Everyday I seem to be kicking myself that I didn't study computer science. I stare blankly at my screen and wish I could design an application then and there to work with my iPhone or some part of the Google monolith to do as I command. But, this geeky Arts major Dad is left to tinker with html, design websites using WordPress templates and reading books on CSS to try and learn a little more gain a semblance control over his digital life.
It is that experience that has me so interested in this new beginner;s guide to building and programming robots from No Starch Press. *The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Discovery Book *should come with every Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Kit. The author, Laurens Valk, has written a book for noobs. You need no experience with programming, in fact you need no experience with Lego (if there is indeed people out there who haven't experienced Lego).
I have used Mindstorms in the classroom with children of a wide range of ages, but what I have mostly found is that the children aged 11 and 12 really engage with the Mindstorms programming environment. They want to manipulate and change the way their robot interacts with the world like they have dominion over their own mini-Cylon. But, as I am not a programmer and can only follow the basics as presented in the standard designs and programs they have had limited support and used a lot of trail and error. This is where this Discovery Book comes in handy.
The book not only talks you through the programming environment, it introduces basic programming theory and concepts. It starts with developing the most basic of programs, but also suggests other things students and users might like to try. It is not simply an instruction manual, it is a book to facilitate learning and understanding.
The text is well laid-out and easy to read, the images are familiar young people as they look like the countless number of Lego instruction manuals they have used before. And, while it has robots to build, this is not just a series of models and programs to build. I am looking forward to this book providing both the skills and knowledge and the inspiration for some original and unique Mindstorms creations.
For beginners wanting to do more with their Mindstorms NXT 2.0, for parents wanting to better support their children's learning or teachers keen to introduce robotics but don't know where to start - this is a good place. It feels more manageable than many of the great Mindstroms websites out there which can be both overwhelming and intimidating.
It doesn't seem to be available as an e-book yet, but it is well worth the cover price if you are wanting to help educate the next generation of programmers and coders at home or in the classroom.
Publisher: No Starch Press
Cost: $29.95
Wired: A book that starts with the basics, teaching concepts.
Tired: An e-book version?
