Treffer: Teaching Basic Python Programming Using the LEGO Mindstorms Robot

This senior independent study focuses on the educational potential of hands-on activities using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot. The paper describes the history of the LEGO Mindstorms collection, focusing on the capabilities of the LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Core Set. It starts with a discussion of how to operate the LEGO programmable brick, the sensors, and the motors included in the set. It implements the programs using Visual Studio Code's EV3 MicroPython extension and describes various functions in the classes that the extension supports. This is followed by several activities written in EV3 MicroPython that investigate the capabilities of the robot using two different robot models. The paper also includes a discussion of artificial intelligence and chatbots, including the history of each, modern chatbots, chatbot software, and two chatbot implementations. The chatbot programs' goal is to provide assistance in operating the Mindstorms robot and MicroPython.