Tower Toppler Lesson Key Concepts

Turn Thymio into a tower-toppling robot and explore how robotics, design, and problem-solving work together! This lesson focuses on building, testing, and improving using Thymio and simple materials:

• Build LEGO towers of different sizes and structures.
• Use Thymio with remote control to knock down towers.
• Test how design and height affect stability and toppling.
• Advanced: Add LEGO attachments to improve pushing power.
• Advanced: Try to knock down multiple towers in a row.

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will:

1. Build towers using LEGO in different sizes and shapes.
2. Test Thymio’s ability to knock down each tower.
3. Improve their design or robot setup to be more effective.
4. Challenge themselves to knock down multiple towers in one run.

By the end of this lesson, students will understand how structure, force, and design affect stability and performance.

Important Notes:

Do not use extra motors or electronic parts. Only use Thymio and simple LEGO modifications.

Tips for this Lesson:

1. Start with smaller towers before building taller ones.
2. Test different shapes to see what falls easier.
3. Add front attachments to help push towers more effectively.
4. Aim carefully to hit the base of the tower.

Products/Materials

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

FUN FACT!

Did you know that engineers test structures by applying force to see how they fail? This helps them design stronger buildings, bridges, and towers in the real world!

Download the Lesson PDF Files Below:

Check out the video tutorial/solutions below: