Easy Data logging with Lego Mindstorms Robots

Dr. Andrea Peach

Georgetown College

Goals

• Define Data Logging and why it is useful

• Define four ways of Data logging using Mindstorms

• Use Lego sensors to conduct data logging experiments

• Use Vernier sensors to conduct data logging experiments

• Using Excel to graph and view data

• Resources

Data Logging

• “The process of using a computer to collect data through sensors, analyze the data and save and output the results of the collection and analysis. Data logging also implies the control of how the computer collects and analyzes the data.” (Webopedia - http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/data_logging.html)

Connection with Next Gen Science StandardsThe eight practices of science and engineering that the Framework identifies as essential for all students to learn and describes in detail are listed below:

• 1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

• 2. Developing and using models

• 3. Planning and carrying out investigations

• 4. Analyzing and interpreting data

• 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking

• 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

• 7. Engaging in argument from evidence

• 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/ngss/files/Appendix%20F%20%20Science%20and%20Engineering%20Practices%20in%20the%20NGSS%20-%20FINAL%20060513.pdf

4 Ways of Data logging with Mindstorms

4 Ways of Data logging with Mindstorms

4 Ways of Data logging with Mindstorms

4 Ways of Data logging with Mindstorms

Use Lego sensors to conduct data logging experiments

• Instructions: PDF File (NXT)

• Instructions: EV3 Software (Robot Educator)

Experiment : Reflection

Use the light (NXT) or Color (EV3) sensor to investigate the reflective light properties of various colors.

• Use the reflective light feature of the light sensor.

• Build a base for the sensor so it can be secured to a set location.

• Find colored cards (white, black, red, yellow, blue)

• For each experiment:

• Predict the reflected light level of the colored card

• Test using the light sensor

Setting up the program (NXT)

Setting up the program (Ev3)

EV3

Turn off the oscilloscope mode to stop seeing the sensor data

Change the colors for different experiments

Use the prediction tool to make your predication

Run Program

• Take baseline reading (nothing in front of sensor)

• Draw prediction line for white card

• Change color of line

• Use prediction tool to draw your prediction

• Run experiment

• Take 1st experimental reading

• Change color of line

• Use prediction tool to draw your prediction

• Run experiment

Etc…

Data Analysis

• Data Tables

• Graphs

• Analysis tools

• Prediction tools

Use Vernier sensors to conduct data logging experiments

• Download and install the Vernier Sensor block from the website -http://www.vernier.com/engineering/lego-ev3/

Then choose the sensor that you want to use from the drop-down list!

You can …

• Use more than one sensor at a time…

• Collect data while connected to the computer or while not connected

• Caveats

• Power – you may need to keep the robot plugged in if you want to run a long experiment

• Storage – if you are collecting data over a longer period of time, reduce the amount of samples per second / minute. This is more of a problem with the NXT than with EV3.

• Create a program that will create an autonomous robot that collects data

WATCH VIDEO

Using Excel to graph and view data - NXT

• Collect your data

• File / Save As and save your log file. NOTE: It will have the file extension .log

• Open Excel and open the .log file. NOTE: You will have to change the option from searching All Excel Files to the All Files option in order to see the .log file.

Using Excel to graph and view data: Import data

Take defaults

Using Excel to graph and view data: Import data step 2

• Now that the data is in Excel, you can delete all of the extra data at the top of the file.

• Then, you can use the Excel graphing tools to graph your results!

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Turn Down the Volume

hand hand prediction baseline

Using Excel to graph and view data – EV3

Resources

• Lego NXT and EV3 Software – Robot Educator

• External Websites

• Exporting to Excel - http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/robots/nxteacher/sdl/import-excel.pdf

• Intro to data logging for NXT -http://www.techxellenttraining.com.au/pdfs/Introduction%20to%20Datalogging.pdf

• 71 Things to do with LEGO Mindstorms and Data-http://www.marshall.edu/lego/Tufts/71ThingsToDoWithDataLogging.html

• Other resources

• LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Lab Books - http://www.vernier.com/engineering/lego-nxt/

• Lego Education - http://www.legoeducation.us/

Shameless Plugs…• Georgetown College has summer robotics class and PD for teachers, and camps for

kids – http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/robots (summer information will be ready around April 15).

• We also have an ONLINE Teacher Leader and Rank One School Improvement MA with many endorsement / certification options, including:

• Instructional Technology

• ESL

• Gifted / Talented

• Environmental Education

• Literacy Specialist / Reading Endorsement

• MSD & LBD

• We sponsor 2 robotics competitions (RCX Regional and Robot Use Competition for STLP)

• Contact me (Andrea Peach – apeach0@georgetowncollege.edu) for more information