This document discusses how robotics can be used to deliver STEM education. It defines STEM as focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics to ensure US leadership in these fields. Robotics is defined as the design, construction and operation of robots. The document outlines how robotics provides opportunities for authentic problem solving, allows students to apply math and science concepts, and is engaging for students. It describes various engineering challenges and competitions, like FIRST Robotics, that involve math, science and engineering skills through robotics projects.

1. Delivering STEM
Education Through
Robotics
Brian Niekamp
Technology Education Teacher
Hastings Middle School
Upper Arlington City Schools
bniekamp@uaschools.org
1

2. What is STEM?
An initiative…
1) to secure America‟s leadership in
Science,
Technology,
Engineering,
Mathematics
2) and to identify promising strategies for
strengthening the education that leads to STEM
careers.
(adapted from the Alliance for Education - San Bernardino, California).

3. What is Robotics?
Robotics is “the technology dealing with the
- design,
- construction, &
- operation of robots.”
~ Merriam-Webster
3

4. Why Robotics?
Robotics…
 provides opportunities
for authentic problem
solving.
 allows students to
contextualize math and
science.
 is fun and engaging.
4

5. Engineering Challenges
 5 mini challenges that
require varying degrees of:
 Math skills
 Science skills
 Engineering skills
 Students work in
cooperative groups and
part of their grade is
performance-based

6. What is Engineering?
The application of scientific, physical, mechanical and
mathematical principles to design processes, products
and structures that improve the quality of life.
~ Pennsylvania Department of Education

7. Application, Application, Application
You„ve got to be able to learn how to learn;
It„s not what you know, it„s how you learn.
~Thomas Friedman

8. Robotics:
Where’s the Beef?
Math
 Addition, Subtraction,
Division, Multiplication
 Measuring
 Conversion of fractions to
decimal equivalents
 How to calculate
circumference
 Ratios
 Solving Proportions

9. More Beef…
Science
 Friction
 Mass/Weight
 Mechanical advantage
 Data collection
 Simple machines
9

10. Ratios and Proportions
 Problem:
You can‟t program a
robot to travel a certain
distance.
 Solution:
Use the rotation sensor
and math to solve the
problem.
10

11. How far does 1 rotation of a
wheel go?
 Answer: 1 rotation = the circumference of the wheel
 Measure wheel diameter
 Multiply diameter x π
11

12. So, let‟s say you calculate that 1 rotation of a
wheel goes 4 inches.
How many rotations do you need to go 12 inches?
12

13. Using Proportions
1 rotation =x rotations
4 inches 12 inches
4x= 12
4 4
x = 3 rotations
13

14. “This is the first time I have seen
a real use for Algebra”
1 rotation =x rotations
4 inches 12 inches
4x= 12
4 4
x = 3 rotations
14

15. Robotics Competitions
 FIRST Robotics
 National Robotics Challenge
 eTech Ohio Conference
15

16. FIRST Robotics
 FIRST Tech Challenge
 High school
 FIRST Lego League
 9-14 years old
 Qualifiers in Grandview and
Columbus State
 Junior First Lego League
 6-9 years old
16

17. National Robotics Challenge
www.NationalRoboticsChallenge.org
 Marion, Ohio
 3 days of competitions
 for Middle School,
High School, & College
 Inexpensive - no
required kits
17

18. National Robotics Challenge
www.NationalRoboticsChallenge.org
 Sumo Robots
 Maze Robots
 Robot Construction
 Art Robot
 Pick and Place Robot
 Top of the Hill
18

19. When your students are
asking to come to school on
the weekends…
You know you’ve got them hooked on learning!

20. Robotics - STEM Delivered