Students apply their knowledge of constructing and programming LEGO MINDSTORMS (TM)NXT robots to create sumobots - strong robots capable of pushing other robots out of a ring. To meet the challenge, groups follow the steps of the engineering design process and consider robot structure, weight and gear ratios in their designs to make their robots push as hard as possible to force robot opponents out of the ring. A class competition serves as the final test to determine the best designed robot, illustrating the interrelationships between designing, building and programming. This activity gives students the opportunity to be creative as well as have fun applying and combining what they have learned through the previous activities and lessons in this and prior units in the series. A PowerPoint (tm) presentation, pre/post quizzes and a worksheet are provided.

"The website includes clusters of task-based lessons and examples of tasks that fit within each of Willis’ (1996) six types of tasks. The LCD Group is also dedicated to promoting intercultural communicative competence (see Foundations section) in the second language classroom and has included a section of activity ideas and lesson plans to demonstrate how intercultural themes can be embedded in and complement second language instruction."

"This module - consisting of 49 lesson plans, a personal dictionary, a personal language portfolio, a video located on Youtube, and handouts, worksheets, and other materials to support implementation of the lessons - was developed to support teachers in introducing learners to the French language using a task-based approach. It is assumed that the learners participating in this module will have had minimal exposure to the French language and, therefore, emphasis has been placed upon developing learners’ vocabulary, foundational communicative skills, willingness to take risks in communicating in a second language, and awareness about linguistic and cultural difference. The module could be used with any beginner group of young French language learners[.]"

Students are introduced to the concepts of torque, power, friction and gear ratios. Teams modify two robotic LEGO® MINDSTORMS® vehicles by changing their gear ratios, wheel sizes, weight and engine power, while staying within a limit of points to spend on modifications. The robots face each other on a track with a string attaching one to the other. The winning robot, the one with the best adjustments, pulls the other across the line.

Students will learn and review common facts about Iowa agriculture, including historical figures, scientific facts, and agriculture related careers.