Learn how to run a challenge-based robotics program in your community through this series of videos and resources for 4-H agents and robotics coaches.

Unit 1 – Marshmallow Catapult Challenge

Challenge Video Overview

• Marshmallow Catapult Challenge Video on YouTube (3:26)
• Robotics focus – motor use
• 4-H STEM connection – velocity, trajectory, levers, fulcrums

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
• 4-H STEM Connections
  • How Does a Catapult Work? – How Stuff Works
  • Elementary Science: Trebuchets and Catapults – Alberta Distance Learning Centre YouTube Video
• Marshmallow Catapult Resources
  • Catapult Building Instructions – NXT Programs
  • EV3 Projectile Launcher – Builderdude35 Video Series

Unit 2 – a-MAZE-ing Challenge

Challenge Video Overview

• a-MAZE-ing Challenge Video on YouTube (6:19)
• Robotics focus – precision turns without external sensors
• 4-H STEM connection – angles, math

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
  • Challenge Timing Sheet
  • Challenge Set Up Directions
• 4-H STEM Connections
  • Interior Angles of Polygons – Math is Fun
  • Angles – Kahn Academy
• a-MAZE-ing Challenge Resources
  • LEGO EV3 Tutorial: Move Tank, Large Motor, Medium Motor – YouTube Video Series by Aaron Maurer

Unit 3 – Mountain Climb Challenge

Challenge Video Overview

• Mountain Climb Challenge Video on YouTube (5:05)
• Robotics focus – gearing
• STEM connection – gearing, torque

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
• 4-H STEM Connections
  • LEGO Gears and Motors – Lessons on gearing with LEGO
  • LEGO Mechanisms: Gears and Motors – Lessons on gears, torque and speed
• Mountain Climb Resources
  • How to on Gears – FLL Casts video
  • Climb the Highest Mountain – DrGraeme NXT Tutorial

Unit 4 – Sumo Challenge*

Challenge Video Overview

• Sumo Challenge Video on YouTube (4:55)
• Robotics focus – color sensor
• 4-H STEM connection – light, reflection, torque

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
  • Mat File (optional)
• 4-H STEM Connections
  • Light Overview – Explain that Stuff
  • Reflection and Refraction of Light – Make Me Genius YouTube Series
  • How Light Moves – PBS Learning Lesson for Grades 3-5
  • Light and the Law of Reflection – PBS Learning Video
• Sumo Resources
  • EV3 Sumo Tutorial – DrGraeme Robotics Tutorials YouTube Channel
  • Sumo Bot Design Tips – Builderdude35 Video Series
  • SuGO Robot Sumo Resources – SuGObot
  • Sumo Wrestling Virtual Culture – Kids Web Japan
  • Sumo Overview – Japan-Guide

Unit 5 – Joust Challenge*

Challenge Video Overview

• Joust Challenge Video on YouTube (8:02)
• Robotics focus – line following
• 4-H STEM connection – mass, acceleration, velocity

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
  • Mat Diagram
  • Mat File (optional)
• 4-H STEM Connections
  • What Wins a Joust? – National Geographic
• Joust Resources
  • Inside a Two-Step Simple Line Follower – LEGO Engineering
  • Line Followers: Basic to Proportional – Seshan Brothers
  • Robot Follows a Black Line – DrGraeme EV3 Video Tutorial

Unit 6 – Line Following Challenge

Challenge Video Overview

• Line Following Challenge Video on YouTube (7:40)
• Robotics focus – advanced line follow, multiple sensor use
• 4-H STEM connection – sound waves, ultrasonic sensor, touch sensor

Resource Links:

• Challenge Materials
  • Challenge Instructions
  • Challenge Scoresheets
  • Mat File (optional)
  • Payload Box Diagram (optional)
• Line Following Resources
  • Line Followers: Basic to Proportional – Seshan Brothers
  • Robot Follows a Black Line – DrGraeme EV3 Video Tutorial
  • Ultrasonic Sensor – Seshan Brothers Tutorial
  • Touch Sensor – Seshan Brothers Tutorial

*Requires competitor

Contest Opportunities

• BEST
• FIRST

Coach Resources

• Robotics with LEGO EV3 Mindstorms – DrGraeme tutorials and challenges
• EV3 Tutorials – STEMcentric tutorials and activities
• EV3 Lessons – Seshan Brothers lessons, tutorials and curriculum
• Educational Robotics for Absolute Beginners – Workshop and activities for new coaches
• LEGO Engineering – Coach support, activities and tutorials
• Robotics with EV3 – Curriculum book available from the 4-H Mall

Coach Training Resources

• Robotics Coach Training – PowerPoint training for use by program managers to train coaches
• Image Cards – Images to use for introductory training activity
• 4-H Youth Development Basics – Info on the “Targeting Life Skills” model, 4-H Essential Elements and Experiential Learning Cycle
• Creating Safe Spaces – Tip sheet for coaches on creating safe spaces for learning
• Safe Spaces Program Consideration Worksheet – Assessment tool for coaches to ensure they are creating safe spaces for learning
• Member Journal – Sample robotics member journal
• Engineering Design Process – Handout about the engineering design process
• Asking Questions – Tip sheet for coaches to help them guide inquiry with questions
• Robotics Coach Training Evaluation – Assessment tool to gauge effectiveness of coach training

Program Management Resources

• Program Overview (.docx/.pdf)- Document giving a program overview, along with expectations for participation,for new families
• New Member Interest Form (.docx/.pdf)- Interest form to be completed by new families to help program managers organize teams
• Participation Contract (.docx/.pdf) – Contract that youth participants and parents sign when accepted into the program
• Kit Check-Out Form (.docx/.pdf) – Form to use for coaches who check out robotics kits for use

Assessment and Evaluation Resources

• End-of-Year Member Survey (.docx/.pdf)- Sample survey for members to help program managers improve the program.
• Member Self-Assessment (.docx/.pdf) – Form for youth to fill out to gauge their own performance
• Coach Observational Assessment – Observational assessment tool for coaches to use to evaluate youth skills, behavior and growth

Recruitment and Marketing Resources

• Open House Flyer – Sample flyer for hosting a local robotics open house event
• Open House News Release – Sample news release for a robotics open house
• Coach Training Flyer – Sample flyer for hosting a coach training event
• Coach Recruitment News Release – Sample news release for a coach training