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FORM 3 NXT MINDSTORMS KIT PRACTICAL TASK
TEACHERS’ NOTE
This practical component carries 15% of the Form 3 Annual Examination assessment and
consists of a task in which an NXT contraption is programmed using the computer system. It is
expected that each student produces his/her own work, even though groups of two/three students
working on separate PCs will need to share one kit/contraption. The teacher may consider
having different models constructed, so that students could have a wider choice of tasks to
choose from.
The task is to be word processed and printed for moderation purposes. The documentation
should also include the student’s details and the completed marking scheme available at the end
of this section. Teachers (and students) may opt to use a presentation software instead of a word
processor provided that all previously mentioned requisites are included as hardcopies. The use
of the presentation is to be encouraged so that at the very end of this practical component (and if
the time frame permits), students may present their tasks to the other groups. Keep in mind that
excessive length of the documentation will NOT contribute to a better mark. It is however
imperative that the content listed hereunder is included and that it is clearly and visibly indicated.
It is expected that teachers provide students with suggestions and guidance in the choice of the
task and to guide them towards problems that:
Meet their abilities;
Can be reasonably carried out within the set time frame and with the hardware
available.
The teacher may also accept any other task suggested by the students provided it is within the
students’ capabilities and will be finished within the set time frame.
Teachers are to avoid setting tasks with excessively complex contraptions. It is also imperative
that teachers provide students with either a partially-completed or pre-assembled contraption.
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CONTENT OF DOCUMENTATION
Problem Definition
This should take the form of a short paragraph clearly stating the aim of the task and any other
relevant details to help understand the assigned task.
I/O Device Requirements
This section need only consist of two separate lists, one for the input devices and the other for
the output devices that shall be used in the implementation of the assigned task. The student
must justify why the particular devices were chosen. The task assigned to the student must
include the use of:
o At least two output devices from: Motor, Screen display (on brick) and
Loudspeaker (sound from brick), lamp.
o At least two input devices from: Ultrasonic sensor, Sound sensor, Touch
sensor and Light sensor.
Algorithm Design
(When the teacher is preparing the student’s tasks he/she should ensure that each task shall
include the three basic constructs.)
This section consists of a flowchart/s (or pseudocode) of the solution to the assigned task. The
flowchart/pseudocode should clearly show the three basic algorithmic constructs, namely, the
Sequence, Selection and Repetition. The assigned task may include multiple use (or nesting) of
the three constructs.
Program Printout
A screenshot (or File/Print) of the program. The printout should also contain ‘inline’
documentation using the Comment Tool available in the toolbar. The comments should provide a
generic understanding of how the program functions and clearly identify and indicate:
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o The sequence, selection and looping constructs;
o The end conditions of loop/s.
Evidence of the Solution
As evidence that the solution to the problem tackled was successful, it is suggested that at least
two different photos of the contraption while the program is running be included. It is also
suggested that the photos are taken by the students themselves. A short appropriate caption
above/beneath each photo explaining the action of the gadget at the instant the photo was taken,
should be included.
Evaluation
A short paragraph/s explaining:
o any restrictions/limitations that the student encountered during the design and/or
programming stages;
o any possible improvements to the gadget, design and/or program.
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FORM 3 NXT MINDSTORMS TASK
MARKING SCHEME
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT MAX MARK ACTUAL MARK
Problem Definition 4
I/O Device Requirements
Two input devices and justification 3
Two output devices and justification 3
Algorithm Design 6
Program Printout 6
Evidence of Solution 4
Evaluation
Limitations 2
Improvements 2
Total/30 30
TOTAL/15 (rounded to nearest integer) 15
Guidelines for awarding marks:
Problem Definition [4]: Student’s Name:
A complete and clear aim – 2 marks;
Additional relevant details – 2 marks.
I/O Device requirements [6]:
_____________________________
Input devices:
Mentioning at least two devices – 1 mark; Class:
Justification ( 1 mark each device) – 2 marks.
Output devices:
Same as for Input devices – 3 marks. ____________________________
Algorithm Design [6]:
Use of the 3 constructs (1 mark each) – 3 marks; Teacher’s Name:
Correct use of symbols/keywords – 1 mark;
Correct logic – 2 mark.
Program Printout [6]: _____________________________
Program reflecting the design – 2 marks;
Comments identifying the selection and
looping constructs – 2 marks;
Signature:
Comments explaining other strategic
sections of the program – 2 marks _____________________________
Evidence of Solution [4]:
At least 2 photos (1 mark each) – 2 marks;
Captions explaining photos (1 mark each) – 2 marks.
Evaluation [4]:
Explanation of limitations – 2 marks; Date: _______________________
Explanation of improvements – 2 marks.
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