Required Equipment*
*Nebraska 4-H does not promote any product listed below. The products listed above are suggestions for our groups based on what we have found to work the best in our past experiences.
Clubs will need this equipment to complete the GEAR-Tech-21 activites:
| Required Equipment | First Activity Needed | |
|---|---|---|
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Computer with Internet connection – Laptops or desktops are acceptable. Macs or PCs both work for most activities. ArcGIS and the LabView Robot Remote Control software are not Mac compatible. |
All (PC required for GPS/GIS activities starting with Basics of GIS, 1st year, March.) |
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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Base Set – (#9797) This piece of equipment will give the youth the pieces and parts they need to build their robots. The kit includes 431 pieces to create and imagine with. For more information, visit LEGO® Education.
Groups purchasing multiple kits may be interested in MINDSTORMS® Education Multi Student and Value Pack. We recommend two youth per robotics kit. |
Simplebot (1st year, October) |
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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education NXT Software 2.0 - This software is NOT included with the NXT kit and must be purchased separately. This will allow the youth to program their robots. For more information, visit LEGO® Education This software includes a teaching element (tutorials, expanded help section, etc.) that the commercial version does not include. The software is Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Vista compatible. |
Simplebot (1st year, October) |
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GPS Units - We suggest the Garmin eTrex® H due to its size and ease of use. This is ideal for youth just beginning to learn how to use a GPS unit as the instructions and icons are straight forward and easy to understand. | Triangulation and Space |
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Google Earth - Google Earth lets youth view anywhere on Earth with satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean right from their computers. The basic version of Google Earth is available for free download. The professional version of this software allows youth to import information from a GPS unit and view it on the map. To use Google Earth Pro, please contact our staff for additional information. |
Free version - Virtual World Google Earth Pro - Mapping with GPS
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ESRI’s ArcGIS ArcView software - geographic information system (GIS) software for visualizing, managing, creating, and analyzing geographic data. Using ArcView, youth can create maps, understand the geographic context of data, and see relationships and identify patterns in new ways. Clubs can obtain this software by applying for a grant from ESRI. Information will be published on ESRI's Website on October 1, 2009. The application deadline will be December 1, 2009. |
Basics of GIS |
