Gain a broader understanding of how coding and robotics can fit into your everyday teaching of STEM, and how to integrate Technology, Computer Science, and Engineering into your Math, Science, and ELA lessons. This PD introduces the online lessons from Exploring Robotics and MakeBlock and the mBot Robot that can make teaching STEM a blast. By the end of this session you will be ready to use the mBot in your classroom.
Self-driving vehicles will be on the road soon. Students use a fun robot to learn the foundations of this new technology and the science and engineering behind it. This course explores physical science and engineering design using a robot as an autonomous vehicle. Students will be engaged in coding, problem based learning, and critical thinking as they learn how to control this small robot using Scratch coding.
mBot is an education robot for beginners, that makes teaching and learning coding simple and fun with Scratch drag and drop language. While working through the challenges, they will apply the engineering design process. As an Integrated STEM course, every lesson includes science and math as well as coding, technology and engineering. Arts are also included with music, drawing, writing, reading, and creating multimedia presentations. Students are introduced to STEM careers, and the confidence gained from succeeding in this course will often encourage pursuit of more STEM courses and careers. Standards alignment: CSTA, NGSS, ISTE, Math, ELA.
Time to complete: 2 hours presentations (+ 1 hour lesson plan assignment)
Who this is for: Educators in grades 6 to 8 (classrooms, maker spaces, or clubs).
Skills you will gain: Introduction to Coding, Robotics, Engineering Design, and teaching Integrated STEM with a robotSuggested Materials: (if you are doing the hands-on activities)
An mBot robot package (may be available from lending library)
Exploring Robotics mBot Curriculum Guide book (may be available from lending library)
A device for coding software such as a Apple or Android Tablet or Chromebook