Lego WeDo crocodile

Students will build and program a mechanical alligator that makes sounds and is motorized to open and close its jaw.

Objectives:

Science

Trace the transmission of motion and transfer of energy through the machine. Identify the pulleys and belts and the slowing down mechanism at work in the model. Consider the needs of living animals.

Technology

Create a programmable model to demonstrate the knowledge and operation of digital tools and technological systems.

Engineering

Build and test the alligator’s movement. Improve the alligator’s behavior by adding the motion sensor and programming sounds to coordinate with the movement.

Mathematics

Understand how the distance between an object and the motion sensor is important to how the sensor functions. Understand and use numbers to represent the type of sounds played and the amount of time the motor turns on.

Language

Prepare and deliver a demonstration about alligators using the alligator model. Use technology to create and communicate ideas. Communicate in spoken or written forms using the appropriate vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Belts, motion sensor, and pulley. Blocks: Motion Sensor Input, Motor On For, Motor This Way, Motor That Way, Number Input, Play Sound, Repeat, Start On Key Press and Wait For.