Robotics Training for Ages 10-14 in St Kitts and Nevis
Welcome to our comprehensive robotics training program for students ages 10 to 14! In this program, you will have the opportunity to learn about the exciting world of robotics and gain the skills and knowledge you need to build and program your own robots. We will cover the history and key players in the field, as well as the various applications of robotics in different industries. You will also learn the fundamentals of programming and how to troubleshoot your code, and you will build and program robots using kits like Lego Mindstorms or Vex IQ. You will learn about different types of sensors and how to use them to give your robots information about their surroundings, and you will also learn more advanced programming techniques to give your robots more complex behaviors.
Throughout the program, you will have the chance to work on real-world robotics challenges and projects, where you will identify a problem or need that can be solved with a robotics solution, and design and build a robot to solve the problem or meet the need. You will also engage in hands-on activities and projects that allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings, and you will have the opportunity to work in groups and collaborate with your peers.
We are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that inspires you to explore the exciting world of robotics and discover your full potential. We are excited to embark on this journey of discovery and learning with you!
Aim
- To introduce students to the field of robotics and its various applications.
- To provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to build and program their own robots.
- To teach students the fundamentals of programming and how to troubleshoot their code.
- To help students learn about different types of sensors and how to use them to give robots information about their surroundings.
- To provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world robotics challenges and competitions.
- To engage students in hands-on activities and projects that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings.
- To encourage students to work in groups and collaborate with their peers.
Materials List
Materials List for the Robotics Training Curriculum organized by term and week:
Term | Week | Materials |
1 | 1 | – Laptops or tablets for research and presentations |
– Internet access | ||
– Projector or display for presentations | ||
1 | 2 | – Laptops or tablets with a visual programming language installed (e.g. Scratch, Blockly, etc.) |
– Robotics kits (optional) | ||
1 | 3 | – Robotics kits (e.g. Lego Mindstorms, Vex IQ) |
1 | 4 | – Breadboards |
– Electronics components (e.g. LEDs, switches, resistors) | ||
– Robotics kits (optional) | ||
2 | 5 | – Laptops or tablets with a programming language installed (e.g. Python, Java, etc.) |
– Robotics kits (optional) | ||
2 | 6 | – Robotics kits (e.g. Lego Mindstorms, Vex IQ) |
– Materials for building robots (e.g. cardboard, plastic, motors, sensors) | ||
2 | 7 | – Robotics kits (e.g. Lego Mindstorms, |
Time Table Allocation
Term | Week | Topic | Time (hours) |
1 | 1 | Introduction to robotics | 3 |
1 | 2 | Basic programming concepts | 3 |
1 | 3 | Building and programming robots | 3 |
1 | 4 | Sensors and inputs | 3 |
2 | 5 | Advanced programming techniques | 3 |
2 | 6 | Robotics challenges | 3 |
2 | 7 | Robotics competitions | 3 |
2 | 8 | Robotics projects | 3 |
3 | 9 | Robotics project planning | 3 |
3 | 10 | Robotics project development | 3 |
3 | 11 | Robotics project testing and refinement | 3 |
3 | 12 | Robotics project presentation and demonstration | 3 |
This time-table allocates 3 hours per week to the course, with one hour dedicated to each of the main topics outlined in the curriculum. This allows for a balanced and comprehensive coverage of the material, while also allowing for some flexibility in case some topics take longer or shorter than expected.
It is important to note that this is just a suggested time-table and may need to be adjusted based on the specific needs and goals of the course, as well as the age and abilities of the students. Additionally, it may be helpful to incorporate some time for hands-on activities and practice, as well as time for review and reinforcement of key concepts.
Lessons
Term 1 (Weeks 1-4)
- 5. Use a visual programming language to create simple programs with variables, loops, and conditionals.
- 6. Use debugging techniques to troubleshoot their programs.
- 7. Hands-on activity: Students will work in pairs to create a simple program using a visual programming language, including at least one variable, loop, and conditional. They will then troubleshoot any issues with their program as a group.
- 8. Build a robot using provided instructions.
- 9. Program the robot to move and perform simple tasks.
- 10. Control motors to achieve specific behaviors.
- 11. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to build a robot using a provided kit, such as Lego Mindstorms or Vex IQ. They will then program the robot to move and perform a simple task, such as following a line or avoiding an obstacle.
- 12. Identify and explain the purpose of different types of sensors.
- 13. Use sensors to control the behavior of a robot.
- 14. Build simple circuits using breadboards and basic electronics components.
- 15. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to build a simple circuit using a breadboard and basic electronics components, such as an LED, switch, and resistor. They will then program their robot to respond to the circuit, such as turning on
Term 2 (Weeks 5-8)
- 16. Use data structures and algorithms to create more complex programs for their robots.
- 17. Use a programming language like Python to program robots.
- 18. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to create a more complex program for their robot using data structures and algorithms. They will also learn and use a programming language like Python to program their robot.
- 19. Design and build a robot that can successfully complete a given challenge.
- 20. Choose an appropriate robot platform for a specific task.
- 21. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to design and build a robot to complete a specific challenge, such as navigating through a maze or solving a puzzle. They will then present their solution to the class and explain their design choices.
- 22. Design, build, and program a robot that can compete in a robotics competition.
- 23. Apply robot design principles to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing robot.
- 24. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to design, build, and program a robot to compete in a robotics competition. They will present their robot to the class and demonstrate its functionality.
- 25. Explain the concepts of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.
- 26. Discuss the potential applications of these concepts in robotics.
- 27. Consider the ethical implications of using robots and artificial intelligence.
- 28. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to research and present on a specific application of machine learning, artificial intelligence, or computer vision in robotics. They will also discuss the ethical considerations of this application.
Term 3 (Weeks 9-12)
- 29. Identify a problem or task and create a plan for a robotics solution.
- 30. Use project management techniques to plan and organize their project.
- 31. Hands-on activity: Students will work in groups to identify a problem or task and create a plan for a robotics solution. They will then create a project timeline and set milestones for their project.
- 32. Build and program a robot to solve the problem or complete the task they have identified.
- 33. Create and test prototypes of their robot.
- 34. Hands-on activity: Students will work on developing their robotics project, building and programming their robot as needed. They will also create and test prototypes of their robot.
- 35. Identify and troubleshoot any issues with their robotics project.
- 36. Make necessary improvements to their project.
- 37. Gather feedback from users to refine their project.
- 38. Hands-on activity: Students will test their robotics project and gather feedback from users. They will then identify any issues and make necessary improvements to their project.
- 39. Effectively present their robotics project, explaining its purpose, design, and functionality to the class.
- 40. Communicate their project to a wider audience.
- 41. Hands-on activity: Students will present their robotics project to the class, demonstrating its functionality and explaining its purpose, design, and any challenges they faced during development. They will also create a presentation or video to communicate their project to a wider audience.