Robotics

I went to a paid session on Monday regarding the use of Lego’s Mindstorms. I was really directed at younger kids (the model which the presenters used was for 5th graders), but I saw some serious potential for crossover into the middle school. The basic model they used required maybe a week to introduce the basics of motion and sensors, and aspects of programming. The programming interface has lots of similarities to Scratch and is pretty easy to teach and to pick up on. The problem solving needed to make a simple robot excecute simple motions is not overwhelming, but it’s still good. And there are undoubtedly kids who will quickly master the basic and run on to ideas I can’t even think of.
I wonder if this could fit into the middle school math/science curriculum somewhere? Thoughts? Roger Murray? Tamre? Where do we teach Scratch in the middle school?
I happened upon this website which provides a fantastic model for robotics in the middle school. http://inside.catlin.edu/site/msrobotics/
They participate in FIRST FLL in the fall, but have a much more open spring session which gives kids a chance to get the core skills and play. Lots of good ideas, including a Girls Only Day.
I talked to the LEGO reps in the exhibit hall about some resources for mechanical motion. I feel like I need help from someone like Bill to teach my robotics kids the basics of motion (simple machines, complex lever systems).