{"id":1654,"date":"2014-08-30T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2014-08-30T13:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiie.w3.uvm.edu\/blog\/?p=1654"},"modified":"2022-04-15T14:58:17","modified_gmt":"2022-04-15T18:58:17","slug":"learning-robots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tiie.w3.uvm.edu\/blog\/learning-robots\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning with robots"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Science<\/a><\/p>\n

Why get started?<\/h1>\n

I can\u2019t deny it \u2013 I\u2019m a big fan of robotics in education.<\/p>\n

When I was still teaching, I helped start a robotics team at my high school, which participated in regional and national competitions. The student learning and engagement that took place in this extra curricular activity was absolutely amazing \u2013 plus it was a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

This past summer at the Tarrant Institute\u2019s Code Camp<\/a> we had a strand that focused on robotics and making\/tinkering concepts. These campers had a blast, and reminded me of how valuable robotics as a teaching tool can be.<\/p>\n

And since there are a number of upcoming robotics programs and competitions here in Vermont, I thought I would take some time today to talk about it.<\/p>\n

Why robotics?<\/h2>\n

It seems almost clich\u00e9 these days to talk about the importance of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subject areas. By building skills in these areas, we help our students participate in 21st century industry and society.<\/p>\n

However, traditional teaching methods and activities in these subjects can fail to reach all learners.<\/p>\n

Bringing in robotics not only helps \u201chook\u201d students, but also allows them to experience the integration and application of concepts. Robotics programs teach problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.<\/p>\n

Students use the engineering process and scientific method while playing in a hands-on\/minds-on way. They activate their creativity as they invent, troubleshoot, and work around problems. The nature of these projects helps students built both inter- and intrapersonal skills. And since students are learning by doing, abstract concepts become personalized and concrete.<\/p>\n

Robotics and the NGSS<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking back to\u00a0a\u00a0post<\/a>\u00a0earlier this summer, it might be useful to cross-reference robotics with the Next Generation Science Standards. Here are the Middle School<\/a>\u00a0and High School<\/a> Engineering, Technology, and Application standards. Seems to be pretty directly aligned, especially considering that FIRST strives to infuse real-world issues into their competition scenarios. Also check out the \u201cScience and Engineering Practices\u201d under the other physical science\u00a0standards<\/a> \u2013 I would argue that there is a decent amount of overlap there as well.<\/p>\n

Constructionism?<\/h3>\n

Writers have described the learning behind robotics as a special type of applied constructivism called constructionism. Constructivism poses that learners actively construct knowledge and meaning through the interaction of their ideas and experiences. They create mental models that help them understand their world. Constructionism starts with this learning theory and argues that learning happens most effectively when learners also make actual objects in the real world. This is what is happens when using robotics. Instead of learning about<\/em> these concepts, they are learning concepts with<\/em> robots. For more about constructionism and robotics, you can check out this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"FLL<\/a>
FLL robot chassis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Robotics in Vermont<\/h2>\n

So, there\u2019s benefits, there\u2019s some theory, but let\u2019s cut to the chase: robotics in Vermont, and how to get involved.<\/p>\n

Competitive robotics<\/h3>\n

Last year, UVM<\/a> started hosting a regional FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) here on campus. The FIRST<\/a> organization creates robotics competitions at many different levels, from robots built with Lego Mindstorm<\/a> technology all the way to complete fabrication from raw materials. The FTC<\/a> is for teams of students grades 7-12, and uses Tetrix<\/a> technology.<\/p>\n

If you have students that may be more interested in the First Lego League (FLL<\/a>), the regional competition is hosted in New Hampshire (more information here<\/a>). Perhaps a little less competitive, and certainly aligned with local themes, the Champlain Maker Faire<\/a>\u00a0hosts the Champbot Challenge<\/a>, where your team creates a robotic lake monster to complete obstacles. There\u2019s also a \u201cmini\u201d version of the challenge<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Getting started with robotics<\/h3>\n

Robotics is a growing field in education, and here in Vermont it is starting to gain a number of footholds. The benefits to students are numerous and real.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the school year, consider how you might be able to bring robotics into your classroom. And ask your students! Speaking from experience, the easiest way to start a program is if you have a group of excited and interested individuals. And if you are involved in robotics in Vermont, leave us a comment and tell us all about it.<\/p>\n

Finally, a bunch of resources and links:<\/h3>\n