Robotics Training for Ages 7 – 9 in St Kitts and Nevis
Welcome to the robotics curriculum for students ages 7 to 9! This 12 week course is designed to teach children the basics of robotics and programming, and provides the opportunity for students to build and program their own robots. Over the course of three terms, students will learn about the different types of robots and their functions, basic robot components and programming concepts, intermediate concepts such as wireless communication and programming skills, and advanced concepts including advanced motors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The curriculum also includes a final project where students will design and build a robot and present their work to the class. This course is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in robotics and programming and to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
Aims
- To introduce students to the basics of robotics and programming, including the components and functions of robots and the principles of computer programming.
- To develop students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on projects involving the design, build, and programming of robots to complete specific tasks.
- To provide students with exposure to a variety of programming languages and platforms, such as Scratch, Arduino, and Python, and to teach them how to choose the appropriate language and platform for a given task.
- To encourage students to be creative and innovative in their approach to robotics projects and to think outside the box when solving problems.
- To develop students’ communication and collaboration skills by working in teams on robotics projects and presenting their work to their classmates and teachers.
Time Table Allocation
Here is the suggested time-table allocation for the provided curriculum, presented in a table format with terms and total time allocation:
Term | Week | Topic | Time (hours) |
1 | 1 | Introduction to robotics and programming | 1 |
1 | 1 | Building and programming a simple robot | 2 |
1 | 2 | Review of basic concepts | 1 |
1 | 2 | Introduction to breadboards and jumper wires | 1 |
1 | 2 | Building and programming a robot with a breadboard and jumper wires | 2 |
2 | 3 | Review of breadboards and jumper wires | 1 |
2 | 3 | Introduction to sensors | 1 |
2 | 3 | Building and programming a robot with sensors | 2 |
2 | 4 | Review of sensors | 1 |
2 | 4 | Introduction to motors | 1 |
2 | 4 | Building and programming a robot with motors | 2 |
2 | 5 | Review of motors | 1 |
2 | 5 | Introduction to wireless communication | 1 |
2 | 5 | Building and programming a robot with wireless communication | 2 |
3 | 6 | Review of wireless communication | 1 |
3 | 6 | Introduction to programming variables, data types, and conditional statements | 1 |
3 | 6 | Programming a robot to respond to variables and conditional statements | 2 |
3 | 7 | Review of programming variables and conditional statements | 1 |
3 | 7 | Introduction to functions and parameters | 1 |
3 | 7 | Programming a robot with functions and parameters | 2 |
3 | 8 | Review of functions and parameters | 1 |
3 | 8 | Project planning and design | 1 |
3 | 8 | Project work time | 4 |
3 | 9 | Project work time | 6 |
3 | 10 | Project work time | 6 |
3 | 11 | Project presentation and review | 2 |
3 | 11 | Project work time | 4 |
3 | 12 | Project work time | 6 |
Materials List
Here is a table of materials that may be used in the robotics curriculum for students ages 7 to 10, including descriptions, the weeks in which they may be used, and the term in which they are introduced:
Material | Description | Weeks | Term |
Robotics kit | A kit containing the basic components needed to build and program a robot, such as motors, sensors, microcontroller, and battery pack. | 1-7 | 1 |
Computer | A computer with a programming software installed, such as Scratch or Arduino, used to write and upload programs to the robot. | 1-7 | 1 |
Breadboard | A plastic or silicone base with connected wires used to prototype and test circuits. | 2-7 | 2 |
Jumper wires | Wires with connectors on each end used to connect components on a breadboard or in a circuit. | 2-7 | 2 |
Multimeter | A device used to measure electrical properties, such as voltage, current, and resistance. | 2-7 | 2 |
Screwdriver | A tool used to tighten or loosen screws. | 3-7 | 2 |
Pliers | A tool used to grip, twist, or bend objects. | 4-7 | 2 |
Soldering iron | A tool used to melt and join metal parts by melting a filler metal (solder) into the joint. | 5-7 | 2 |
Solder | A metal alloy used to join metal parts by melting and solidifying when heated. | 6-7 | 3 |
Wire stripper | A tool used to strip the insulation off of wires. | 7 | 3 |
Note to Students
The robotics curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to robotics and programming. You will start by learning about the different types of robots and their functions, as well as the basic components of a robot and simple programming concepts. You will then move on to building simple robots and programming them to perform simple tasks. As the course progresses, you will delve deeper into intermediate and advanced robotics concepts. You will learn about wireless communication and remote control, and you will have the opportunity to program a robot to respond to remote commands. You will also develop advanced programming skills, including variables, data types, conditional statements, functions, and parameters. You will have the opportunity to work on a range of hands-on projects, including building and programming robots to follow a line, avoid obstacles, navigate through a maze, pick up and place objects, and more. These projects will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting and to think critically and creatively to solve problems. Many of the projects in this curriculum involve working in a team to design and build a robot. It is important to collaborate and communicate effectively with your teammates, and to seek help when you need it. The robotics curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs and interests of the students. If you have specific goals or interests, be sure to let your teacher know and they can help you tailor the curriculum to suit your needs. Have fun! Robotics can be a very exciting and rewarding field, and there are many different ways that you can explore and learn about robotics. Enjoy the process of learning and building, and be sure to ask questions and seek help when you need it. Best regards, Dr. Ricardo R. Neil DSc ITM - Chairman St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) Â
Note to Parents
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to robotics and programming for young learners. It is structured to build upon previous concepts and skills, starting with basic concepts and gradually introducing more advanced topics as the course progresses. The curriculum is divided into three terms, with one general objective and at least 4 specific objectives per week, as well as one hands-on activity per week. This structure allows students to learn and apply new concepts and skills in a structured and progressive manner. The hands-on activities in this curriculum are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Encourage your child to take an active role in the building and programming process, and provide support and guidance as needed. Robotics can be an excellent way to develop problem-solving skills, as students will encounter a range of challenges and will need to think critically and creatively to overcome them. Encourage your child to think about the problems they are trying to solve and to consider different approaches and solutions. Many of the projects in this curriculum involve working in a team to design and build a robot. Encourage your child to collaborate and communicate effectively with their teammates, and provide support and guidance as needed. Robotics can be a very creative field, and there are many different ways that students can approach the projects in this curriculum. Encourage your child to think creatively and to come up with their own ideas and solutions. While this curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, students may still encounter challenges and difficulties. Be prepared to provide support and encouragement as needed, and encourage your child to ask questions and seek help when they need it. Best regards, Dr. Ricardo R. Neil DSc ITM - Chairman St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) Â
Notes to Teachers
Dear teacher, Encourage hands-on learning: The hands-on activities in this curriculum are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Encourage students to take an active role in the building and programming process, and provide guidance and support as needed. Emphasize problem-solving skills: Robotics can be an excellent way to develop problem-solving skills, as students will encounter a range of challenges and will need to think critically and creatively to overcome them. Encourage students to think about the problems they are trying to solve and to consider different approaches and solutions. Encourage teamwork: Many of the projects in this curriculum involve working in a team to design and build a robot. Encourage students to collaborate and communicate effectively with their teammates, and provide guidance and support as needed. Encourage creativity: Robotics can be a very creative field, and there are many different ways that students can approach the projects in this curriculum. Encourage students to think creatively and to come up with their own ideas and solutions. Provide support and guidance: While this curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, students may still encounter challenges and difficulties. Be prepared to provide support and guidance as needed, and encourage students to ask questions and seek help when they need it. Best regards, Dr. Ricardo R. Neil DSc ITM - Chairman St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA)
Lessons
Term 1 (Weeks 1-4): Introduction to robotics
- 1. Define robotics and describe different types of robots.
- 2. Identify the basic components of a robot (e.g. sensors, motors, microcontroller).
- 3. Explain the function of simple robots (e.g. line following robot, sumo robot).
- 4. Describe basic programming concepts (e.g. inputs, outputs, loops).
- 5. Hands-on activity: Build a simple robot using a kit and programming it to perform a simple task (e.g. moving in a straight line, turning, following a line).
- 6. Assemble a simple robot using a kit.
- 7. Write a simple program to control the robot's movement and behavior.
- 8. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 9. Modify the program to make the robot perform different tasks.
- 10. Hands-on activity: Build a simple robot using a kit and programming it to perform a series of tasks (e.g. moving in a straight line, turning, following a line).
- 11. Identify different types of sensors (e.g. touch, light, sound).
- 12. Explain how sensors can be used to control robot behavior (e.g. avoiding obstacles, following a line).
- 13. Write a program to make the robot react to sensor input.
- 14. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 15. Hands-on activity: Build a robot using a kit and programming it to react to sensor input (e.g. avoiding obstacles, following a line).
- 16. Identify different types of motors (e.g. DC, servo).
- 17. Explain how motors can be used to control robot movement.
- 18. Write a program to make the robot move in different ways (e.g. straight, turning, following a line).
- 19. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 20. Hands-on activity: Build a robot using a kit and programming it to move in different ways (e.g. straight, turning, following a line).
Term 2 (Weeks 5-8): Intermediate robotics
- 21. Describe different types of wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
- 22. Explain how to remotely control a robot using a smartphone or computer.
- 23. Write a program to make the robot respond to remote commands (e.g. moving in a specific direction, performing a specific task).
- 24. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 25. Hands-on activity: Build a robot using a kit and programming it to respond to remote commands (e.g. moving in a specific direction, performing a specific task).
- 26. Define variables and explain different data types (e.g. integers, strings).
- 27. Write programs using conditional statements (e.g. if/then).
- 28. Define and use functions and parameters in a program.
- 29. Test and debug programs to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- 30. Hands-on activity: Write and debug a program using variables, data types, conditional statements, functions, and parameters.
- 36. Identify different types of advanced sensors (e.g. temperature, distance).
- 37. Explain how sensors can be used to gather data.
- 38. Write a program to make the robot make decisions based on sensor data.
- 39. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 40. Hands-on activity: Build a robot using a kit and programming it to make decisions based on sensor data (e.g. turning left or right based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor).
Term 3 (Weeks 9-12): Advanced robotics
- 41. Explain how servo motors can be used to create precise movements.
- 42. Write a program to make the robot perform complex tasks using servo motors.
- 43. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 44. Modify the program to improve the performance of the robot.
- Hands-on activity: 45. Build a robot using a kit and programming it to perform a complex task using servo motors (e.g. moving a robot arm to pick up an object).
- 46. Define artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- 47. Explain how robots can use artificial intelligence and machine learning to make decisions.
- 48. Write a program to make the robot classify objects based on their characteristics.
- 49. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 50. Hands-on activity: Build a robot using a kit and programming it to classify objects based on their characteristics.
- 51. Work in a team to design a robot to perform a specific task.
- 52. Build the robot using a kit.
- 53. Program the robot to work with other robots (e.g. coordinating
- 54. Program the robot to work with other robots (e.g. coordinating movements, exchanging data).
- 55. Test and debug the program to ensure the robot is functioning correctly.
- 56. Hands-on activity: Collaborate with others to design and build a robot that can work with other robots.
- 57. Choose a final project idea that incorporates all of the concepts learned in the course.
- 58. Design and build the final project.
- 59. Program the final project to perform the desired tasks.
- 60. Test and debug the final project to ensure it is functioning correctly.
- 61. Prepare a presentation to showcase the final project to the class.
- 62. Hands-on activity: Design and build a final project, and present the final project to the class.