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The Discover Robotics & Programming Kit combines computer programming curriculum with advanced manipulatives and activities, making it the perfect robotics education tool for teachers and students alike. The curriculum promotes hands-on activity-based learning to encourage problem solving, communication, reflection, and collaboration skills.
Projects focus on the integration of STEAM skills by incorporating math, physics, and engineering principals throughout the activities and following with a journaling aspect to incorporate language arts and reflection skills. Activities strike a balance between explicit instruction-following and critical thinking with creative problem solving.
The Discover Robotics Kit includes the Brain robotic controller and the Cortex programming software from PCS. When used together, these products bring robotic builds to life while teaching students about computer logic, programming, and robotics engineering.
Includes:
Brain Controller and Cortex Programming Environment:
Brain Controller Pack
The Brain robotic controller offers students the opportunity to learn about robotics like never before. With quick processing power, wireless connectivity, and physical sensors, the Brain is used with the Cortex programming environment to create a comprehensive hands-on robotics education experience.
With physical hooks that are easily adaptable to LEGO and fischertechnik parts, students can build to their imagination content. Then, using the Cortex, students program desired movement and watch their creations come to life! The advanced sensor pack allows robots to interact with the physical world and respond to received stimuli. New sensors include touch, infrared, optical, LED, and ultrasonic.
Cortex Programming Software
The Cortex is an exciting, hands-on programming software that teaches students computer logic concepts and robotics programming. Used in conjunction with the Brain robotic controller, the Cortex is an excellent tool for students to learn and experiment with programming at any level. Now with Bluetooth connectivity, students can watch their programming in action as their robots spring to life wirelessly! License purchase required.
Cortex Programming Software Requirements
The Cortex requirement for Windows devices is Windows 7 and above. For OS X devices it is 10.5 and above.
Kit Details:
With Discover Robotics and Programming, students have the freedom to iterate and design, while gaining tangible benefits from frequent analysis and reflection. Projects are designed to accommodate groups of 2-3 students, though groups of 4 can work with some additional structure, such as more specific task assignments for group members.
The robotics curriculum is a platform for teaching basic programming logic in the context of mechanical output (e.g. a motor moves) and data input (e.g. a light sensor identifies a Century ¢‚¬Å“soft skills. Activities strike a balance between boundary). Projects incorporate applied math, physics, and engineering principles both directly through the project structure, and also via suggested approaches and extensions. These extensions are designed to be optional, depending on the learning objectives for the class. Many of the extensions are also convenient ways to assign deliverables (exit items) and/or homework.
PCS has created the robotics programming curriculum to include a journaling component in response to the extensive research that illustrates the benefits of including reflective elements in STEM classrooms. Since students will be applying concepts repeatedly, with ever-increasing difficulty and rigor, it is critical they both record and reflect on their process. The reflective component of the curriculum should not be omitted or understated, as student outcomes are highly correlated to the effort they put into such record-keeping. For additional information about our suggested journaling process, please review the appropriate index in the instructor guide.
This curriculum is modular, in that the four levels need not be instructed in an immediate sequence. The modules can augment existing curriculum, or work as a stand-alone unit, depending on the discretion of the instructor.
STEAM Applications:
Science: Various science skills will be introduced and worked through such as physics when students are introduced to kinematics and experimental methods.Standards Alignment Examples:
Next Generation Science
MS-ETS1 (A, B, and C) Engineering Design: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
International Society for Technology in Education
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Common Core State Standards
Grades 6-8 Language Arts: ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.B. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
