Before you start writing your own programs, you need to do some planning:

  1. Decide what you want the program to do.
  2. Plan the program
    1. Develop the logic of the program
    2. Make a flowchart on paper
  3. Write the program on the computer

Get a stopwatch from http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/stopwatch/ 

Challenge 5 - Desert Race (3 hours)

Read the article about the US Mojave Desert robot race. Read more about it at http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994774

Race through the 'desert' by placing obstacles along a route and program your bots to race through it.

Score: 1st 10 points, 2nd 8 points, 3rd 6 points, completion - 4 points
 

Challenge 6 - Clear the Building (3 hours)

Robots are often used in places where it it too dangerous for people to go.  In this challenge, mark out an area about 1 metre across.  Place 2 objects (eg Yowies) in random positions within the area.  Also in the area place the robolab soccer ball - it is the bomb.  Your challenge is to use your robot to rescue the objects and move them out of the area without touching the bomb. The robot that rescues them in the fastest time is the winner.

Score: 1st 10 points, 2nd 8 points, 3rd 6 points, completion - 4 points

Challenge 7 – Robot Wars (3 hours)

Challenge another team’s robot by fighting on the island. The robot that stays alive on the island in the best condition wins.

Score: 1st 10 points, 2nd 8 points, 3rd 6 points, participation - 4 points