-  LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^® NXT The Mayan Adventure

(They can all be found at http://www.legoeducation.us/store/default.aspx?CategoryID=178&by=9&c=1)

We bought this one used off Amazon.  We didn't do the missions but did build some of the models  in the book.  It had a great variety of robot bases. 

We hope to explore things like varying wheel sizes, using gears, more about the light sensor, etc.

We used this page from the Carnegie Melon lesson plan-

http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/previews/nxt_products/robotics_eng_vol_1/preview/content/projects/hallbot/forward/wheeldist/index.htm

I created a sheet that the kids used to measure different wheel sizes and calculate the distance.  Then we did it like an algebra problem where I gave them two bits of info and they had to find the third.  Which is bound to happen when programming.

We will likely meet once a week for about 2 hours duing the off-season and we have a division I and a division II group.

I'm hoping to get my group twice a month for this purpose.  Thanks for asking the great questions.  I'm enjoying reviewing the suggestions.  Our weakest area at the tournament was the programming and design.

Brandy