Using robotics kits like Lego Mindstorms NXT and EV3 in the classroom can engage students in STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math. Students work in teams to build and program robots, teaching critical thinking and computer programming skills. Robotics ignites students' enthusiasm for subjects like math and science by providing an engaging hands-on learning experience that also develops skills applicable to future careers.

1. Using Robotics in the Classroom
Using the Lego Mindstorms NXT and
new EV3 robotics kits.
Jeanne Kumpunen

2. Different manipulative materials
engage children in different types of
thinking
• STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math
• Use the motivational effects of robotics to
excite students about science and technology.
http://web.media.mit.edu/~mres/papers/chi-98/digital-manip.html
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu

3. Kids work as teams to put
together the robots as
well as to program them.
Kids work in an engaging and
cooperative manner
My students in the beginning stages of
building robots.

4. Robotics Teach Critical Thinking Skills
• As teachers we want to excite students about
math and science
http://guides.machinescience.org/mod/book/print.php?id=722&chapterid=3
23

5. Using the NXT Programs Teaches
Computer Programming Skills
My students got very quick at
programming short programs
quickly onto the computer.
Students programming on the fly
at the First Competition.

6. Robots ignited the students
enthusiasm.
• Students ask to work on robots and
programming every day!

7. Why Robotics?
• STEM ideas in an engaging process
• People of all ages are fascinated with robots as they move around
seemingly making decisions on their own.
• The skill sets students learn as they work with robotics can easily be
transferred to careers and professions.
• Robotics provides excellent teaching examples of the concept of
systems and subsystems.
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/content/educators/start/index.h
tm