This document discusses how robotics can be used to deliver STEM education. It defines STEM as focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics to ensure US leadership in these fields. Robotics is defined as the design, construction and operation of robots. The document outlines how robotics provides opportunities for authentic problem solving, allows students to apply math and science concepts, and is engaging for students. It describes various engineering challenges and competitions, like FIRST Robotics, that involve math, science and engineering skills through robotics projects.
1. Delivering STEM
Education Through
Robotics
Brian Niekamp
Technology Education Teacher
Hastings Middle School
Upper Arlington City Schools
bniekamp@uaschools.org
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2. What is STEM?
An initiative…
1) to secure America‟s leadership in
Science,
Technology,
Engineering,
Mathematics
2) and to identify promising strategies for
strengthening the education that leads to STEM
careers.
(adapted from the Alliance for Education - San Bernardino, California).
3. What is Robotics?
Robotics is “the technology dealing with the
- design,
- construction, &
- operation of robots.”
~ Merriam-Webster
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4. Why Robotics?
Robotics…
provides opportunities
for authentic problem
solving.
allows students to
contextualize math and
science.
is fun and engaging.
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5. Engineering Challenges
5 mini challenges that
require varying degrees of:
Math skills
Science skills
Engineering skills
Students work in
cooperative groups and
part of their grade is
performance-based
6. What is Engineering?
The application of scientific, physical, mechanical and
mathematical principles to design processes, products
and structures that improve the quality of life.
~ Pennsylvania Department of Education
8. Robotics:
Where’s the Beef?
Math
Addition, Subtraction,
Division, Multiplication
Measuring
Conversion of fractions to
decimal equivalents
How to calculate
circumference
Ratios
Solving Proportions
9. More Beef…
Science
Friction
Mass/Weight
Mechanical advantage
Data collection
Simple machines
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10. Ratios and Proportions
Problem:
You can‟t program a
robot to travel a certain
distance.
Solution:
Use the rotation sensor
and math to solve the
problem.
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11. How far does 1 rotation of a
wheel go?
Answer: 1 rotation = the circumference of the wheel
Measure wheel diameter
Multiply diameter x π
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12. So, let‟s say you calculate that 1 rotation of a
wheel goes 4 inches.
How many rotations do you need to go 12 inches?
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14. “This is the first time I have seen
a real use for Algebra”
1 rotation =x rotations
4 inches 12 inches
4x= 12
4 4
x = 3 rotations
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15. Robotics Competitions
FIRST Robotics
National Robotics Challenge
eTech Ohio Conference
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16. FIRST Robotics
FIRST Tech Challenge
High school
FIRST Lego League
9-14 years old
Qualifiers in Grandview and
Columbus State
Junior First Lego League
6-9 years old
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