I teach a 6th grade elective class in robotics at a Title I school. Every quarter, I get a new group of students. About 80-percent of these students live in low socio-economic conditions, yet they come to class excited and eager to learn about the prospects of robotics as it relates to the current and future trends in technology.
Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." In 2016, I was awarded a prize from DonorsChoose fulfilling my request for robotic arms.
My project combined hands-on activities with thought provoking discussions about the future of robotics and artificial intelligence; while maintaining a fun and safe environment that accommodates Universal Design Learning for all kids. The project continues to be widely received and now it is time for me to improve on a successful formula for learning.
If I can teach my students anything at all, it is that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. My goal is to help students make the connection between STEM and the many opportunities it has to offer. Opportunities, I often remind them, that may be their path to a brighter future.
My Project
My robotics students will learn to design efficient, complex operational paths to manipulate their robotic arms to complete job tasks. The Lego robots and tablets will introduce basic computer programming, integrated with building robots.
In this project, students participate in cooperative learning groups, using the Lego Boost Creative Toolbox and Samsung Galaxy tablets to discover the current, and potential, applications of robotics and artificial intelligence.
The tablets will be used to program the robots. By making connections between science and real world applications, students are exposed to the world's ever increasing dependence on technology and the future opportunities available to them.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Samari and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
