1. Loudon County Board Retreat 2018
NMS Robotics Program
Loudon County Board Retreat 2018

2. Robotics Program Facts
Focus on the Engineering Design Process
Covers multiple cross-curricular standards across 5-8th grade levels
Includes introductions to computer science & computer programming
After school club
In-school special area class: “Robotics”
Also accessed during STEM curriculum
By the end of 2018, over 120 students will have accessed the robotics curriculum

3. Engineering Design Process
Robots do not come preassembled.
Students must identify the problem or action that they would like their robot to conquer.
Next, they develop a plan for building and programming.
Then they build a prototype and start the computer programming required to connect the control features to the robot.
They test the model by completing various tasks. For example, the robot may be tested for speed, task manipulation, or maneuverability.
They reflect on their design and modify as necessary to meet a goal.
Then they can proceed with competition practice.

4. Example State Standards
GLE 0507.T/E.3 Identify appropriate materials, tools, and machines that can extend or enhance the ability to solve a specified problem.
GLE 0607.T/E.2 Know that the engineering design process involves an ongoing series of events that incorporate design constraints, model building, testing, evaluating, modifying, and retesting.
GLE 0707.T/E.3 Compare the intended benefits with the unintended consequences of a new technology.
90807.T/E.2 Apply the engineering design process to construct a prototype that meets certain specifications.
SPI 0807.T/E.2 Evaluate a protocol to determine if the engineering design process was successfully applied.

5. Vex Robotics Programs
Vex Robotics offers a variety of both free and paid training for teachers and students.
Both free and paid curriculum packages are available for multiple grade levels.

6. Goals for the Future of Robotics at NMS
Continue to grow the program and advance the number of students involved each semester.
Add additional types of robotics that appeal to our differentiated ages and academic abilities. This would include more advanced robots for our higher achieving students and more simplified robots for some of our younger students.
More teacher professional development in order to continue to grow the program and integrate it into other disciplines.
Advance into more competitions.

7. Try Them Out!
Your goal today is to move the robots down the course and complete a task for each robot.
Use the controller to operate the robot and to manipulate the course.