Construction Projects
LEGOs appeal to a wide range of people because there are no limits to what you can do with them. This freedom often creates a unique kind of challenge: discovering what, out of all the possibilities, you should build. This part of the site shows you some interesting examples to help get you thinking in new and creative ways. Discovering new uses for LEGO parts is one of the best things about playing with LEGOs.

The projects gathered here are divided into groups of difficulty, with 1 gear being easy, 2 gears being medium and 3 gears being the most challenging.

NOTE: Some of the projects presented here require some parts that are not included in the standard Mindstorms kit. One affordable way to acquire specialized parts is through Bricklink, the undisputed king of LEGO parts auctions.

Coat Hanger Daredevil
A small project from the LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions book - explores basic construction techniques usings beams and pins, and results in a model that is quite fun to play with.
Twirp
A miniature biped walker designed by James Loewen and published on Lugnet. James also posted photos of his creation on Brickshelf.
Tank drive robot (part of a construction lesson on bracing)
The 2002 Hacienda HardHats started with a design very similar to this one for their robot that they eventually took to the SJUSD regional tournament. This makes a good first robot for teams to use in exploring some of the building and programming concepts that are needed for FLL challenges.
Dual differential drive (part of an advanced lesson on gears)
Inspired by a design in the Ferrari book this complex geartrain is a rather impressive example of what you can do with LEGOs.
Small dual differential drive
Here is another dual differential design that results in a robot with a lower center of gravity than the one presented above.
Compact dual differential drive
Our third and final attempt to build the "perfect" dual differential drivetrain.
Crater Kids 2003 FLL Robot
The robot the Crater Kids used in the 2003 challenge: Mission Mars.

Copyright © 2003, Hacienda Robotics Program.