Your Presenters: Derrick Bruton Extension Program Specialist – 4-H Youth Development & Dr. Toby Lepley Operations and Associate Professor & Extension Specialist

Topics Why STEM/Robotics? Curriculum Available Online Trainings Robotics Platforms Contest Opportunities

Why STEM? STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as quickly (21.4%) as jobs in other fields. (U.S. Bureau of Statistics) U.S. will have over 1 million job openings in STEM-related fields by 2018 (U.S. Department of Labor) Only 16% of U.S. bachelor’s degrees will specialize in STEM. In short, there is a deficit of students graduating with STEM degrees. (U.S. Bureau of Statistics) To put these numbers into perspective, of the 3.8 million 9th graders in the US, only 233,000 (6.1%) end up choosing a STEM degree in college (National Center for Education Statistics).

Why Robotics? Anticipate 5% employment growth in the mechanical engineering field between 2014 to 2024 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Median annual wage in 2015 - $83,590 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Enhances “STEM Abilities”

STEM Abilities Predict Organize Hypothesize Infer Evaluate Question State a Problem Plan Investigation Research Problem Summarize/Relate Test Invent/Implement Solutions Problem Solve Interpret/Analyze/Reason Design Solutions Categorize/Order/Classify Measure Model/Graph/Use Numbers Collect Data Troubleshoot Draw/Design Redesign Build/Construct Optimize Use Tools Collaborate Observe Compare Communicate

4-H Robotics Incorporates STEM Abilities Experiential Learning (hands-on) Helps foster: Critical-thinking Teamwork Problem-solving Communication Measurable Results Opportunities beyond the school Potential 4-H Scholarships Fun!

Building Blocks – Junk Drawer Robotics Give Robots a Hand Explore the design and function of robotic arms, hands and grippers and build a robotic arm that really moves! Robots on the Move Design and build machines that roll, slide, draw or move underwater and explore robot mobility - movement, power transfer and locomotion. Mechatronics It’s all about the connection between the mechanical and electronic elements of robots, and you will explore sensors, write programs, build circuits and design your own robot.

Lessons and Curriculum National 4-H Robotics with EV3 Ev3N More 4-H Robotics Platforms DVD Texas 4-H & Texas Tech University Online beginners course for leaders (free) Carnegie Mellon Introduction to Programming course (free)

Robot Platforms Defined as a brand or type of robot kit The one you choose depends on member’s grade level, needs, skills, contest type (if applicable), and abilities. Examples: Lego VEX Sphero Ozobot No product endorsements implied or intended.

LEGO Mindstorm EV3 Sold by LEGO $390/kit; software now included with purchase Ideal for elementary through high school students The set includes: – Three interactive servo motors  – Built-in rotation sensor and ultrasonic sensor – Color/light sensor, gyro sensor and two touch sensors – Caster wheel – LEGO Technic building bricks for creating a vast variety of models Contest examples: First Lego League GEAR

VEX IQ Sold by VEX $280-330; software included Ideal for elementary through high school students Over 850 Structural & Motion Components 4 Smart Motors, 7 Sensors, Robot Brain, Controller & Batteries Included Contest Example: VEX Robotics Competition (VRC)

VEX Classroom or Competition Kit Suitable for advanced middle and high schoolers $850-1,050 per kit; $75 software Kit includes a color sensor, gyroscope, potentiometer Over 850 Structural & Motion Components 4 Smart Motors, 7 Sensors, Robot Brain, Controller & Batteries Included Storage Bin & Tray included for organized storage of all parts

Other Edu-bots

4-H Robotics Contests Get Excited About Robotics (GEAR) Robotics Challenge Agrobotics Challenge at San Antonio Livestock Exposition Ag Robotics Contest at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Other Contest Opportunities (non 4-H sponsored)

Thank you! Questions?