Marble Maze Controller Lesson Key Concepts

Control a marble maze with Thymio and explore how robotics, programming, and problem-solving work together! This multi-part lesson focuses on building, control, and automation:

• Build a marble maze controller using Thymio and LEGO.
• Use a remote control to move the platform and guide the marble.
• Improve control using block programming for smoother movement.
• Progress to Scratch and keyboard control for more precise adjustments.
• Control the maze using a second Thymio robot through wireless communication.
• Advanced: Create a program that can solve a simple maze automatically.

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will:

1. Build a marble maze controller using Thymio and LEGO.
2. Use the remote control to experiment with movement.
3. Create programs to improve control and precision.
4. Control the maze using a second Thymio robot.
5. Develop a system that can solve a simple maze.

By the end of this lesson, students will understand how control systems and programming can be used to solve real-world challenges.

Important Notes:

Start with the platform level before testing. Small adjustments can greatly affect movement.

Tips for this Lesson:

1. Make small movements to control the marble more easily.
2. Test each direction separately before combining controls.
3. Adjust your build to keep the platform balanced.
4. Practice before attempting full maze runs.

Products/Materials

The following products and resources can be used in this lesson:

FUN FACT!

Did you know that similar control systems are used in real machines like cranes and flight simulators? Small movements and precise control help operators guide objects accurately!

Download the Lesson PDF Files Below:

Check out the photo instructions below:

Check out the video tutorial/solutions below:

(For part 4, you will also need to pair two robots to single dongle and download the Aseba program here.