Robotics Curriculum & Courses

In this unit, you will learn how to use the sensors on the SPIKE Prime robot. You will program your robot to perform simple sensing behaviors and respond to objects in its environment.

In Loops with SPIKE Prime, you will learn how to program the robot to repeat sequences of commands. 

In this unit, you will learn how to program the robot to make one-time decisions, repeated decisions, and detect obstacles.

In this unit, you will learn how to program your robot to detect obstacles and line track with the use of continuous decisions. 

In this unit, you will demonstrate your ability to decompose an open-ended problem into small pieces, and then iterate on a robust solution to the problem. 

Mechanical Foundations provides participants with knowledge and hands-on experiences with a variety of tools and hardware components. This unit equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to assemble stable robotic structures using tools and hardware in the REV DUO building system. 

An understanding of transmission of motion and mechanical advantage is fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of robotic systems. In this unit, participants will assemble several iterations of a motorized fan and observe the impacts on speed and torque. 

Drivetrains are comprised of the components that enable a robot to move, including the chassis, motors, wheels, gears, and transmission systems. A drivetrain can take many different forms depending on factors such as the terrain, speed requirements, and payload capacity of the robot. In this unit, participants will build and evaluate several types of drivetrains as preparation to design a custom drivetrain that can climb over obstacles.

Data Collection and Analysis with SPIKE Prime provides students with a hands-on learning experience focused on data collection, analysis, and problem-solving skills using the SPIKE Prime robot and Color Sensor. Through engaging activities and challenges, students learn the importance of data logging in scientific inquiry and problem-solving, in a real-world context.

 Learn how Machine Vision can be integrated into robotics systems to automatically perform tasks such as image detection and quality control.

Identify patterns and program with loops to repeat behaviors. The robot design for this unit is the Strawberry Sorter.

This unit introduces the core principles of object manipulation using robotic end effectors. By assembling and refining a servo-powered arm, participants gain practical experience with topics including balance, stability, and the effects of load placement on performance. 

Autonomous Systems are comprised of hardware and software enabling machines to operate independently. In this unit, participants will configure their JetBot, including software, network requirements, assembly, and initial operation. 

Participants inventory, tear down, rebuild, and learn to fly a classroom drone. This hands-on exercise emphasizes the importance of knowing each part of the drone and its function. Participants complete a timed challenge to assemble the drone from its fully disassembled state and navigate it through an obstacle course.
 

Skills Developed: Identifying parts, fluent teardown/rebuild, battery health and routines, understanding flight axes, twin-stick UAS control scheme, understanding PID control, teamwork with spotter, working under pressure, inventory management, and documentation. 

Autonomous systems like the JetBot can be configured to navigate using pre-programmed routines, operator teleoperation, or a blend of both. This unit guides participants through motion control,  precise navigation techniques, and teleoperation.