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

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

4. 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).

5. 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 $83,590 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Enhances “STEM Abilities”

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. Other Edu-bots

15. 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

16. Other Contest Opportunities (non 4-H sponsored)

17. Thank you!
Questions?