Discover Robotics & Programming Kit (Windows, Mac, Android)

---

• Grades: 6-8
• Number of Students: 1-3
• Lesson Plan Sample PDF
  

 

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:

• Advanced building elements from fischertechnik
  
• The PCS robotic controller Brain
  
• Brain and Cortex user guide
• Cortex install CD
• Compartmentalized storage bin with lid
• Printed and digital standards-aligned instructors curriculum guide
• Printed and digital student guide that encourage autonomous thinking and problem solving

 

---

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.

• Drag and drop programming that easy for beginners to understand but robust enough for experienced users to create advanced programming
• Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless programming
• Tablet compatibility for portable wireless communication
• Compatible with both Mac and Windows environments
• Fully Arduino based software making it part of an open source community
• Included lithium polymer battery that is smaller, smarter, more powerful, and has a fast charging time
• Advanced sensor pack allowing robots to interact with the physical world and respond to stimuli including touch, light, sound, and infrared

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.
Technology: The hands-on activities in this kit allow students to experience first-hand the technology behind building a robot. Students will also use technology to develop innovative processes.
Engineering: Students work with basic engineering concepts as they learn iterative design, create abstract working plans, and translate them into practical hands-on applications.
Language Arts: With the incorporation of a journaling component, students work on their language arts skills including writing, reflecting, and multimedia communication.
Math: Students will work with various math concepts such as geometry (including circles), basic functions, logic and sequences, and some basic statistics.

---

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.
Grade 6 Math: MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.C. Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems.
Grade 7 Math: MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.4. Know the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems.
Grade 8 Math: MATH.CONTENT.8.SP.A.1. Construct and interpret scatter plots for bi variate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities.