Each group needs:

• LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot, such as EV3 Core Set (5003400) at https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-mindstorms-education-ev3-core-set/5003400#lego-mindstorms-education-ev3
• LEGO EV3 Intelligent Brick available at https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Mindstorms-EV3-Intelligent-Brick/dp/B00G1L0278
• various rectangular model beams, at least 2 feet long and 1/2 in thick:
• 3 (or more) wooden beams with square cross-sections, one slightly larger than the others
• 1 metal beam (steel or aluminum) with a square cross-section, same size as one of the wooden beams
• 1 cardboard sheet or stiff stationery to fold and create a basket of 4 in × 2 in × 2 in (10.16 cm x 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm) dimensions (Note: The cardboard sheet can be of any size; the dimensions of the basket are what matters.)
• 9 - 18 AA batteries, or small weights (Note: AA batteries for the basket are preferable; however, AAA batteries or any type of weight can be used, as long as the beam deflection is noticeable enough to be read by the ultrasonic sensor.)
• 2 clamps
• 1 ruler or caliper
• tape, scotch or any cellophane type (amount depends on user preference as long as hanging platform is above the EV3 sensor)
• Test-a-Beam Graphing Worksheet, one per student

Note: This activity can also be conducted with the older (and no longer sold) LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set instead of EV3; see below for those supplies:

• LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot, such as the NXT Base Set and the Intelligent Brick