7th Grade: Automation and Robotics

Course Description

(AR) allows students to trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

• Lesson A: What is Engineering?
  • In this lesson, students will learn about STEM careers and how they impact our world. STEM careers include all occupations that require an education in physical and life sciences, computer science, mathematics, engineering, health professions and social science. Students will keep a PLTW Gateway Notebook that includes a section for their PLTW Gateway Notebook and a section for their portfolio.
• Lesson B: Design Process
  • A design process is used to create a solution or solve a problem. A design process has many forms, but is essentially a structured way to create a solution, and it reduces the danger and inefficiency of a simple trial-and-error approach. In this lesson, students will use a design process and associated tools similar to an engineer to create a solution and solve a problem.
• Lesson 2: Mechanical Systems
  • Think about a bicycle, an eggbeater, a sewing machine, a hand-cranked drill, and a workshop vice. What do they have in common? All of them have at least one mechanism that provides movement. If the devices were taken apart, you would find a series of gears that redirect the applied force so they can accomplish their tasks. The activities in this lesson will introduce the students to several mechanisms that are used to change speed, torque, force, type of movement, and direction of movement. These mechanisms have been developed over time to address the need for changes in machine tools, robots, automobiles, airplanes, etc.
• Lesson 3: Automated Systems
  • Computer programs and sensing devices provide feedback to guide tools and machines in the manufacturing of parts. Automated systems can be used to pick up a part, move it to a certain location, wait for a process to be performed, pick it back up, and deliver it to an offloading location. Upon completion of this lesson, students will have a better understanding of the necessary components of a flexible manufacturing system and the programming necessary for communication between the sensors, motors and building components.

Course Materials:

• Pencil Pouch
  • Pencils
  • Flash Drive
  • Eraser

Grading Policy:

• Activities: 40%
• Projects: 60%

How to Access Course Materials:

• Mr. Law’s Website (https://sites.google.com/a/nhcs.net/gregorylaw/ )
  • Assignment and Due Dates.
• Google Classroom (https://classroom.google.com/)
  • Assignment Descriptions and Submitting Work
• PLTW Website (https://www.pltw.org/ )
  • Course Curriculum