Starting a Robotics

Program
Betsy MacDonald
US Design, Programming and Robotics
Cary Academy
FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
Founded by Dean Kamen
From www.firstinspires.org, the official website:
Mission The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and
technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-
based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that
inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-
confidence, communication, and leadership.
Vision "To transform our culture by creating a world where science and
technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming
science and technology leaders." Dean Kamen, Founder

This Isnt a Robot

FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
Values
Gracious Professionalism- coined by Dr. Woody Flowers
Coopertition
Anyone can go pro
Four Levels
FRC FIRST Robotics Competition grades 9-12
FTC FIRST Tech Challenge grades 7-12
FLL FIRST LEGO League grades 4-8
FLL Jr. FIRST LEGO League Jr. grades K-4
FIRST
Not Just Robots

Values
Outreach
Fundraising
Business Plan
Spirit
Networking
Community
FRC FIRST Robotics Competition

Grades 9-12
Large robots, max 120 lbs
Compete on basketball-court-sized field
Three teams per alliance
Both autonomous and driver-controlled
FTC FIRST Tech Challenge

Grades 7-12
Medium robots required to fit in 18
cube at start of match
Compete on 12x12 field
Two teams per alliance
Both autonomous and driver-controlled
FLL FIRST LEGO League

Ages 9-14
LEGO Mindstorms Robotics
Compete on table just under 4x8
Only autonomous
FLL Jr. FIRST LEGO League Junior

Ages 6-10
Research project
LEGO models
Presentation skills
Robotics in the Classroom - Approaches
Individual or small group projects
See resources on next slide
Student generated - follow design process own their learning

Themed Challenges
Small groups work to create solutions for
Lifting
Gearing
Sensing
Stationary mechanism (like an arm)
Solve a challenge/game
Each robot carries balloon & tries to pop others
Robotics in the Classroom - Resources
Starter Robotics Kits
Tetrix Max (FTC) Vex EDR
Matrix (FTC) Makeblock
Lynxmotion Tetrix Prime
goBilda (FTC) Vex IQ
Actobotics LEGO Mindstorms
Rev Robotics FTC Flybricks (drones)
Starter Kit
Robotics in the Classroom - Suppliers
RobotShop
Sparkfun (Actobotics)
ServoCity (Actobotics)
Rev Robotics (FTC & FRC)
Modern Robotics (Matrix & goBilda)
Pitsco Education (Tetrix)
Vex Robotics
SuperDroid Robots (local! Fuquay-Varina)
AndyMark (FTC & FRC parts supplier)
McMaster Carr (FRC supplier)
Robotics in the Classroom How to Start
Jump in and let the kids help
Start with a kit, build it yourself
Learn as you go
YouTube, Google (someones done it before, youll find it)
Arduino get a motor controller/shield
Many suppliers have build guides/tutorials some have curriculum
Robotics brilliantly capture design process and growth mindset
Failure is part of the process, kids dont get defeated
Starting a Robotics Program

Betsy MacDonald
betsy_macdonald[at]caryacademy.org

Access presentation at http://bit.ly/robotInClass or

http://roboticsclassroom.weebly.com/starting-robotics-program.html