The 411 on Robotics Programs

1. The 411 on Robotics Programs

2. Robotics make students STRETCH S = Skills T = Teamwork R = Real world E = Exciting T = Technology C = Competition H = Hands on WHY ROBOTICS?

3. What Robotic Programs are Available? EARLY – Elementary age students, remote controlled robot; website JFLL – ages 6-9; design & poster; website FLL – ages 9-14; building & programming LEGO Mindstorm kits; website VEX – Middle and high school; website TCEA – elementary and secondary schools; website

4. BOTBALL – Middle and high school ages; Robot on modified Game Boy Advanced. Training workshop & Competition. Great for kids who love to program; website BEST – middle and high school; details FIRST – high school ages; web; video

5. ROBOTICS PROGRAM PREPARATION Register Team with FLL Register for local tournament Acquire kits & supplies Outfit robotics activity room Recruit students Recruit parents Establish season schedule and learning objectives

6. Where to do robotics? Any room will do, however big and open is the best Classroom, homes, garages, library meeting room, corporate conference room Tables not desks Computers required (1 per group) (at least 1laptop to facilitate travel to competitions) Some place to store robot table (4’X8’) Cabinets to secure items or bins to go home

7. Benefits beyond trophies

8. Typical Team Description Grades mixed GT, regular ed., and Special ed. mixed First time and repeat students mixed Returning students grouped and receive additional challenges Organized chaos Loud learning Fun

9. Competitive Opportunities Junior First Lego League (JFLL) BEST HISD robot challenge (Spring/Fall) First Lego League (FLL) HISD Impact II Inventor Contest Botball Shell Schlumberger Sea Turtle Competition (Vex Platform) FIRST FIRST VEX TCEA Robotics MATE ROV

10. Equipment FLL Equipment First Lego League Team Registration $200 First Lego League Field Set up Kit $65 NXT robot kit via First Lego League $325 Registration for local tournament $65 Table materials $35 Estimated Total: $690 Other Robot System Kits VEX starter kit $299 Botball kit and registration $2300 First materials and registration $6000 BEST = Free!!!

11. Funding Ideas The following funding sources have supported youth robotics programs. • Parent and/or Parent Employer Donations • Local Businesses – distribute a brochure or letter asking for support with consumables and equipment • Ecophones pays for batteries through recycling prog. • PTO • Donors Choose (A recent successful appeal got funding for 2 GPS units and 2 NXT kits) • BP Grant (Educator recently was awarded 2 video cameras, 2 robot kits, and a laser printer) • Best Buy – 5 NXT kits and 1 lap top

12. ROBOTICS PROGRAM LIFE CYCLE

13. Robotics Prog. Dev. – Yr. 1 2 Robotics kits (1 corp. donation/1 school purchase) 10 students in after school program Educator taught middle school science Overtime paid through after school program funds One salvaged laptop Equipment stored under table and against wall Traveled to one out of town contest and one local contest

14. Year 2 Program Growth • After school program continued (20 students) • One elective class added (30 students) • Added 3 robotic kits (teacher grant) • Competed in FLL contest • Competed in one additional local contest • PTO grant received for additional equipment • Started discussions with administration about growth of number of robotics classes • Began storage/security system

15. Year 3 Program Growth • After school program and single elective class continued • Built up inventory of kits and supplies by adding robotics kits • Competed in two local tournaments, one for FLL and one for Botball. • Participated in Botball through receipt of $1200 “new team” scholarship from KIPR

16. 4th Year Program Development • Robotics becomes a full time course entitled, “Thinking Skills” • Course is elective for middle school • 180 students, 6 classes, 30 students per class • After school program ends • 5 computers in classroom • 5 groups/teams in each class (6 per team) • Robotics tables built and donated by local biz • Parent support team solidified to manage computers, plan travel, cheerlead and fundraise.

17. 5th Year Program • Full time program continues • Focus on Fundraising to buy additional kits, new types of robots, sensors, software, cameras, books, and consumables. Grants from new sources such as local community association, internet sources, Innovative grant, and Best Buy TEACH grant. • 6 classes, 30 kids = 180 students per day • Competing in multiple contests • Parental support team fully functional

18. Robotics Club or Enrichment Class • Need stable location • Delegate fundraising • Nurture parental involvement for logistics and team support • Maintain coaching posture • Up to 10 per team • Give experienced or returning kids additional learning challenges • Compete, give demonstrations, have fun!

20. Lots of Clear Boxes Lockable Cabinets Small Piece Solution # 101 Student / Teacher Labor

21. Keeping it Going Constant press about team Sponsor contact, pics and thanks you’s. Grants Get organized and stay organized. Establish goals at beginning with kids and parents. Review periodically and at end of season. Do lessons learned. If you are tired, recruit someone to take it over, rather than letting it die.

22. Questions?