4
Grades 3 – 8 Proposal for a Series of
Creative Robotics Workshops
A challenge is issued to build a machine that has some social value. As a result of this workshop series, students will be able to:
· research social issues;
· develop a problem solving strategy;
· explain math concepts of simple machines;
· code a logical computer program;
· demonstrate basic graphic design principles;
· present ideas clearly and concisely.
Build-It-Yourself
426 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact: John Galinato
617-547-9705
Creative Robotics Program Description:
Build-It-Yourself offers a series of arts and sciences project-based workshops for Grades 3 -12 teachers and students.The program is inspired by research at the MIT Media Lab, especially the work that laid the foundation for the LEGO MindStorms product.
A problem that relates to a socially relevant issue is proposed. Students collaborate to specify, design, build, test and present a solution.
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/courseware/projects.html
Math, science, art, language and social studies concepts are applied to the solution of a real world challenge. Students gain practical experience presenting, project planning, building, programming and testing. Teamwork is essential to a successful result.
The students’ knowledge of basic curricula principles and their process for solving real world problems are measured before and after the workshops.
Lessons include: discussing socially relevant issues, focusing on goals, the math, science and logic behind a solution, creative use of materials, presenting ideas, safety, basic physics, programming concepts, and reliability.
Workshop Format:
Teachers and students participate in a series of 15-minute, live, interactive, Webcast presentations on project planning and construction tips. Artists, engineers, educators and advanced students present project guidelines.Students collaborate with the Build-It-Yourself specialists via a live 2-way audio Webcast. Specialists respond with audio, images and video clips.
The program manager of the live Webcast workshops has a database of construction tips, module designs, program code, education clips, surveys, problem sets and experiments that can be presented based on student needs and interests.
An online-offline environment enables students to download construction tips in the form of multimedia files that can be played offline on demand.
After the Webcast lessons are presented, local teachers oversee the students applying the lessons presented to the challenge at hand. Students are encouraged to collaborate with other students, teachers, parents and experts. It is recommended that teachers allocate
1.5 – 2 hours per workshop session. One measure of success is the extent to which students will choose to continue working on their projects on their own time and at home.
Benefits:
1. Focus on the intersection of art and technology.2. Integrate technology and core curricula.
3. Break down problems into simple, reusable, functional building blocks.
4. Inspire a broad range of students to build and think creatively.
5. Develop presentation skills.
6. Encourage collaboration and teamwork between students, experts, teachers and parents.
7. Leverage specific, rare skills from a central location.
8. Free teachers to focus on curriculum requirements and on individual student needs
The Team:
Experienced teachers from the Greater Lawrence Technical School are evolving and testing the content.Professors, industry experts and high school students are engaged in presenting lesson video clips.
Build-It-Yourself is collaborating with the MIT Media Lab to develop educational content.
Engineers and graphic designers under the direction of WebcastWare are developing the Webcast tools and content database for an interactive TV platform.
Pricing:
· Lesson plan
· Student worksheets
· Online database of construction tips
· Evaluation tools
· Project management web site where students’ work can be presented
· Up to 10 hours of online presentations and collaboration with Build-It-Yourself specialists
Total $1,000
We recommend engaging 3-4 project teams of 3-5 students simultaneously.
We recommend that local teachers allocate 60 minutes after a Webcast presentation for building as well as a presentation to other students when the project is completed.
This program is designed as an introduction to an ongoing creative robotics program that serves many students over a long period of time.
Lesson Plans and Requirements:
The project goal is to build a clock that makes a “herd of wild things” come to life every hour or when triggered. Project Management Site: http://www.build-it-yourself.com/project-clock/
Tools, parts and supplies per 4 students:
Reusable parts and tools http://www.build-it-yourself.com/catalog/catalog.htm
1. 1 LEGO Mindstorms Kit
2. Red, blue, yellow, black pencils
3. Black magic marker pen
4. Scissors
5. Needle nose pliers
6. Phillips screw driver
7. Glue gun and 2 glue sticks
Supplies:
1. Drawing paper.
2. Red, blue, yellow, green, white and black foam rubber “Foamie” sheets.
Cut in 2-4” squares
3. Bag of mixed nuts in shells
4. Pipe cleaners
5. Feathers
Box of junk including recycled colorful bottle caps, paper clips, rubber bands, business cards, coffee stirrers, colorful cloth and ribbons, beads, buttons, small balls, foam rubber and other small, colorful, playful objects. http://www.build-it-yourself.com/mission/junk/junkyard.htm
Infrastructure requirements:
1. Windows 95, 9,8 ME or 2000 machines (1 per 4 students)
or one machine per classroom with a large screen projector.
2. Sound card and speakers.
3. 800x600 or greater resolution with 16 bit color.
4. 40MB free disk space.
5. 64MB RAM.
6. 128Kbs or faster Internet connection.
7. IE 4.0 + browser.
8. Windows Media Player 7+
9. Webcam
10. Microphone
Workshop Format and Scheudule:
It is recommended that teachers engage in a preparatory Webcast workshop with Build-It-Yourself before the project is introduced to students. Five 2-hour workshop sessions must be scheduled. One workshop per day over 5 consecutive days is ideal. It may be difficult to reinforce building skills if the workshops are scheduled less frequently than once per week. A workshop consists of a series of 15-20 minute Webcast presentations of project guidelines and building tips after which local teachers will guide students to execute the project. Students will be encouraged to work at home and engage their parents. An exhibit and presentation will be scheduled after the project is complete.
Install the Build-It-Yourself Lab from http://www.build-it-yourself.com/plans/install.htm
1 / Students will explore ideas and materials at their own pace and then understand the value of organization and discipline to reach a goal. Creative art and language skills will be exercised. Students will focus on innovative use of materials.
BIY Lab:
· Click on the Action Contraption shelf
· Click on Recycled Parts
· Click on Tools
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/mission/junk/junkyard.htm / Thoughts:
What are the coolest time machines you have ever seen?
Present ideas for building a clock.
Show how materials can be used creatively.
Challenge students to collect and sort materials.
Set the goal.
Set project guidelines.
Present the safe use of a hot glue gun.
Action:
Complete before / after questions
Open ended, uninhibited exploration of materials.
Build a nut head character
Start a lab book.
Present work.
Clean up.
2 / Students will present their ideas clearly, concisely and convincingly. Creative art and language skills will be exercised. Students will focus on innovative use of materials. Students will understand the concept that a good idea may not benefit others if it is presented poorly.
BIY Lab
· Click on Tools
· Click on Art Shots
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/constructopedia/ / Thoughts:
Review mission, goal and solution ideas.
Show how materials can be used creatively.
Challenge students to collect and sort materials.
Show examples of how ideas can be sold.
Present mechanical modules.
Action:
Complete drawing exercises
Challenge students to write slogans, decorate signs and build components that promote their solutions.
Update lab book.
Make a new Lab Book cover that reflects drawing lessons.
Present work.
Clean up.
3 / Students will focus on the importance of safety. Students will understand the value of breaking down a solution into manageable, reusable modules. Students will exercise problem solving skills.
BIY Lab
· Click on Tools
· Click on Art Shots
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/constructopedia/ / Thoughts:
Review mission, goal, materials, and solution components.
Memorize tool rules.
Analyze strategies for solving complex problems.
Define mechanical and control components of solutions.
Action:
Build solution components
Update lab book, present work and clean up.
4 / Students will understand measurements for reliability. Students will understand the principles of leverage. Students will understand the impact of weight on construction solutions.
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/constructopedia/
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/fame/rules.htm / Thoughts:
Review mission, goal, building strategy and solution
Present mechanical modules.
Present examples of weak vs. solid construction solutions.
Present examples of how weight impacts speed, power and reliability.
Action:
Build solution components
Update lab book, present work and clean up.
5 / Students will understand speed and power trade-offs in gear trains. Physics and algebra skills will be exercised.
Students will understand the value of control flow charts. Students will exercise problem solving skills.
http://www.build-it-yourself.com/constructopedia/ / Thoughts:
Review mission, goal, project progress.
Present mechanical modules and associated math and physics principles.
Present program control modules and associated logic.
Action:
Integrate components
Edit solutions to improve performance.
Update lab book, present work and clean up.
Show / Students will learn the value of feedback. Listening skills will be exercised. / Students present the problem, goal and solution.
Teachers and students will critique the solutions.
Build-It-Yourself · 426 Broadway · Cambridge · MA · 02138 · 617-547-7200 · http://www.build-it-yourself.com