Teachers who are looking for a project idea should consider using Robots in the classroom.
Robotics is one of the fasting growing industries and most advanced technology being used in education, research and many industries. For example, the new all-electric Tesla automobiles are being made primarily by robots in Fremont California. Robots are used now by Amazon for organizing shipments of merchandise and by Hospitals for sensitive medial operations. Robots are often used in situations like rescue and bomb removal operations to avoid human casualties. One only needs to look to the Tesla factory video to see “robots” are here in a big way, and here to stay. The updated Information and Communication Technologies standards includes robots in the Software and Systems Development Pathway.
The C-STEM Center at UC Davis has developed some very innovative and advanced curriculum around robots called “Linkbots.” You could use the $50,000 to buy robots and curriculum and also get professional development to help you understand how using robotics can help engage your students in ways that help them understand common core subjects like math and algebra. The goal of the C-STEM Center is to provide computing education for all K-12 students and develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills through integrated computing and STEM education. Contact Professor Harry Cheng by email at: hhcheng@ucdavis.edu if you would like to know more about new curriculum that uses robots.
Another option to explore is a “box” of robots a teacher could purchase with grant funds that includes curriculum to help guide in the development of a new course. While it might seem “expensive” to some, my personal favorite tool to teach the concepts of computer science would be the NAO robot. Remember these are the types of technology tools that are essential for preparing students for 21st Century careers. Robots are used by Exploring Computer Science (LEGO) and by Project Lead the Way (VEX).
RobotsLAB has developed a RobotsLAB BOX for teaching math and science using a variety of robots. The NAO humanoid robot is used to teach computer science concepts and can be used to engage and attract Special populations into ICT pathways. For more information about types of robots that are available, contact Elad Inbar of RobotsLAB by email at: elad@robotslab.com or by phone at: 415-702-3033.