Includes index.

ch. 1. Unboxing the LEGO Mindstorms NXT set. The box : Under the flap ; Opening the box -- The contents : Reading material ; Connector pegs ; 3M connector pegs ; Connector pegs with bushing ; Connector pegs with cross-axle ends ; 2M axle peg ; Connector peg with towball ; 1/2 connector pegs ; Bushings ; Cross axles ; Cross axles with end stops ; Wheels and treads ; Gears ; Teeth ; Balls ; Beams with pegs ; Beams ; Angle beams ; Car parts ; Steering links ; Angle elements ; Cross-axle connectors ; Cross blocks ; More miscellaneous parts ; Peg joiner ; Motors, wires, and sensors ; USB cable ; Mindstorms wires ; The NXT Brick -- ch. 2. Project: Backscratcher Bot. Adding batteries to the NXT Brick -- Parts you need -- Step-by-step assembly instructions -- Programming the Backscratcher Bot -- Running the Backscratcher Bot -- ch. 3. Anatomy of the NXT Brick. The Brick : Buttons ; Ports ; Connector holes ; Reset button -- Menus : My files ; NXT program ; Try me ; The view menu ; NXT datalog ; Settings ; Bluetooth -- Powering your NXT -- Resetting a crash -- Updating NXT firmware -- ch. 4. Introduction to programming. System requirements -- Installing the software : Installing on a PC ; Installing on a Mac -- NXT-G 101 : The programming block ; Commonplace blocks -- Programming the Backscratcher Bot : Create the program ; Connect to the NXT Brick ; Download the program -- ch. 5. Project: Clothesline Cruiser. Parts you need -- Step-by-step instructions -- Programming the Clothesline Cruiser -- Setting up the Clothesline -- What to do with your Cruiser? --

ch. 6. Building stronger models. Use multiple pegs -- Connect each part to as many others as possible -- Reinforce corners with angle beams -- Use combination parts and cross blocks -- Attach cross axles -- Combine technic and system bricks -- Use chassis bricks -- ch. 7. Know your sensors. Mindstorms sensors : Touch sensors ; Ultrasonic sensors ; Color sensors ; Sound sensor ; Motor -- Calibrating sensors -- Third-party sensors : Compass sensor ; Passive infrared (PIR) sensor ; Wi-Fi sensor ; Magnetic sensor ; Flex sensor ; Voltage sensor ; Barometric sensor ; Inertial motion sensor -- ch. 8. Advanced programming. Data wires : Green wires ; Yellow wires ; Orange wires ; Gray wires -- Connecting wires -- Additional blocks : Variable block ; Constant block ; Random block ; Keep alive block ; Light sensor block ; Rotation sensor block ; Display block ; Bluetooth block ; Logic block -- Creating your own blocks -- ch. 9. Project: Rebounder. Parts you need -- Step-by-step instructions -- A note about tank treads -- Programing the Rebounder -- ch. 10. Expanding on Mindstorms. Read blogs : The NXT STEP ; Mindstorms -- Design virtual models -- Attend gatherings : LUGs ; Conventions -- FIRST LEGO League -- Read BrickJournal -- Expand your collection : Bricklink ; Pick a Brick ; LEGO education -- Third-party brick makers : Omni Wheels ; Bricktronics ; Tetrix -- Print your own.