My students need an EV3 LEGO Robot as a tool for mastering skills related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will also use it for FLL competitions.
Learning is doing in my classroom. Students get to apply their developing knowledge of mathematics and science using technology. We use hands-on materials that often leave us so engrossed (and thus surprised) at the end of the period. Sometimes, we find ourselves saying..."Oh-we have to go?!"
My school is a 600 student public middle school in a rural area.
Over 50% take advantage of free or reduced lunch. Nevertheless, students respond to our enthusiastic, caring teachers and staff. Our school's theme is Everyday Heroes. Students are reminded of the importance of working hard and being a good citizen. Students get multiple opportunities to get involved in community projects (cleanup days at parks, singing at convalescent centers, etc.)
I wide variety of after-school programs are offered. Our school offers participation in over 20 clubs and team. But, we also offer programs for students who can't seem to keep up academically. Administrators,Teachers and Staff donate an afternoon and some Saturdays for students who need an extra guidance/tutoring.
I established an after school program in 2007-8 centered around public robotics competitions. We started with 3 NXT LEGO Mindstorms Robots (funded through a grant I wrote). Students responded well to being able to program robotics.
My Project
My students need an EV3 LEGO Robot as a tool for mastering skills related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will also use it for FLL competitions. Once the students receive the Lego EV3 Robotics kit:
a) They will Inventory the 541 piece kit. They will be introduced to the interactive software that comes with the kit.
b) They will follow 46 visual steps to create the "Driving Base". It will have 2 drive wheels, a dummy wheel, 100 Lego's and a microprocessor "brick".
c) They will learn the versatility of the brick by using the display screen, the sounds elements, the jacks for inputs/outputs, and the USB cord that allow students to program the robot.
d) Next, they will be introduced to the Sensors available to make the robot respond to its environment and, thus, make it more human-like in its interactions. They will learn to use the Gyro Sensor, the Touch Sensor, the Light Sensor, and the Ultrasonic Sensor.
e) They will experience lessons with the robot daily.
f) In 1st 3 (of the 6) weeks class, students will apply math principles of distance and angular measurement, as well as, science principles of threshold and sound.
You can make a difference by helping us to continue pioneering engaging ways to educate students.
Not only will they continue to develop STEM (Sci./Tech./Eng./Math.) skills, they will get a window into the many opportunities a STEM-based career offers. This will be a major opportunity for them.
Middle school students need to learn persistence and problem solving analysis as both life & work skills. The immediate feedback of a programmable robot provides just this. The new EV3 robot will help us continue this educational journey.
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