Homeschool Robotics program – Project Based Learning

Jul 04

TananaMath, Project Based Learning, Robotics, Science , , , , , No Comments

I am very intrigued by project based learning and have begun to incorporate elements of it in our homeschool. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time or knowledge to create really robust project based learning modules. That’s why I get so excited when I find something ready made.

Keep in mind two things, one, we haven’t started the program yet, and two, it is expensive. Well, the curriculum isn’t expensive, but the robot is. The robot may be purchased from lego mindstorms or amazon.com . It currently sells for $265. Now, I realize that is expensive, but I view it as a good investment. Not only can you do the curriculum I will discuss below, you can form a coop and get the engineering II curriculum where project management and teamwork is emphasized.

While we are homeschooling with a charter school that provides funds for curriculum and educational products, we chose not to buy through the charter because when we leave the charter, we have to give it back. I figure it is better to buy it ourselves, and if we are no longer using it, sell it and recoup at least some of the expense. Which brings up the point, that you might find a used one on Ebay or Craigslist.

I am a self-taught programmer with very little formal training in programming. I LOVE to program. But, that is not what excites me about this curriculum. It is the reinforcement of many of the math and science concepts we cover in 4th through 8th grade. The programming part is cool too, but I loved the applied aspect.

The curriculum was designed by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. There is a site license available for $270 for Robotics Engineering Vol I which appears to be identical to the homeschooling single use license which currently sells for $59 Robotics Engineering Vol. 1: Introduction to Mobile Robotics Home School Edition

Check out the previews. You can find them here

I love how they break the problems down into simple problems and especially the investigations.

Their site claims the following key educational outcomes (please note: the curriculum is designed for middle school, however we are doing it for an advanced 5th grader):

Math

Diameter
Circumference
Angles
Graphs and tables
Linear relationships
Scaling and models
Ratios & proportions
Unit conversions
Averages
Boolean logic
Spatial reasoning
Patterns

Technology

Purpose of technology
Technology relationships
Systems
Design tradeoffs
Troubleshooting
Sensors
Performance
Boundaries
Mechanical elements
Controls
Technology relationships
Systems
Design tradeoffs
Troubleshooting
Sensors
Performance
Boundaries
Mechanical elements
Controls

Science

Hypothesis & evidence
Experimental design
Observations & predictions
Data analysis & acquisition
Measurement
Error analysis
Amplitude and frequency
Light and reflectivity
Color and perception
Spatial graph model
Ultrasonic waves
Speed, distance & power

Communication

Brainstorming solutions
Reasoning with evidence
Explanatory composition
Documenting processes

Doesn’t that sound awesome? Ok, I know I’m weird, but I am excited about this program. I’ll be sure to post about our experience when we get a handle on things. If you happen to jump in too, please share your experiences.