T-STEM Center HalliburtonGEAR Robotics

Teacher WorkshopSummer 2012

Malli TravisDunbar College Prep Academy

mtravis@lubbockisd.org

Workshop Objectives

• Construct various robot designs using components in LEGO Mindstorm kit

• Write programs using the NXT-G software• Implement construction and programming

skills into GEAR competition challenges• Discuss robotics in the classroom• Explore project based learning and ethics in

engineering

Shift Happens

Did You Know 3.0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmwwrGV_aiE&feature=related

The Research

US Department of Labor projects by 2014, there will be more than 2 million job openings in STEM fields.

The number of US students graduating with degrees in STEM is declining.

The ResearchFewer that 15% of undergraduates pursue degrees in science or engineering compared to 30% in India and 40% in China.•5% computer/information systems•4% in engineering/engineering technologies•3% in biological/agricultural sciences•Less than 1% in physical science and mathematics

The ResearchWho enters STEM fields?•Men outnumber women 3 to 1•47% of Asian/Pacific Islanders to 19% of all other racial groups

– No measurable difference among White, Black and Hispanic

•34% of foreign students to 22% of US born•Higher % from families in the top 25% income bracket or at least had some college experience

The Research

Higher % of students:•Took trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus in high school•Earned GPA of B or higher•Had scores on college entrance exams in the highest quarter

The Research

Students staying in a STEM field of study•37% completed a degree or certificate•55% left STEM fields

– Switched to non-STEM area– Left post-secondary education without

earning any credentials

GEAR

www.gearrobotics.org

GEAR was created in order to foster interest among school aged (mainly primary schools) students in the fields of engineering and science. More importantly we want to show our youth that these fields can be a fun and rewarding career option.

Project Based LearningA systematic teaching method that engages students in learning essential knowledge and life-enhancing skills through an extended, student-influenced inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.

pbl-online.org

Project Based Learning• To develop real-world problem solving skills by

challenging students with open-ended projects• The goal is to build “functional integrated

knowledge” instead of just memorization of facts• Introduction of 21st Century Skills

– Communication and presentation skills– Organization and time management skills– Research and inquiry skills– Self assessment and reflection skills– Group participation and leadership skills

www.nasa.gov

Texas Tech University T-STEM Model

CRITERIAspecifications to be met by your design

CONSTRAINTSLimiting factors to

consider

PROTOTYPEa test model that contains only the essential design

features

Ethics in Robotics

Part 1 Part 2

Presentation Options• PowerPoint• Prezi• Pecha Kucha• Posters• Etc.

Be creative! Wow us!

Sort &

Organize

Homework1. Research 21st Century Skills and be able

to discuss a “WOW”.– What I found surprising…– One thing I wonder….– What other questions do I have?

2. Be able to discuss how you use robotics in the classroom…or bring questions.

3. Decide on a presentation method for PBL project.