Sarah
Here's my observations with respect to the Mindstorm kit, instructions, programming:
- PRO - Easy to use pictorial instructions online and paper booklet that shows parts needed for each step
- CON - simple designs geared for elementary through high school, not very appropriate for college
- CON - only three motor hook-ups for central processing unit, no capability for upgrades/additions
- CON - very limited memory, could only hold 2-3 small programs or one medium size program
- PRO - Very user-friendly central processing unit
- CON - No capability to take measurements on the robot (voltage, gear ratios, torque, etc)
- CON - No easy access to circuit board for upgrading or analyzing
- PRO - Lots of spare pieces to expand robot past structured instructions
- CON - Many programming commands do not make sense in real world (no exact units of time, distance, etc)
- PRO - Programming easy with instructions and understand with pictorial commands
- CON - No real engineering applications to current designs, only problem solving and teamwork.
- PRO - Many different, advanced sensors to experiment with (light, sound, touch, sight, etc.)
- PRO - Aesthetically pleasing … All the designs simply look cool!
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