometry - Intro to Robotics Module
4-6_MD_G_Basic_Robotics_Galimore2014
key terms: hardware, software, robot, brick, sensors
summary: Students will spend two semesters exploring the purpose of robotics while learning the basics of programming and building necessary to complete various mini challenges, assessments and cooperative engineering projects. Module includes LEGO EV3 Software & Robotics introductory powerpoint, and code.
Time frame: 7 Mo.
standards: CCLSM: 4.NF;4.MD; 4.G; 5.G; 6.G and College & Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening.

4th grade Measurement & Data - Meter Measurement Module
4.1MD_Meter_Brown2014 key terms: meter
summary: Students will be able to visualize the distance of a meter. Students will see the LEGO robot travel one meter. Then, students will change the wheel size and predict the distance the robot will travel. Discussions will follow about the predicted distance, how the students arrived at their distance, and how the students described the predicted distance. For example, 1 and ½ meters, or 150 cm – or ¾ of a meter, or 75cm. Students will write statements about additional predictions and measurements. Module includes code. Time frame: 1 class
standards: CCLSM: 4.1MD and has connections to 4th grade ELA standards for speaking and listening.

4th grade Measurement & Data - 360 degrees in a circle Module
4.5MD__Geometric_Measurement_Brown2014
key terms: meter, 360 degrees in a circle
summary: Students will observe a LEGO robot travel one meter. They will be given the number of degrees the axles have turned to go that distance. Next, students will be given a pair of different sized wheels to put on the robot. Based on what they know, they will make a prediction as to the number of degrees their robot’s axles will need to turn to travel one meter with the new set of wheels. The students will then enter their prediction into the pre-made LEGO Robotics program. The only variable they will input is for the degrees of rotation. Module includes code. Time frame: 1 class
standards: CCLSM: 4.5MD and has connections to the 4th grade ELA standards for speaking and listening.


4th grade Operations & Algebraic Thinking - Multiplication Module
4OA__Multiplication_Danahy2014
key terms: multiples, number sentence, variable, multiplication, fact families, equation, factors, commutative property
summary: Students will be able to describe movements of LEGO EV3 robot in terms of multiplication equation. For example, starting at 0, the robot moves 6 times, pausing after each three inch increment, and stopping completely at 18. Students choose a way of showing that 6x3=18 by creating an equation and /or drawing the action on a number line. Module includes student worksheets, and code. Time frame: 60 minutes.
standards: CCLSM:4.OA.1; 4.OA.4

6th-7th grade Ratios & Proportional Relationships Module
6.RP.EE_Linear Functions_Hirt2014
key terms: multiples, number sentence, variable, multiplication, fact families, equation, factors, commutative property
summary: In this activity students will see the connection between a simple chart (seconds & distance), function table (X & Y) and linear graphs. They will graph their results and write an equation for the function. Students will use the robot to make a graph on the floor showing their function. they will also make predictions about other linear functions. This can be done as an ongoing activity or as a stand-alone activity as content is introduced. The robot can be preprogrammed by the teacher or the student can program the robots. Module includes student worksheets, teacher resources, and code. Time frame: 5 days
standards: CCLSM: 6.RP.3a; 6.EE.6;6.EE.9; 7.RP.1;7.RP.2. MST Standards; 5.2;5.3;1.3;2.3 and has connections to college & career readiness reading and writing standards.

7th grade The Number System - Integers Module
7NS_Integer_Add_Subtract_Matthews2014
key terms: integers, addition, subtraction
summary: Students will learn how to add and subtract integers using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robots and then extend their understanding to real-life applications. First, students will follow step-by-step instructions in a PowerPoint presentation to construct the robot. Then, students will use the robot to perform a number of operations by inputting the expression into the robot using touch sensors. Students will use the data of the robot’s motion to find patterns and make conjectures about addition and subtraction of integers. Students will generate the appropriate expression given particular robot movement. Students will make predictions about robot movement and the sum/difference given more complex problems. Finally, students will extend their understanding to solve real-life problems using addition and subtraction of integers. In addition to solving problems given to them, students will need to write a real-world story that includes a problem that they will solve by adding or subtracting integers. Module includes student packet, assessment rubrics, robot build, powerpoints and code. Time frame: one week
standards: CCLSM: 7NS.1; 7NS; MP.1; MP.2; MP.4; MP.5; MP.6; MP.7.

8th grade Functions - Fixing the Finish Module
8F_Fixing_the_Finish_with_Functions_ Billington2014
key terms: slope, rate, initial value, y-intercept, rate of change
summary: Using Lego Robots in the classroom, students will explore functions. Students will be presented with a challenge that will allow them to define the starting points of each robot to allow for them to finish at approximately the same time if they are traveling at various speeds. Students will define, evaluate and compare functions as well as use those functions to model relationships between quantities to complete the challenge. Module includes student activity sheets, robot build, and code. Time frame: 3-4 (75 min) blocks
standards: CCLSM 8.F.1; 8.F.4; 8.F.5.

8th grade Functions - Intro to Functions Module
8F_Whats_Your_Function_Matthews2014
key terms: function, linear, unit conversion, programming
summary: Students will be introduced to functions, specifically linear functions, through an exploratory activity using LEGO Mindstorms Robots. First, students will follow step-by-step instructions in a Powerpoint presentation to construct the robot. Students will provide the robot with an input value to run through a function program and the robot will move on a number line from the input value to the output value. Students will use that input-output data to create a table, graph, and algebraic rule. Students will gather data for five functions and then compare and contrast their multiple representations of those functions. Then, students will program the robot to perform a unit conversion using a similar function program. As an extension, students will program a robot to convert temperature measurements in degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit. Module includes student packet, robot build, and code. Time frame: one week
standards: CCLSM 8.F.1; 8F.2; 8.F.3; 8.F.4; MP.1; MP.4; MP.5; MP.6; MP.

12th grade Engineering - Request for Proposal Module
12_Request_for_Proposal_Borland2014
key terms: design, economics, presentation, team, development
summary: Students are given a “Request for Proposal” from DARPA. Student teams need to develop a robot that meets the proposal requirements. They produce, test, and present their design to a team of adults, representing DARPA. The board chooses who will receive the contract. Module includes student project details, assessment criteria, instructional plan, sample robot images & video, and code. Time frame: 40 class hours

2012 Modules using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education Robolab software with NXT bricks.



3rd – 4th grade Geometry - polygons Module
3G_Bot-Gons_Brudos2012
key terms: polygons, perimeter, closed figure, computer language
summary: Students will use the simple Domabot design to build a LEGO robot. The students will be introduced to the RoboLab programming language using a basic teacher-written program in order to input two variables into the program; attempting to program the robot to travel in a path describing a closed regular polygon.
standards: Whereas this module predominantly engages students in using technology, it also addresses the following CCLSM: 3.G1; 3.MD8; 4.G1,2; 4.MD2; and has connections to the 3rd grade ELA standards for informational text.

3rd grade Measurement & Data – measuring length Module
3MD_Run_Robot_Run_2012
key terms: guess, estimate, predict, accurate, measure, centimeter, distance, seconds, centimeters
summary: Using a NXT Base LEGO Robot and RoboLab programming, students set a collection of various distances for the robot to travel. Students make estimations, accurately measure using centimeters, collect data in a line graph, and analyze data to draw conclusions. Students discuss their conclusions with peers and write their conclusions in their math journal.
standards: CCLSM: 3.MD1,2,4; and has connections to the 3rd grade ELA standards for informational text.

4th grade Measurement & Data – meter Module
4MD_Wheel_Round_A_Meter_JBrown_2012
key terms: meter, metric system
summary: Students will be able to visualize the distance of a meter by seeing the LEGO robot travel one meter. Then, students (in groups of two to four) will change the wheel size and predict the distance the robot will travel. Discussions will follow about the predicted distance, how the students arrived at their distance, and how the students described the predicted distance (for example, 1 and ½ meters, or 150 cm – or ¾ of a meter, or 75cm. Next, students will run the LEGO robot with the different size wheels to check the accuracy of their predictions. First, without measuring using a meter stick, students will write a statement about the distance as compared to one meter. Next, students will use a meter stick to measure the actual distance. Once every group has run the program and measured, the groups will share out their actual measurement and how it compared to their predictions.
standards: CCLSM: 4.MD1; ELA Speaking and Listening (K-5) 4.1

5th - 6th grade Ratios & Proportional Relationships Module
6RP_How_Fast_Is_That_2012
key terms: rate, ratio, proportion
summary: Using the real-life context of the Curiosity Mars Rover, the concepts of ratio, unit rate and proportion will be introduced and explored through the use of Lego Robotics. Students will use robots to gather data, complete a table using this data, calculate unit rate and convert measurements.
standards: CCLSM: 6.RP1,2,3; many ELA standards for grades 6-8

6th - 8th grade Statistics & Probability – reaction time Module
6-8SP_Reaction_Time_Allen_2012
key terms: mean, median, mode, range, reaction time
summary: Students will use their knowledge of mean, median, mode, and range to interpret data that they will collect and compare. The goal of this project it to measure how fast a person can hit a touch sensor after a light comes on in a quiet environment vs. a noisy environment vs. when texting. Students then take the measured results from Robolab and input the data into Excel to create a line graph. Then students will be required to find the mean, median, mode and range of each experiment and analyze the results.
standards: CCLSM: 7.SP2

7th grade Expressions & Equations – speed Module
7EE_What is My Rate_Shelli2012
key terms: circumference, diameter, linear equation, dependent and independent variables, distance, rate, time, speed
summary: Designed for 7th and 8th grade, students will use their knowledge of circumference, diameter, and angle measures to calculate the distance traveled by a robot. Students will run three programs on the robot and transfer the data into Robolab Investigator (software). Students will analyze the graph to find the necessary information to calculate the robot’s rate at different speed levels and calculate the relative error of their findings.
standards: CCLSM: 7.EE3; 7.NS1,2; 7.G4,5,6; 8.EE7,8; 8.NS1,2; 8F4,5; many ELA standards for grades 6-8

7th grade Geometry – pi (π) Module
7G_Wheels_on_the_robot_Hirt2013
key terms: circumference, radius, diameter, pi π, ratio
summary: Students will us the LEGO NXT robot to gain an understanding of circumference as it related to Pi. Students will us the robot to explore the relationship between circumference, distance traveled and how it relates to Pi. The students will also use the formulas for circumference to calculate Pi. Students will answer a variety of questions and evaluate results. The will compare all the results to determine if there is a relationship.
standards: CCLSM: 7.G4; 7.RP1,2,3; 8.EE5; 8.F1,2,3; many ELA standards for grades 6-8

7th grade Statistics & Probability – Robot Dance Module
7SP_Chance_Dance_TMcNally2012
key terms: Chance, Theoretical Probability, Experimental Probability, Mean(Average), Percent
summary: Students will develop an understanding of chance and probability by conducting an experiment using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT robot kit. The Chance Dance program makes the robot choose between two dance moves at random, (a step and a spin,) and students observe the robot, gather data through multiple trials, determine the experimental probability of the robot performing one step, and compare it to the theoretical probability they determined earlier.
standards: CCLSM: 7.SP5,7

7th grade Statistics & Probability – Robot Run Module
7SP_Random_Robot_Racers_RLasselle2012
key terms: Simulation, Modeling, Theoretical Probability, Experimental Probability, Variation, Mean Absolute Deviation
summary: This investigation will help students to discover the concept of variation. Looking at two sets of data (generated by random distances a robot will travel) with equivalent means, students will investigate whether or not the mean alone adequately characterizes a data set. Following this, students will calculate a predicted outcome given a set of parameters. They will then obtain a number of actual outcomes for the same set of parameters to discover the distinction between expected result (theoretical probability) and real result (experimental probability).
standards: CCLSM: 7.SP5,6,7; many ELA standards for grades 6-8

7th grade Ratios & Proportional Relationships – Mars Rover Module
7RP_Follow_Your_Curiosity_RL2012
key terms: Ratio, Rate, Probability, Graphing, Speed and Proportions
summary: Students will record ideas from informational text on the Curiosity Mars Rover, and model the Rover with a LEGO NXT Robot, manipulating the time and measuring the distance traveled. After recording the data, This real-world activity will reinforce how fractions, ratios and unit rate are related to identify equivalent fractions and proportional relationships.
standards: CCLSM: 7.RP1,2; many ELA standards for grades 6-8