ROBOTICS

Robotics Rocks!

Woot-Woot! We won a grant to build a Portable Robotics Makerspace in 2015. More to come soon. 

Room C-2 Robotics

This is a beginning course in robotics. We will be utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits, Mindstorm software and various Lego Robotics materials, as well as Ozobots, Dots, Dashes, and miscellaneous other robots controlled by code. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, propulsion systems and binary number systems. Student designed robots will be programmed to compete in various courses as developed by First Lego League. 

We hope that this class will provide motivation for students to continue in computer science and engineering courses.

Course Objectives

Students will learn, understand and know the following -

How to collaborate in groups and teams

How to design robots for specific activities and scenarios

How to use LEGO Mindstorm programming software

Gears, pulleys, torque, friction, timing, sensors, and program loops

To design, develop and complete robotic activities and challenges

Classroom Policies

Students are expected to follow all policies outlined in the Pleasant Valley School of Engineering and Arts Parent - Student Handbook. Students will be expected to follow all computer rules including having signed an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Internet access.

Student /Teacher Expectations

This course is designed for the beginning level computer user who has some experience using the computer. Students will work in-groups and teams to complete various course assignments and projects (challenges). Students will be expected to be self-motivated and stay on task with all lectures, web based instruction, and activities.

Students are responsible for backing up all of their work and maintaining their data. No excuses will be accepted for losing work, since multiple ways are offered to back-up and save student work.

Deadlines are exactly what they mean! All work is due when asked for with limited exceptions. Enough time is given for students to complete their work and projects in class with some homework as needed. Students should not PROCRASTINATE work deadlines for this class. This policy is followed strictly with limited exceptions as determined by the teacher. Many of the activities are scheduled for certain days and students missing a class period may not be able to make-up an activity. 

Computer Hardware and Software

All students will be expected to take care of and respect all school computer hardware and software while in their use. Students will have access to computers, Mindstorm software and Lego Mindstorm Lego kits. Damages to any computer equipment by a student will be charged to the student. Students also understand that all software used for this course are the property of Pleasant Valley School District and students are not allowed to make copies, share, or change programs in any way.

LEGO Mindstorm Kits

Each Lego Mindstorm kit will be inventoried by each group before and after each trimester. You as the student are responsible for all of the Lego pieces, parts, batteries, booklets and any other materials that are needed to complete your kit. Any pieces lost or missing from your kit will be charges to you as the student. Please be very careful of your Lego kits as they are expensive and can be costly to replace missing pieces.

Grading

Students will be graded on the following:

Daily Lab Grade 20% Weekly Journal 15%

Projects 30% Quizzes/ tests 15%

Inventory 20%

Each activity is assigned points and accumulates toward a point total. The grade is calculated as follows from the total points:

100% - 90% A 

89% - 80% B

79% - 70% C

69% - 60% D

59% - Lower F

Class work and Homework

Most work is completed in class since we will be using computers, but some assignments will involve homework that includes reading, watching videos, or viewing websites. Deadlines are given for all assignments and homework; students should be aware of these and keep current with all work. Late work is not accepted unless you have a school field trip, excused absence or it has been arranged with the teacher prior to deadline.

Attendance Policies

Students and parents are advised to be aware of the attendance policies that are found in the Oxnard Elementary School District Student Handbook. Students that are absent MUST bring a note to the teacher within 2 class periods of being absent to be excused so that they may receive credit for work they missed. Students having NO NOTE will not receive credit for the day(s) absence(s). Students tardy to class (first 10 minutes) will be marked tardy.  

Student Responsibilities

1. Students are expected to be in their assigned area with paper, pencil and other needed materials once class starts.  

2. Come to class prepared. 

3. Students are expected to participate. 

4. Students are responsible for their computer equipment. Any problems – notify your teacher.

5. Students are expected to pay attention and stay on task while in class.

6. Respect the computers, textbooks and classroom materials.

7. Respect your peers and others property.

8. Students are to stay in the programs taught in class and are not allowed to “SURF the Net.”

Consequences/Discipline

All school policies are followed in this classroom and enforced with the guidelines outlined in the Pleasant Valley School of Engineering and Arts Parent - Student Handbook.  

Parent Permission

Please look over this course description with your parents Return this page (screenshot) with the following information filled out completely.  

Student’s Name: _________________________________________________(please print)

Home Address: ___________________________________________________________

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Student Signature____________________________________________

Student Email Address: ___________________________________________________________

Home Telephone _____________________________________________

Parent Signature _____________________________________________

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