1 IEEE Teacher In-Service Training Program Region July 2007 Dallas, Texas

2 Build Your Own Robot Arm Region 5 Brad Snodgrass, Central Indiana Section Douglas Gorham, IEEE Educational Activities

3 Principles & Standards for School Mathematics l Geometry: l Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems l Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three- dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships l Problem Solving: l Recognize and apply geometric ideas in areas outside of the mathematics classroom l Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies l Communication: l Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others

4 National Science Education Standards Standard E: Science and Technology l Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans l Abilities of technological design l Understandings about science and technology l Communicate the process of technological design l Interactions of energy and matter l Motion and force

5 Standards for Technological Literacy Students will develop an understanding of… l Standard 7. the influence of technology on history. l Standard 8. the attributes of design. l Standard 9. engineering design. l Standard 10. the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving. Students will develop … l Standard 11. the abilities to apply the design process. l Standard 19. an understanding of and be able to select and use manufacturing technologies.

6 Outline and Procedures l Divide into teams of 2 l Brainstorm and create a sketch of your design l Build a model of your design with given materials l Test your model l Discuss and agree upon a redesign, if needed l Rebuild your robot arm l Retest your model l Answer reflection questions as a team

7 Reflection l What was one thing you liked about your design? l Are there algebraic principles that can be applied to this activity? l What is one thing you would change about your design based on your experience? l How might you incorporate this activity into your classroom instruction?

8 Tying topics to state standards. Alignment to State Standards

9 How to Begin? Two pronged approach: l Build relationships with school districts. l Build interest in members.

10 Building a Sustainable TISP in your Section The Wonderful World of IEEE Volunteers Brad Snodgrass R5 TISP Training Workshop July 2007

11 The Wonderful IEEE Volunteer IEEE Members are very generous with their time IEEE Members are very willing to share their experiences Educational Outreach events get enthusiastic Volunteer support - it touches volunteers as engineers, teachers, and parents

12 Two types of volunteers TISP Champions - take responsibility to establish and maintain a TISP program in their school system. TISP Trainers - energetic supporters of the initiative, willing to interact with teachers and serve as “coaches” during TISP presentations.

13 The Beauty of TISP Champions Once energized, these Volunteers are self motivated The reward for the TISP Champion is immediate - You see it on the faces of the teachers

14 The Paradox of TISP Trainers Relatively easy to recruit volunteers for an established TISP These volunteers are effective with minimal training These volunteers genuinely enjoy the experience Only responsibility is to "show up and work” TISP Champions still bear the burden of organization, preparation, and logistics of the program.

15 Growing Your TISP Champions Focus on TISP Champions - the TISP Lifeline Invite/Recruit/Draft potential IEEE Champions to established events Use TISP presentations to train future Champions Use TISP presentations to cross-train the other TISP Champions Teaching Approach: See one, Do one Teach one Team Approach: Co-Champions support a school or school system, but responsibilities are spread among them.

16 Sections must aggressively support their TISP Champions TISP Champions are rare and precious commodities. Encourage Section to Champion communication Online forum and Resources to share information. Encourage Champion to Champion communication share ideas celebrate success lament failures Communicate. Communicate. Communicate

17 Recruiting Volunteers l Articles placed in Section newsletters l Announcements l At chapter meetings l At section executive committee meetings l Informal contacts with members l Members can choose to be presenters or coaches l Life members are good candidates

18 Choose Topics l Tie to state education standards. l Choose topics of interest to section members. l Emphasize “hands-on” activities. l Think low cost: $50- $100 to replicate for a class. l Simply ask teachers, curriculum supervisors and curriculum specialists (assistant principals) what topics are needed.

19 l “Rocket Cars and Newton’s Laws” l “Build Working Models With Household Items” l “The Orbit of Planet Gamma” l “Learn to Program and Test Robots For Classroom Use” l “Everything You Wanted To Know About Electric Motors But Were Afraid To Ask”, Sample Teacher In-service Presentation Topics

20 Sample Teacher In-service Presentation Topics Cont’d l “How Do We Communicate Using Radio Waves” l “Get Connected With Ohm’s Law” l “Effective Lighting” l “Build Your Own Robot Arm” l “Simple Machines” l “Light Waves and Spectroscopes”

21 Plan Times and Places l Special Events l USF Engineering EXPO, all day, February, prelude to Engineer’s Week l Teacher Conferences, e.g. Florida Association of Science Teachers or Florida Technology Educators Association l National teacher organizations that happen to meet nearby l Places l College Campuses, hotel meeting rooms

22 Follow-up Activities/Metrics l Count the number of educators who participated in your teacher in-service program l Be sure that teachers complete the 12 item questionnaire l EAD will tabulate the results l Follow-up with teachers to determine the level of implementation of the concepts and activities l Consider a sign in sheet to include an address l Consider sending a follow-up postcard to attendees

23 Lessons Learned l Contact the school principal directly to let him know that your section is planning an event at his school. l Have telephone or cell phone numbers for at least two contacts at the school. l If possible, visit the school several days before the presentation. l Use a cart for moving materials from volunteers’ cars to classrooms. l If your presentation requires electric power, bring several extension cords and multi-outlet power strips. l Exchange cellular telephone or pager numbers among all the section member volunteers. l Provide each section member volunteer with good directions to the school.