Robotics

How to engineers use programs to solve problems?
What makes something a robot?
What is/are the purpose(s) of robotics technology?
What will the impact of robotics technology be on humans?

Standards:

S-Engineering Technology and Application of Science

1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Math Practices:

MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively

MP4: Model with mathematics

MP6: Attend to precision

MP7: Look for and make use of structure

MP8: Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Common Core Math Content:

6.RP.A.1: Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationships between two quantities

6.RP.A.2: Understand the concept of a unit rate a/b associated with a ratio a:b with b!=0 and use rate language in the context of a ratio relationship

6.RP.A.3: Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems

7.RP.A.3: Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent problems

ISTE Standard 4 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

ISTE Standard 6 Technology Operations and Crosscutting Concepts

Use applications effectively and productively
Troubleshoot systems and applications.

Objectives:

Understandings: Students will understand that…

Science depends on evaluating proposed explanations
Science knowledge is based upon logical and conceptual connections between evidence and explanations.
Science findings are frequently revised and/or reinterpreted based on new evidence.
Science assumes that objects and events in natural systems occur in consistent patterns that are understandable through measurement and observation.
Science carefully considers and evaluates anomalies in data and evidence.
Scientists and engineers rely on human qualities such as persistence, precision, reasoning, logic, imagination and creativity.
Scientists and engineers are guided by habits of mind such as intellectual honesty, tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism and openness to new ideas.
Programming is precise.
Data underlies the core of the entire SPA process.
To understand the way something works, construct a mental "model" of it in your head that captures the important features and rules of the system.
To solve a difficult problem, try breaking it down into smaller problems. Then, solve the smaller problems, building up toward a solution to the big problem.
Computational thinking applies everywhere.

Students will be able to:

Open and use Mindstorms programming software
Download and run a program
Use programmatic decisions to control robot behavior
Model robot behavior using human actions
Utilize basic concepts of programming including commands and sequences of commands to successfully complete challenges
Utilize intermediate concepts of programming, such as program flow model, simple (wait for) sensor behaviors, decision-making structures like loops and switches to successfully complete challenges
Use the engineering practices such as building solutions to real-world problems, problem-solving strategies and teamwork when completing challenges