Course Syllabus
Robotics Syllabus
Middles Grades * 2015-2016 * Mr. Hinchman
Email: Hinchmant@gm.sbac.edu
In the middle grades Exploratory Robotic course, students will design and build VEX robots. The VEX Robotics Design System is a robotic kit intended to introduce students to the world of robotics. The robot will be able to do simple tasks and operated by students.
Technolaogical Design - Design, modify and apply technology to effectively and efficiently solve problems.
Student Expectations
Through all subjects, the focus will be on helping the students work toward the statewide standards with an overarching goal of meeting the following General Learner Outcomes (see attached rubric used to assess your child’s progress toward these goals).
Required Materials:
- Journal Notebook (No spiral notebooks)
- Blue/Black Pen
- Pencils
- Grid or graph paper
- College Rule Paper
Classroom Guidelines:
- Arrive to class on time
- Be prepared with supplies and homework
- Show respect for others
- Ask questions when confused
- Utilize resources and time efficiently and properly
- Listen carefully and follow directions
- Engage and work hard in class
Attendance: Every day is important! Your success in this course is directly related to how often you are present. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the work and notes that you missed. Assignments are updated on remind.com (https://www.remind.com/join/robohinch to join) when assigned. If you are on campus during any portion of the school day, your homework for that day will be due and any scheduled quizzes or test must be taken. It is your responsibility to come see me if you arrive late to school or leave early and miss my class period. If you miss the class the day before a test and return the day of the test, you will be expected to take the test as scheduled. If you have missed two or more days before a test and return the day of the te
st, come see me and we can make arrangements for you to take the test at a later date.
Grading:
Weighted Grades:
- Building 25% (performance based on self, peer, & teacher observations)
- Research 25% (planning, reflections on problem-solving, engineering/science/math application lessons,tests,quizzes)
- Challenges 25% (readiness on competition day, completion of given task)
- Programming/Driving/Strategic Planning 25% (based on clear documentation & effort, not perfection)
Unhappy with Your Grades?
- Challenges can be redone and turned in prior to the last 2 weeks in each quarter.
- 2nd Chance with Tests: Tests/quizzes scoring below an 80% can be retaken. Retakes must be taken during other elective or lunch and must occur prior to the last 2 weeks in each quarter.
Homework: Homework is assigned semi-regularly. Homework is due at the beginning of class on the day after the assignment is given. Assignments will also be listed on remind.com (https://www.remind.com/join/robohinch to join). All assignments must include the proper heading as shown below, the assignment name, each problem written as in the curriculum, sufficient work in a neat and organized way.
Please send recyclables/donations:
- Impact goggles
- baby wet wipes (great for cleaning kits)
- tools (screw drivers, glue guns, drills)
- small storage containers (Costco salad containers w/lids work great)
- straws, chopsticks, popsicle sticks, fishing line..
** Note: Mr. Hinchman retains the right to make changes, additions, and deletions to the course expectations throughout the course of the year. Students will be made aware of any changes. **
To Be A Successful Student, I must follow the 3-R’s:
- Be RESPECTFUL to myself, others and property
-I must listen, observe, and participate with a positive attitude.
-Not put downs, gossip, or name calling, only encouragement and appreciation.
-I must take care of my class, all equipment, resources, and other student property.
- Be RESPONSIBLE
-I must bring all necessary supplies, materials, and assignments to class.
-I must complete all unfinished class work for homework by the next class.
-I must write down all assignments into my planner book and complete all work on time.
-When I am absent, it is my responsibility to obtain and complete any missed work.
- Be RESOURCEFUL
-I must make good use of my time both in class and at home.
-I must use all resources available to me (peers, internet, teachers, experts, materials, etc.) to solve problems
Behavioral Consequences:
Students choosing actions that hinder their learning and safety or the learning and the safety of others will face consequences appropriate to their actions.
Safety Contact
- I will be responsible in the lab. I will be ALERT, CAUTIOUS, and CAREFUL.
- I will stay on task and follow instructions, doing only activities that I have permission to do.
- I will immediately report any accidents, dangerous behavior, and unexpected events to my teacher.
- Absolutely no practical jokes or misconduct will be tolerated, so I will pay strict attention to my work.
- I will keep sharp pieces & tools away from my face, eyes, & others.
- I will use all supplies appropriately and never take any supplies or equipment out of the lab without permission from my teacher.
- I will always clean up my lab table, put away all materials and equipment as instructed before leaving.
- I will not modify or vandalize any equipment or computers, understanding that if they are lost or destroyed I will be obligated to pay for the item.
VEX IQ Curriculum Syllabus
Grade Level: 6-8 (units and lessons specify specific grade level targets) Curriculum Duration: Flexible, depending on school and classroom needs.
50-80 hours of instruction if all twelve units are taught.
Curriculum Description & Options:
With the growing societal need to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction in classrooms and beyond, there is a call for integrated learning programs that allow teachers to engage students meaningfully in STEM, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. With that in mind, we have developed the VEX IQ Curriculum as a companion to the VEX IQ platform for elementary and middle school students. The curriculum offers twelve flexible units of instruction that can be used in sequence, in chunks, or as standalone lessons. Whatever your elementary and middle school STEM education needs may be, the VEX IQ Curriculum is a learning tool that will excite and inspire your students. For information on the programming options available, consult www.vexiq.com/programming Curriculum Resources Provided:
Curriculum Lesson Content - twelve units and associated resources
Curriculum Outline:
Unit 1: It’s Your Future - Learn about STEM, engineering, and robotics
Unit 2: Let’s Get Started - Learn about VEX IQ, the Controller, and the Robot Brain
Unit 3: Your First Robot - Build and test Clawbot IQ
Unit 4: Simple Machines & Motion - Explore Levers, Pulleys, Pendulums, & more
Unit 5: Chain Reaction Challenge - Design fun devices using Simple Machines
Unit 6: Key Concepts - Explore and apply science and math that engineers use
Unit 7: Mechanisms – Motors, Gear Ratio, Drivetrains, Object Manipulation & more
Unit 8: Add it Up Challenge - Build a challenge-ready teleoperated robot
Unit 9: Smart Machines - Learn how sensors work and the basics of programming
Unit 10: Chain Reaction Programming Challenge - Apply sensor and programming knowledge to automate fun devices Unit 11: More Smart Machines - Expand your knowledge of sensors and programming
Unit 12: Add it Up Programming Challenge - Build a challenge-ready autonomous robot
Please fill out the information below, cut, sign and return to Mr. Hinchman
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Mr. Hinchman’s Robotics Exploratory Class Expectations Agreement:
I have read the above and understand what is expected in Mr. Hinchman’s Robotics Class.
Student Signature ___________________________ Date __________________
Parent Signature__________________________________Date___________________
Please initial the following:
______My child may watch videos that are PG-13 and below for curricular purposes
(i.e. Apollo 13 for prob. Solving in action, Iron-Man for engineering/robotics application)
______Please give my child an alternate activity
(usually the video assignment with on-line info. on the same topic.)
Please Print Below:
Contact Person for Routine Communication:
________________________________
Phone or Cell #: _______________________________
E-mail Address: _______________________________
Resources you could share to enhance engineering, physics, or chemistry concepts:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Course Summary:
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