My students need: Arduino boards = brains of robots. HC-SR04 sensors allow robots to see distance to objects and servos provide movement. Breadboards are like spine.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
25+ students are really excited about technology in the Robotics Club. The club started a month ago and the response has been overwhelming. We meet twice a week for an hour. We have shops and labs galore but are running short on robotic components for students' Sumo Bots.
Students at our middle school are exuberant, social, and talented.
Our school is located in Southeast Michigan and serves a diverse student population. Our students respond well to project based learning opportunities. They love building stuff and being social. In the Robotics Club, students build teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity skills while solving robotic challenges. They apply STEM concepts while building and programming robots. Students learn about robotic inputs and outputs by using a variety of motors and sensors. Students will build a greater understanding of the real-world applications of math, science and technology. They will learn that often there is no single right or wrong solution to any robotics challenge. Students will build persistence, creativity, diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
My Project
Students will be building Sumo Bots from scratch. A fellow teacher and I have the perfect set-up. He teaches metal shop, wood shop, and has robotics experience. I have coached robotic teams for 5 years. The students in the Robotics Club have access to the shops and a fully outfitted computer lab. We will be using an iterative design process that includes designing, making, and improving.
Currently, the students have designed Sumo Bots in their groups. They had to consider space requirements, and arranging necessary components to make an operational robot. They have begun drawing the pieces on wood that they will need to cut in the wood shop.
Next steps will be wood shop safety with an introduction to tools and procedures. Student groups will make their pieces and remake them as needed. Once suitable pieces are made, we will bind them together using adhesives and fasteners. Then we will attach robotic components and do some programming. Finally, we improve the robots' performances.
Students will gain exposure to technology that is not present in their classrooms.
They will engage Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills by making robotic systems. Our goal is to prepare students with 21st century skill sets and habits of mind that will help prepare them for an increasingly technical world. Our students do not have access to robotics systems and associated technologies in their lives. We know these students will benefit academically and socially.
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