lotsobooks

I am new to this forum and have a question about EV3 vs. previous version Mindstorms sets from an educational perspective. Is there any programming required in order for a robot to move via the remote control features (included remote, iOS devices, android devices, etc.)? I would really hate for kids to not have to learn some programming in order to make their robots do things ...

I bought this set at Brickworld last weekend. Since I am a pretty good LEGO builder, I figured I could throw together a model like the one shown below in a few hours for a teacher professional development workshop I am helping with (we did a section on potential and kinetic energy). I would highly recommend that people heed the "18+" age designation on the front of the box - although I have seen some pictures of box covers which say 16+ which is fine as well. The parts are terrific and work seamlessly with LEGO bricks. The difficulty is that the parts allow for very realistic curves, which makes them a bit tricky to build without much thought. With ball and socket joints, the track can be made to adjust to any angle so that any type of curve is possible. also the cars have metal wheels which roll very nicely along the track. I did not get my demonstration model ready in time for my workshop; however, I will finish it this weekend. I can still show the teachers what I would have brought if I could have gotten it done. I think it will be a great model for the explanations I need to make - plus, I can then keep on going and make a more complete rollercoaster next week Overall, the set allows for very realistic rollercoaster design of all types and is well worth the $100. (There are videos here as well: http://www.thebrickfan.com/roller-coaster-factory-now-available-for-pre-order/)

I have no objection to those over 21 going to the hotel bar and drinking whatever they want. My point is just that if there is to be a sanctioned event, all (even those under 21) should be able to attend.

While I would be against serving alcohol due to the event catering to teens as well as adults, I would agree that using the bar area for sodas and snacks would be a nice way for people to hang out together to unwind.

This was my 4th Brickworld - 3rd as a full registrant. In response to some previous posts, I don't think that the quality of the event can survive a much larger space. With just 2 organizers and a bunch of others who donate their time, it would take a huge increase in price for registrants or major donations in order to hire someone to organize the event. I personally am appreciative of the reasonable price for the event - $60 for 4 days can't be beat for 4 full days of action. Also, the hotel rates were reasonable considering the typical cost of conference and convention hotels is a minimum of $150/day for other conferences and conventions that I attend. A packed smaller venue allows people to run into one another in the ballrooms, elevators and lobby giving people a chance to make new acquaintances. It helped to build a camaraderie among the participants who did not know anyone before attending. As for the Public Day times, we went shopping at a Lego store on Saturday and enjoyed the company of some Chicago-area friends at Brickworld on Sunday. Thank you for the free tickets for our friends. We don't see them very often and to be able to offer them free admission and the ability to go to the front of the line made the visit even more special. The Information Desk was a great idea, although it needed to be staffed more often. That means more people will need to step up to volunteer for a couple of hours here or there to allow for someone to be there the whole time. Also, I found myself being seen as an expert on public days just because I had a badge and nametag:) As long as people who know even a little bit, such as myself, are willing to share that with others, I believe that we can meet the challenge of continuing to make Public Days a success. My only real hang-up is the raffle Thursday through Sunday. (We couldn't stay for the closing ceremonies.) There is no randomness when the tickets were numbered consecutively and the numbers chosen were in blocks of consecutive numbers. One of two things needs to be implemented: 1) mix up all of the tickets before putting them in goody bags, or 2) use a random number generator on Excel (or however you choose to generate random numbers) to pick, say, 20 numbers between 123456 and 234567 (or whatever the numbers were) for each drawing. Also the numbers need to be posted all day for people to check to see if they have won anything instead of having to stand in line to find out they have or have not won and claim their prizes. Then, they can stop by at 9-9:30 or 4-4:30 to claim their prizes. I say all of this even though we ended up winning 5 prizes (on tickets all in sequential order) on Sunday morning. It just seems that more people winning one prize beats one family winning 5 prizes. One last thing: I volunteered to work at the Registration Desk on Friday. The biggest frustration for people picking up their materials up for Light Registration was the lack of a program. It might be helpful to include a piece of paper with the Friday-Sunday schedule on it for them to know what events they could attend. All in all, a great family-friendly event enjoyed by my husband and I, our 13-year-old niece and my 70+-year-old in-laws. Great to have one event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages! Thanks!!!