This document summarizes a robotics program being introduced at Gates Intermediate School. It discusses how the program will help students develop 21st century skills like digital literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication, and high productivity. It provides details on the robotics lab that will be set up, the technology and engineering curriculum that will be taught as a 7th grade special, and extracurricular activities like a robotics club and participation in a First Lego League competition. It includes photos of past First Lego League competitions and provides a proposed budget of $10,040 for equipment and expenses for the new program.

1. Robotics
AT GATES INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Giving students the
skills they need to thrive
in the 21st century

2. 21st Century skills
Digital Age Inventive
Literacy Effective Thinking High Productivity
Communication Quality Results
 students must develop the skills they will
need to be successful in the Digital Age
 robotics programs give students the
opportunity to develop these skills

3. 21st Century Skill:
Digital-Age Literacy
 By learning about and addressing real-
world problems, students increase their
understanding of both technology and the
world around them

4. 21st Century Skill:
Inventive Thinking
 Robotics gives students the opportunity to
approach problems independently and
creatively.

5. 21st Century Skill:
Effective Communication
 Students work in teams to build and
program their robots; students learn to
work collaboratively .

6. 21st Century Skill:
High Productivity & Quality Results
 Constructing a robot to address a problem
gives students the opportunity to plan and
manage a project using real-world tools
and concepts

7. “Research clearly shows that students
learn more when they are engaged in
meaningful, relevant, and intellectually
stimulating work.”
http://www.metiri.com

8. Background
 2005
 Industrial Technology program eliminated
 Wood shop sits empty
 2007
 Town passes Prop 2 1/2 override
 includes money to hire new technology /
engineering teacher

9. Introducing Robotics, a New
Technology & Engineering Program
 hands-on
 standards-based
 interactive

10. Giving students the chance to…
 build and program robots
 explore mechanical and
structural engineering
 develop
academic, leadership, tea
mwork, and project
management skills
 have fun!

11. Robotics Lab
 Clean up old woodshop
 Network infrastructure already in place
 Large tables provide ideal work surface for
robot construction
 Ample electrical outlets on tables and
along walls
 Room for computer at each work table

12. Technology & Engineering Program
 Reinstituted as 7th grade special
 Expands on and supports current
classroom curriculum
 Teaches concepts tested on
Technology/Engineering MCAS

13. In-school competitions
 Modeled after national competitions
 Held each term
 Provide focus, generate excitement
 Motivate and challenge students

14. Robotics Club
 Offer more opportunities for interested students
 Meet after school in robotics lab
 Compete in First Lego League

15. First Lego League Competition
 Annual International robotics competition
 Open to students 9-14
 Provides challenge each September
 Competitions run through January
Photos from http://www.firstwa.org/

16. First Lego League Competitors
 Research and solve a problem faced by
scientists in the real world
 Design, build, and program autonomous
robots
 Present research and solution
 Compete in a healthy and supportive
environment

17. Budget
Unit Price Quan. Total
HP Compaq 5100dc with 17” LCD monitor $ 800.00 7 $ 5,600.00
LEGO MINDSTORMS Education Base Sets $ 250.00 10 $ 2,500.00
First Lego League Expenses, includes travel $ 1,000.00 1 $ 1,000.00
Linksys 8-Port 10/100 full duplex Switch $ 40.00 1 $ 40.00
HP LaserJet 2440n $ 900.00 1 $ 900.00
$ 10,040.00

18. Thank you!