The document discusses the Robotics Academy and its mission to use robotics to motivate students to study science and technology. It explains that students need to prepare for an uncertain future like training for the Olympics. The Robotics Academy teaches core academic concepts like math, science, and engineering through robotics courses. It uses a backward design process to identify desired learning outcomes and plans lessons to apply concepts to robotic problems. Students learn concepts like fractions, measurement, geometry, and programming to design, build, and program autonomous robots. The goal is for students to reconstruct knowledge through problem-solving rather than just studying concepts.

1. The Robotics Academy
Changing the Cultural Nature of Teaching

2. The Robotics Academy Mission
Statement
“Use the motivational effects of robotics to excite this and
future generations of children to study science and
technology”

3. Students today need to prepare for their future
like they are preparing for the Olympics
The only problem is they won’t know what event
they will compete in until they get there.

4. Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic & Robotics
Mathematics Programming
Sensor
Feedback
Geometry
Electronics
Engineering
Ratios &
Proportions
Science
Mechanics
Physics
“The 4th R in Education”
Measurement
Computer
Science
Simple
Machines
Academic Concepts

5. Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic & Robotics
“The 4th R in Education”
Time
Management
Project
Management
Resource
Allocation
Systems
Analysis
Design
Problem
Solving
Habits of
Mind
Teamwork
Workplace Competencies

6. How did we decide what to
include in our lessons?

7. Backward Design Process
Robotics Academy Robotics Curriculum
1. Identify desired results.
2. Determine acceptable
evidence.
3. Plan learning experiences
and instruction.
Understanding by Design - Grant Wiggins, Jay McTighe
All students are mathematically competent,
technologically literate, and able to
communicate clearly.
Students are able to apply fundamental
mathematics and science concepts to solve
robotic problems as well as explain them.
Immerse students in situations where they
are required to “do” math and science
rather than study them.

8. Understanding
Gear Basics
Understanding
Sensor Basics
Designing
a Robot
Chassis
Measuring
Force/Torque
Measuring
Rotational
Speed
Controlling
Rotation
Measuring
Distances
Calculating
Heading
Writing a
Program to
Navigate a
Path
Technological concepts children
integrate when they design, build,
and program robots
“Understanding is more than learning, it is learning and
knowing how to apply in context.”
Science for All Americans, American Association for the Advancement of Science

9. Gear Basic Meas. Meas. Applying Writing Building
Basics Electronics Speed Force Sensors Programs Robots
Fractions X X X X X X X
Decimals X X X X X X X
Measurement X X X X X X X X
Ratios/proportions X X X X X X X X
Conversion of Units X X X X X X X X
Speed, velocity X X X X X
Force, torque X X X X
Diameter/Circumference X X X X X
Applied Geometry X X X X
Electromagnetic
Spectrum
X X X X X
Applied Algebra X X
Logic/Scientific Thinking X X X X X X X X
Navigation
Math and Science Concepts Integrated
When Designing An Autonomous Robot

10. Gear Basic Meas. Meas. Applying Writing Building
Basics Electronics Speed Force Sensors Programs Robots
Fractions X X X X X X X
Decimals X X X X X X X
Measurement X X X X X X X X
Ratios/proportions X X X X X X X X
Conversion of Units X X X X X X X X
Speed, velocity X X X X X
Force, torque X X X X
Diameter/Circumference X X X X X
Applied Geometry X X X X
Electromagnetic
Spectrum
X X X X X
Applied Algebra X X
Logic/Scientific Thinking X X X X X X X X
Navigation
Academic Concepts taught using robotics
Proportionality, Conversion of Units
Measurement
Geometry
The Academic Concepts Children in 8th grade have historically not
tested well on are Geometry, Measurement, and Proportionality

11. Knowledge should emerge from
problem situations so that students
“have a strong conceptual basis for
reconstructing their knowledge at a
later time.”

12. The Robotics Vision
“All students have the 21st century skill sets that enable
them to make positive contributions globally.”