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Goal

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. According to the United States National Research Council and the National Science Foundation, STEM fields are considered core technological foundations of an advanced (and continually advancing) society. STEM education not only addresses the demand for scientists and engineers, but is a key component of responsible, global citizenship for the twenty-first century learner! Through this daily school program, students will have the year-long opportunity to engage in the higher-order thinking skills and activities of building and programming robots through the use of Lego Mindstorm Robotics Kits. Not only will students be expanding their horizons into areas they may never have been exposed to before, but they will be working in small groups with other students to tackle a variety of technology-based, real-world problem/solution scenarios.  

What will be done with my students

Throughout our three lunch blocks during each school day, as well as afterschool a minimum of one day each week, students will have the opportunities to build and program various robot configurations and activities using the Lego Mindstorm sets and computer programs. Students will be able to "run" their robots through a series of tests by using the software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions from a variety of real life robotic behaviours. They gather and analyse data from sensors using data logging functionalities such as graph view. Students will have opportunities to then come up with and test ways to use their robots for everyday activities and in helping various groups of people in different scenarios such as school use, hospital/patient supports, day-to-day convenience supports, and so forth. The real-world applications and student ideas for those applications are endless and incorporate all subject areas such as math, science, language arts and reading, research, communication, etc. Robotics is an exciting way to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to a classroom, and our students at IMS are ready to tackle this exciting challenge!

September: Students will meet each day during their lunch blocks (so that all 6, 7, and 8th grade students may be involved and work together) to familiarize themselves with the robot kit components, following the step-by-step directions (incorporating various reading strategies!) to begin the building process in small groups.

October-November: Students will begin utilizing the programming software following the scientific process by engaging in real-world problem/solution scenarios, tracking data, analyzing their data, and comparing their findings with other robotics groups.

December: Students will continue their STEM activities, highlighting their creations and findings on our IMS morning news program, as well as hosting a school-wide presentation demonstrating their work thus far. Parents and community members will also be encouraged to attend and participate in future activities.

January-February: We would like to begin sharing our activities with other CCPS middle schools in the hopes of sharing our ideas and resources with other students throughout Collier County.

March: Students will begin "mind storming" ideas for a "Battle of the Bots" team competition between grades and (hopefully) CCPS schools! We will share all of our kits and equipment, of course!

April/May: CCPS Middle Schools "Battle of the Bots" where other participating schools we've shared with will all come together to create and display their robots and many STEM talents and skills!
 

Benefits to my students

Authentic learning takes place when a student has an opportunity to discover on their own through a hands-on, experiential, learning model. By allowing middle school students to be involved in a learning process that excites, energizes, engages and enriches them to a wide variety of skills and concepts, they will discover a path that will enable them to have a more productive education and young adult life! Instructionally guided experiences such as these prepare our students to embrace creativity, invention and innovation. STEM is the engine that can power this growth. All children, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or learning style, can excel in STEM disciplines and can (and will) aspire to STEM careers. Effective teaching at all levels utilizes hands-on, minds-on inquiry into the natural world. Our students must have these opportunities! What's wonderful about this program as well is that it can be replicated year after year and throughout multiple CCPS middle schools! It's sharing, caring, and winning for all! 

Budget Narrative

These are the supplies needed to create and work with the robots each day. All materials can be used year after year and shared with other schools in Collier County! 

Items