Make Lego Wedo Turn: A Step-By-Step Guide

LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 is a hands-on science solution that combines LEGO bricks, classroom-friendly software, and engaging projects to develop science practices in students. The medium motor in the WeDo 2.0 Core set can be programmed to turn clockwise and counter-clockwise and to move at different power levels. The motor's direction can be toggled remotely, and its power can be adjusted using the Motor Power Block. The WeDo 2.0 app also includes a project on building a steerable vehicle using just one motor, which can be enhanced with additional sensors and programming.

Using the Motor Power Block to make the motor turn at different speeds

The Motor Power Block is an essential component in controlling the speed of a motor in LEGO WeDo projects. By adjusting the settings within this block, you can make the motor turn at various speeds, allowing for precise control over the movement of your LEGO creations. Here's a detailed guide on how to use the Motor Power Block to achieve different speeds:

Understanding the Motor Power Block

The Motor Power Block is a programming block used in LEGO WeDo software to control the power and speed of motors. It is a fundamental component in bringing your LEGO creations to life and enabling them to move. The Motor Power Block can be adjusted to set the desired speed and direction of the motor.

Adjusting Motor Speed

To make the motor turn at different speeds, you can modify the values within the Motor Power Block. The speed of a motor is typically represented as a percentage, with higher values indicating faster speeds. For example, a speed of 50% would be slower than a speed of 80%. You can experiment with different speed values to find the desired speed for your project.

Impact of Motor Speed on Direction

It's important to note that the speed values you set in the Motor Power Block also influence the direction in which the motor turns. Positive speed values will turn the motor forward, while negative values will turn it backward. This is crucial in controlling the movement of your LEGO creation.

Applying Different Motor Speeds

Now, let's explore how you can use different motor speeds in your projects. Suppose you are building a race car with LEGO WeDo. You can adjust the Motor Power Block to make the car move at different speeds. For instance, setting the motor power to 10 will make the car move faster than setting it to 5.

Investigating Speed Factors

You can also investigate the impact of motor speed on your creation's performance. For example, with your race car, you can test how changing the motor power affects its speed over a fixed distance. By running multiple tests with different motor power settings, you can observe the relationship between motor speed and the time it takes for the car to complete the course.

Fine-Tuning Motor Speed

To fine-tune the motor speed, you can make small adjustments to the values in the Motor Power Block. For instance, if your race car is consistently finishing a course too slowly, you can increase the motor power by a small amount, such as 5 or 10, and observe the impact on its performance. This iterative process will help you find the optimal speed for your creation.

Combining Motor Speed with Other Factors

Remember that motor speed is just one factor affecting your creation's performance. Other elements, such as wheel size, weight, and aerodynamics, also come into play. You can experiment with different combinations of these factors to optimize your creation's speed and performance. For example, you might find that larger wheels and increased motor power result in significantly faster speeds for your race car.

Building a steerable remote-controlled vehicle with just one motor

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary LEGO® elements and ensure you have a clear workspace. The specific pieces required will depend on the vehicle's design, but make sure you have a good assortment of bricks, wheels, axles, and other connective pieces. It is also essential to have a LEGO® motor, which will serve as the power source for your vehicle.

Once you have your pieces, start by building the body of the vehicle. This will be the foundation of your project, so ensure it is sturdy and stable. You can design your vehicle however you like, but a typical car or rally car shape is a good starting point. Remember to leave space for the motor and ensure that the wheels are securely attached and can turn freely.

Now, it's time to add the motor. The LEGO® medium motor is a suitable option, as it can be programmed to turn clockwise and counter-clockwise and can be attached to axles or other LEGO® elements. Connect the motor to the vehicle's power source, such as a battery pack, and test to ensure it is functioning correctly.

With the motor in place, you can now focus on steering. To make your vehicle steerable with just one motor, you will need to create a mechanism that transfers power from the motor to the wheels while allowing for turning. One way to achieve this is by using a differential, which will distribute power to the wheels while permitting them to turn at different speeds, enabling steering.

Finally, you will need a way to control your vehicle remotely. You can use the LEGO® Technic CONTROL+ app, which allows you to control your vehicle's movement, including steering, acceleration, and braking. The app also provides real-time feedback, such as power usage and driving distance.

With these steps, you can build a steerable remote-controlled vehicle with just one motor. Remember to be creative and adapt your design as needed. Enjoy the building process and the thrill of seeing your creation in motion!

Changing the motor rotation direction

The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core set includes a medium motor that can be programmed to turn clockwise and counter-clockwise and to move at different power levels. Axles or other LEGO system bricks and elements can be attached to the motor. The WeDo 2.0 app includes a complete project called "Steer" that demonstrates how to build a steerable remote-controlled vehicle with just one motor. The vehicle moves in a straight line when driving forward and turns when driving backward.

The motor rotation direction can be toggled remotely using the iPad app by writing a Scratch program. This can be achieved by using the Motor Power Block to make the motor turn at different speeds. The fan model included in the WeDo 2.0 lesson plan can be used to demonstrate this concept. The program will make the fan turn at a motor power of 2, which can be adjusted by changing the number on the Motor Power Block.

Another option for building a steerable vehicle with just one motor is to use a system of gears to alternately drive the left or right wheel of a differential drive robot, depending on the turning direction of the motor. This can be achieved by using the gearing system to get an appropriate speed for one of the front wheels, while the other front wheel is unpowered and can only rotate forward by adding a ratchet. The back wheel remains unpowered, allowing the vehicle to move in a straight line when driving forward and turn when driving backward.

Building a race car

Building the Race Car

Start by familiarising yourself with the WeDo 2.0 set and sorting the bricks. The drive module for the race car uses a pulley system, which can be assembled in two different positions: the reduced speed position (small pulley and large pulley) or the normal speed position (large pulley to large pulley). Follow the building instructions provided in the WeDo 2.0 software or online to assemble the race car.

Programming the Race Car

The race car can be programmed to calculate time. Place your hand in front of the car before starting the program. The program will display "0" and wait for the start signal. When you remove your hand, the program will turn on the motor, go to maximum power, and repeat, adding "1" to the display. The loop will continue until the end of the race, when the motor will turn off. Ensure that you put your hand in front of the car before executing the program.

Testing and Investigating Speed Factors

Maintain the same setup throughout the test to isolate one element at a time. Keep the start line at a consistent distance from the finish line, which can be a wall or a box. The distance between the start and finish lines should be greater than 2.5 yards (2 meters). Test the race car with different wheel sizes, motor power, and pulley configurations to observe the impact on speed.

Documenting and Presenting Results

Encourage students to document their project through various methods, such as screen captures, real-life image comparisons, and videos. They can also collect data in charts or spreadsheets and graph the results of their tests. In their presentations, students should discuss the elements that influence car speed, such as larger tires, stronger motors, and greater motor power, leading to higher speeds.

Customisation and Further Exploration

You can customise your race car and program it to avoid obstacles or even remote control it using the WeDo app. Additionally, students can design and build their own ultimate race cars, applying their findings to make them as fast as possible. Organise a race to see whose car is the fastest!

Building a cooling fan

In this lesson, students will learn about the Motor Power Block and how to make it turn at different speeds. They will be introduced to the story of Max and Mia, who need to build a fan to cool down their science lab. The building instructions for the fan model will be provided, and students will be guided through the process of connecting the model to their device and programming it to turn at different speeds.

Materials Needed

• LEGO® Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set
• WeDo 2.0 Software or Programming App
• Smarthub with fresh batteries or a charged Smarthub Rechargeable Battery

Building the Fan

Students should follow the provided building instructions to construct the fan model. The building time may vary depending on the students' prior knowledge of building with LEGO® bricks. It is recommended to ensure that the Smarthub has fresh batteries or that the Smarthub Rechargeable Battery is charged before beginning.

Connecting the Model

Connect the fan model to your device. To make it easier for students to connect to the correct Smarthub, it is suggested to name the Smarthubs (e.g., WeDo001, WeDo002) prior to the lesson. This can be done in the connection center.

Programming the Fan

The program will make the fan turn at a motor power of 2. Create the program by dragging and dropping the relevant program block(s) onto the screen. Press the default motor power (8) and change it to 2. Press the yellow Start Block to run the program.

Extension Task

As an optional extension, students can investigate additional ways to use the Motor Power Block. They can make the fan turn at different speeds by changing the number on the Motor Power Block. They can also explore how the fan behaves when adding several Motor Power Blocks with different speed levels.

Assessment

Students should be able to explain how the program works and the function of the fan. They should also be able to answer questions about the different program blocks and their impact on the fan's behaviour.

Frequently asked questions