Description
Robotics / Grades 5-8 / Period 7 / JLS7 / 2T-3T
2nd Trimester: Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (5-8): 1 of 2
The Robotics Introduction course will provide students with a basic knowledge of robotics programming and operations. Students will program robots to perform increasingly complex tasks throughout the trimester, culminating in a final project to be designed by the student teams and approved by the teacher. Classwork will focus on programming concepts and applications. Homework includes reading selections from LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming (James Floyd Kelly, 2nd Ed), writing programs, and building the robots that will be tested in class. Students will work in teams of 2-3 and will take turns building the robots but each student will be required to write his or her own programs.
This course will encourage linear thinking and teamwork in problem-solving. Basic computer skills are prerequisites. Experience with the LEGO building system is helpful but not a prerequisite.
Student evaluations will be based on participation, teamwork, and demonstrated understanding of the course material measured by quizzes throughout the course. Letter grades will be available upon request.
The Robotics Introduction class is on a 2-year rotation and is only offered during the 2nd trimester for the 2021-2022 school year.
Class size: 8 maximum, 4 minimum
Class time: 3:30-4:20 pm
Class level: 5-8
Taught by: Jacob Stoltzfus
Materials fee: $25 rental fee for Mindstorms NXT system (not required if students have their own NXT building system with programmable brick). Note: students in the same household may elect to share a kit, however this may necessitate that the siblings be on the same project team!
Materials needed: text as listed in course description, laptop for in-class work (speak with instructor if student does not have a laptop), free programming software download from LEGO Mindstorms website
Class code: JLS7
