Automation & Robotics
Course Overview
In the Automation and Robotics (AR) course, students 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.
Syllabus (Under Construction Due to PLTW Course revision)
Automation and Robotics Syllabus
Mr. Mike Parris
Room: 1050
Work Phone: 864-452-1219
mparris@greenville.k12.sc.us
Course Description
Automation and robotics include computer-controlled machines used to make manufacturing more efficient, productive, and safe. Robots are also used to assist people with disabilities in hospitals to help with surgery, to deliver food, or to dispense medications. Robots are becoming popular household helpers, performing chores like vacuuming and mowing lawns. In the Automation and Robotics (AR) unit, students 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.
Grade Rationale Grading Scale
Projects/Tests/Engineering Notebook 50% 90% - 100% = A
Labs/Daily Work/Participation 50% 80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
8 Major & 3 Minor Grades per grading period 60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Late Work or work turned in after deadline policy: Late work will be accepted, with no penalty to the
student, up to 7 days after the original due date (Deadline) or the end of the grading period, whichever comes first.
Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to participate in all curriculum activities, including collaborative group projects for problem-based learning. Students are to be prepared for class, which includes class supplies. Behavior rules are posted in the classroom, and the RGS discipline policy will be used in the classroom.
Retake/Redo/Revise Expectations
If students earn less than their desired score on a major grade they may request to retake/redo/revise it one time per quarter. The student will have five days from when the grade was issued to request to retake/redo/revise, and are required to complete a request for retake form. Teachers may allow students to retake, redo, or revise the assignment as long as the final product measures mastery of the same content. Students may be required to complete a remediation activity first. The recorded grade will be the higher grade. Unique situations will be handled on a case by case basis.
8th Grade: Automation and Robotics Students will need:
A ruler (inches & metric)
Pencils or Mechanical Pencils
Permanent Marker (Sharpie)
Automation and Robotics Course of Study
NOTE: Units of study and lessons for each unit are listed below. The timeline and projects are subject to change, due to student interest and needs.
Class Introduction, Expectations, Guidelines and Protocols, and Chromebook Guide
Vex Basics and Overview of VEX Parts
Automating Mechanisms
Building a Simple Gear Train
On The Move - Connecting Motor, Brain and Battery to Simple Gear Train
5.Intro to VEX Code
6. Rescue Mission- Building a Res-Q-Bot
7. Robot Shuffle- Programming the Res-Q-Bot
8. Looping the Robot Shuffle
9. Switching Gears- Understanding Gear Ratio and Speed vs Torque
10. Using Universal Joints to build a Child’s Toy
11. Building and using Bevel Gears to build a Wind Turbine
13. Worm and Wheel Gears
Sensors and Systems
14. Using Chain Drive to build a Conveyor Belt
15. Using and Coding Sensors and Detecting Colors
16. Distance Sensors
17. Constructing a Leadscrew, Rack and Pinion, and Crank and Slider
18. Using a Belt Drive
Create and Automate
19. Showcase your Skills- Using Mechanisms to design and build a object to solve a problem
20. Using VEX IQ or V5 to build a Clawbot or other Robot of your choosing
OR
Using VEX V5 to build a Manufacturing Work Cell