Texas Tech University T-STEM Center
Texas Tech University T-STEM Center
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Introduction to Robotics

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Build a solid foundation for using robotics in the K-12 classroom.

Find out how you can use robotics in your science and technology classrooms as you build with Lego® Mindstorms™ NXT. Then watch your creations come alive using the interactive Lego Mindstorms Education Software designed for easy point-and-click programming.

During this five-day workshop, participants will investigate the SUPER6 components of Lego robotics: Lego Mindstorms NXT brick, Lego Mindstorms Education software, design journal, robot construction, programming and problem solving.

Teachers will leave prepared to start a robotics program at the campus or district level with lesson plans designed to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts with an inquiry-based approach.

Details

  • Dates: June 15 – 19, 2009
  • Location: Texas Tech University, Junction Campus
  • Grade Levels: 4 – 12

What You Take Home

  • Lego Mindstorms NXT Base kit ($279.95 value)
  • Lego Mindstorms Education Software 2.0 License ($79.95 value)
  • Lego Mindstorms Education Resource Kit ($79.95 value)
  • Lego Mindstorms NXT-G Programming Guide ($29.95 value)
  • Strategies for using robotics and engineering design to enhance classroom learning
  • Experience building and programming with the Lego Mindstorms NXT
  • Free standards-aligned curriculum resource materials, including a 1GB USB drive loaded with useful Web sites, sample engineering challenges and other resources
  • 3.5 continuing education units (CEUs) from Texas Tech University
  • 30 hours Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit

View more workshop photos on flickr

Teacher Reviews

“One of the great things about robotics that I absolutely love is that the kids get their hands on it and they're applying things that they learn in other classes.”

– Michelle McGinty,
Lubbock-Cooper ISD

“I chose this workshop over the others because it promised to go into great detail. [It had] real instructors with real experience, not just theories and ideas but tried methodology.”

– Gwen Meinhardt,
Lake Almanor Christian School, Calif.

“I was amazed with the amount of preparation that went in. I have enjoyed working with everyone and learning. You all did an awesome job!”

– Charlene Cullins,
Medina Valley ISD

Schedule

Day 1

Welcome to Texas Tech. Your hands-on introduction to Lego robotics begins with a step-by-step overview of the Lego Mindstorms NXT and your first project build.

  • Check-in
  • Welcome and Workshop overview
  • Learning the Language of Lego
  • Building with Technic Elements
  • Lunch
  • NXT Project Build
  • Introduction to Lego Mindstorms Programming
Day 2

Common Senses. Get in touch with your robot's sensitive side as you learn how to incorporate sensor feedback from the world around you into your robot designs.

  • Exploring Sensors: Light, Touch, Ultrasonic and Sound
  • NXT project build
  • Lunch
  • Robot Challenge
Day 3

Curriculum Connection. Move beyond basic programming and tackle your first team project as you take K-12 robotics to the next level with more complex projects.

  • Taking Robotics to the Next Level
  • NXT Project Build
  • Lunch
  • Team Robot Challenge
Day 4

Final Assignment. Get ready to show off your new robotic skills in a team challenge designed to test what you've learned this week.

  • Final Design Challenge overview
  • Project design time
  • Lunch
  • Project build time
Day 5

Wrapping Up. It's time to demo your final projects, tell us how you think the week went and learn how you can get support throughout the school year from Texas Tech.

  • Last-minute project tinkering time
  • Project Demos
  • Evaluations
  • Support resources from the T-STEM Center
  • Lunch
  • Departure

About the Instructors

Kathy Holberg and Peggy Reimers

Kathy Holberg is a recently retired educator-turned-robot-fanatic from Bastrop, Texas. Last year, Kathy toured the state with Lego Education, training teachers on the new Lego Mindstorms NXT kits. Her blueprint for training features step-by-step, hands-on learning that empowers teachers with classroom-ready curriculum.

In her spare time, Kathy lets her creative side run wild through her graphic design business and whatever clay she can find lying around.

This summer will be Kathy's fourth year to train teachers with Texas Tech.

Peggy Reimers is a 6th grade robotics teacher for Bastrop Independent School District who loves to teach STEM concepts to students and teachers through building and programming robots.

Peggy has trained K-12 teachers with Lego Education and is the author of Lone Star Legends, a classroom resource and reference tool all about Texas.

This is Peggy's third year to teach robotics with the T-STEM Center.