Well, I'm not a programmer (I took Pascal in college a long time ago) so take what I say in that light but I have to respectfully disagree w/ your friend. NXT-G is graphical programming interface. There are blocks that represent if-then, or, and, you have sequences which run in parallel, you have global variables, counters, etc. the child still must understand the logic in order to use the blocks. The platform is based on LabView which is used around the world, from what I understand, by real engineers everyday. It's developed and used by the Carnegie Melon Institute. the NXT brick supports several text based languages (derivatives of C, C+, NXC, etc) such that the child can move forward from the graphical interface to a text-based language. however, many of the adults at NXTStep blog still use NXT-G with amazing results. I think those that get into the adult level, nitty gritty stuff (programming the NXT to solve a Rubics cube or to play chess) must go into a text-based language.

I believe Carnegie Mellon will give students a very-reduced price copy of LabView once they've outgrown NXT-G. that software allows you to write your own blocks for NXT brick. In NXT-G you can group blocks together and create what are called My Blocks such that you don't have to keep writing that same bit of code.

there is a program out there I think that allows you to w/ one click, change your graphical program to text allowing one to see the direct connection. NXT-G doesn't allow that at this time.

I think IT IS a child primer to computer programming. I've seen several posts by kids who are ready to move beyond NXT-G and are asking which text-based language to move to.

Personally, I wouldn't jump into a team first either but that's just me. It's more of a family thing at this point.

[quote]Well, I'm not a programmer [/quote.....but you play one on T.V.! Hee hee.

But, seriously Dazey, you may not be a programmer, but you are very knowlegable about this product and what it can and cannot do. I appreciate this, because I was ready to write it off as not what we are looking for after talking to my friend. And we are not engineers, my husband is the math person, corporate finance.
However, DD8 has some very good math aptitude and has always seemed to like the engineer-type toys/activities that are available. She really likes the Omnifix cubes from Didax. She's using the 3D problem solving book. She really liked drawing 3D stuctures on the grid and isometric paper. Since I don't have an engineering mindset, I'm always looking to people that do when trying to support her interests.
This is what I was thinking of purchasing:

http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detai...amp;t=0&l=0

It looks almost the same as your link, but more expensive. I have to take a closer look to see if it's the same.

Incogneato - i'm looking into that software further. It's complicated lol. There are two versions of NXT-G. ONe for the retail market and one for the schools. The one for the retail market has 4 robots you build and program. the one for the school market actually has a tutorial which takes you step by step through all the blocks and simple programming. You can buy the School NXT-G for $20 which I did.

OK, now there is a software package for schools which is $255. I just noticed yesterday that a very similar looking package is now being sold for the homeschool market and it's $40 or something. I'm in the process of trying to find out how this pkg differs from that sold ot school. It seems to be only a single user license w/ no other differences. I want to know how that software differs from the tutorial in NXT-G which ships w/ the school kits. If you give me a day, I'll be happy to research this and report back. I don't want you invest money on something you don't need.

You are too kind, will be eternally grateful!!!!!!!!!!!

The LEGO ed NXT is more expensive than the retail version b/c it comes bundled w/ the chargeable battery. If you go this route, be forwarned that many of the books which give building instructions (BIs) for robots, don't include the rechargeable battery which adds extra thickness to the NXT Brick so you might have to modify a few designs or else just switch to regular batteries for that particular model.

I see. So the package selling for homeschool use does have a battery? The link is from the Lego education site. I didn't see that in the description. This is a little confusing, where can I get more detailed descriptions. If we are going to spend the money, what's a few more bucks for the battery, I guess. Sorry for being pesty, I'm like a dog with a bone, I know..

Yes it does, on the 2nd line it says "rechargeable lithium battery and charger" http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detail.aspx?pl=6&ID=1303&c=0&t=0&l=0

It also comes w/ an extra touch sensor as well as converter cables for using legacy sensors (those from RCX system).

I'm almost certain http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detai...;l=0&bhcp=1 is the same as the above, just the software (which by itself costs $49. That software is NOT the same as the software for the NXT brick. THat software is called NXT-G. the plane old NXT LEGO ed kit Z979797 for $260 does NOT come w/ software since they are assuming a site license. You can buy the single user software license of NXT-G for $69.

Confused yet?

that's hwy I say call your local LEGO Ed rep and have him/her send you a catalogue...much easier.

Ahhhhh, thanks!
I think you have me in the right direction. I will get the catalogue.
Me, confused? Slightly, but I do some of my best work when I'm confused.

Thanks again,
Neato

To everyone here, I can not stress enough to call your local LEGO Education rep and get a catalogue.

There is so much more in it. If you like Kelly's Mayan Adventure, he wrote 3 more mysteries for the classroom but done equally well at home called Mystery Warehouse part 1, part 2 and part 3.

There is a new set coming out "Gearing Up for Programming and Engineering" "Gearing up for the International Space Station" "gearing up for the Mars Madness" and "Gearing up for the Return to the Moon." There is a NXT competition (FLL) book, a Compass experiment book. there is "Physics by Design" which uses Robolab (not NXT-G) and RCS and NXT to look at physics concepts. Eric Wang has a new one which NXT only "Engineering w/ LEGO Bricks and Robolab" the unofficial guide to Robolab. Robolab was thought to be on it's way out w/ the RCX but then LEGO ED upgraded it. It's a graphical interface similar ot NXT-G, some think it's more robust and easier to use.

On the science end of things, there is the Motorized simple machines kit w/ activity pack to guide you; the Elementary Engineering 1 and 11 workbook and teachers guide to go along w/ the MOtorized simple machines. There is the "Big Picture: Pulley's/wheels and axles teacher pack" for use w/ Motorized simple machines. there is also one for gears/levers.

Another book i'll likely get now is "Brick Layers II" this book is written to be used w/ LEGO Motorized simple machines. explore areas of mechanical engineering through simple and and structural engineering as they look at the special properties of certain shapes that make them useful in construction (level: intermediate to middle school).



OH I totally forgot about this. If you want to get your feet wet w/ these LEGO simple machines kit, try the LEGO KLutz kit for $19.99. I got mine at Barnes and Noble. it's a 60pc set and you make some cool gizmos.

Is it the Lego Crazy Action Contraptions?

I've really been interested in this thread because I think my DS7 would absolutely LOVE the NXT but I'm afraid to try it because of the expense. Something like the simple machines kit might be a great place to start and I wanted to make sure I found the right one. Thanks!