GOAL:
The technology department will empower students to realize their full potential by enhancing their 21St Century skills, talents, and unique abilities. Robotics will use a project based approach to improve the ability of a student to problem solve using technology while encouraging creativity and a positive work ethic.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Robotics fosters the 21st century skills by engaging students in complex, strategic problem-solving activities that requires higher-order thinking. The course is designed to emphasize core computer programming logic and reasoning skills while getting students to think about the patterns and structure of programming. Students work in cooperative groups to go through a sequence of hands-on problem-based learning activities. Students will document mastery to these essential skills by producing educational videos explaining the design loop.
Those who already have some computer skills at the beginning of the course are expected to help their teammates by passing on their knowledge to the other students. My hope is that every student will work on developing the ability to teach each other and cooperate in the kind of team environment that is necessary in all real-world technology projects.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Brainstorming & Discussion: planning/storyboarding, analyze design
- Skill Demonstration: robot function, video production & editing
- Construct a robot: design & building a prototype, evaluating & revising
- Create a video: pre-production, production, & editing
GRADING:
Students will be assessed using the following indicators to determine proficiencies and degree to which the student met the goals and requirements of the course:
- Participation: Group discussions, team activities, required classwork
- Checks for understanding and demonstration of skills
- Projects: Robot development, video creation
Labs = 45% Final Project = 25% Classwork/Participation = 30%