Robotics with Mr. Ruelas Sensor Unit Robotics with Mr. Ruelas

Unit Challenge Summary: This challenge includes obstacles which forces students to use sensors in order to get to the goal area. The robot must first begin at the starting area, touch the wall, follow a line, get to the calibration area using the Sonar, Touch, or Light sensor, and finally getting to the goal.

Is technology the answer? Essential Question Is technology the answer?

Unit Questions Content Questions What roles do robots play in society? How can robots be used to solve today’s problems? Content Questions What does the TouchSensor do? What does the LightSensor do? How does the SonarSensor work?

Benefits of Using Project Approaches, Ongoing Assessment, and CFQs in My Unit Students use their writing skills to create and maintain an Engineering Notebook. Their Engineering Notebooks are evaluated by a panel of judges. Students work in groups utilizing each others strengths. They learn writing and thinking skills while they are working on the project. Throughout the project they give and receive feedback on their work.

By Using Project Approaches, Ongoing Assessment, and CFQs My Students Will: Learn how to document engineering problems and solutions. Learn to work cooperatively with teammates. Demonstrate the functionality of each task and unit challenge.

Gauging Student Needs Assessment I will use my Essential and Unit Questions to: Find out what assumptions students have about the reach of technology. Gather information on higher-order thinking and 21st century skills: By evaluating the Design and Planning elements of their robot. By monitoring their ability to work cooperatively and problem-solve.

Gauging Student Needs Assessment What I will learn from the assessment: Prior-knowledge of basic engineering concepts and skills, and RobotC programming. Preconceptions about technology and its applications. What my students will gain from the assessment: Peer and teacher feedback. An opportunity to modify goals.

My Goals Implement real-world applications to Robotics. Access higher-order thinking, particularly problem-solving skills. Have students do Robotic presentations at local elementary and middle schools, and to the community.

Let’s Have a Great Year!