Hands-On Robotics: Bringing Simple Machines to Solve Real World Problems

Purpose & objective

To provide educators with practical knowledge and skills to integrate robotics and simple machines into their curriculum, fostering student engagement and enhancing real-world readiness across various academic subjects.

The objective of the session is to provide educators with practical knowledge and skills to dive deeper into teaching simple machines by animating them with robotics. Educators will learn new strategies for teaching simple machines with students, and gain experience in real-world and project-based learning. Challenges from several academic disciplines will push educators to think outside of the box, and every attendee will leave with free resources and ideas to bring back to their classrooms.

Outline

Time Frame Subject to Change

Introduction (2 minutes)
Welcome and brief overview of the workshop's goals and objectives.
Explanation of the importance of robotics and automation in education.

Understanding Simple Machines (3 minutes)
- Introduction to the concept of simple machines.
- Discussion on how simple machines are fundamental building blocks in engineering and robotics.
- Brief overview of the different types of simple machines (e.g., levers, pulleys, gears).

Robotics and Education (5 minutes)
- Benefits of incorporating robotics in the classroom, including promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Examples of how robotics can be applied across various academic subjects.

Hands-On Activity: Building Cardboard Robots (30 minutes)
- Provide attendees with cardboard, Hummingbird Bits, and other basic materials.
- Step-by-step instructions for creating a simple cardboard robot that uses a Winch to create a robot.
Emphasis on encouraging creativity and problem-solving during the building process.
Engaging Challenges will be embedded into the hands on
- Introduction to a series of engaging challenges that attendees can use in their classrooms.
- Challenges designed to incorporate making, engineering, and programming concepts.
- Discussion on how these challenges promote student interest and real-world readiness.

Programming the Robots (10 minutes)
- Introduction to basic programming concepts using a simple, user-friendly platform called Makecode
- Hands-on demonstration of how to program an automated Winch

Q&A and Discussion (5 minutes)
- Gallery Walk to explore all of the different projects
Open the floor for questions, sharing of ideas, and discussion among attendees.
- Encourage attendees to share their thoughts on integrating robotics into their specific subjects.

Closing Remarks (3 minutes)
- Recap of key takeaways from the workshop.
- Provide resources and references for further learning and exploration.
- Thank attendees for their participation and enthusiasm.

Supporting research

https://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/