Brainstorming Equipment

Brainstorming Equipment

I just completed delivery of a discovery based learning course on donation robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3. I was thrilled at the outcome, and I want to share the exercise with you.

Our adventure started with the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) 2019-2020 challenge: City Shaper. I’ll share that with you, but in another post. Suffice to say that the student who created the donation robot had a basic experience in using the large motors to move forward and make turns, and the medium motor to nudge objects into place and lift levers and bars.

At Brickersville, the space where I work, play and commune, we have long wanted to have a donation robot. I have an amusing story to tell even about the concept of a donation robot, but that too, will have to wait.

So we brainstormed what we knew about robots, what we thought we might want our robot to have. When you’re inventing, you can go outside the realm of your known world, and try to come up with new things.

Here’s a photo of our brainstorming session documented.

Equipment for Running a Brainstorming Session

When you run a brainstorming session, you will need some tools. It can be done without, but those who have been through other sessions, might look for them.

A large pad Post-its 25″ x “38”.

Lots of smaller Post-its in different colors. I buy the colorful packs such as the ones below. However, if you find that your budget is tight, check out your local trade shows. They often have post-it giveaways!

Black sharpies for each person in the room.

An extra thick Sharpie for the facilitator!

Once you have your equipment, you will need to have some questions that might trigger thought. I will explore that in my next post: Brainstorming questions for making a donation robot.

Squigglemom, Trish Tsoiasue, is an advocate of the Maker Movement, Discovery Based Learning, LEGO(r) Serious Play and Creative Problem Solving.