Robots

So how does it work?

Kids are drawn to hands-on building experiences that make technology accessible to them. They take pride in demonstrating their skills and knowledge to others, using tools such as LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots or DJI Tello drones. With the various components involved, they have numerous opportunities to discover areas that align with their interests.

STEP 1

Fun and Games

Building robots is an enjoyable experience, much like playing a game. We’ll start with the fundamentals and gradually progress to creating custom or specialised robots. Each session will feature a real-life robot that students replicate using computational thinking techniques.

STEP 2

Design with Purpose

We’ll kick off the building process by incorporating students’ ideas into the design. Each student will be assigned a specific role to play. In constructing the robot, they’ll learn about various components such as motors, sensors, transmissions, input/output, etc.

STEP 3

Program the Machine

We’ve built the robot; now it’s time to program it! Students will be introduced to various programming concepts such as logic, control flow, functions, classes, switches, arrays, and more.

STEP 4

Achieving Rewards

After each project, students will earn a badge. Upon completion of the course, they’ll receive a certificate. If they pass the optional exam, they’ll receive an official certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. At the end of each year, all students will receive a diploma. Letters of recommendation for top-performing students interested in specific high schools are available upon request.

Why use robots to teach Digital Technology?

Effective problem-solving strategies are essential for successful robot construction, as understanding the task and the methods to complete it makes the process smoother.

The engineering process involves familiarising oneself with the capabilities and limitations of tools and equipment, researching to comprehend the problem, devising a solution, building that solution, evaluating its performance, and making adjustments based on the results.

These steps form the foundation of problem-solving and can be applied in various contexts beyond engineering.

Robots are a valuable tool for teaching digital technologies because they provide hands-on, interactive experiences that engage students and make learning more meaningful. By building and programming robots, students can apply their digital skills in a tangible and concrete way, which helps solidify their understanding of concepts. Additionally, robots offer opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, which are essential in technology and many other aspects of life.

Moreover, robots are often designed to perform complex tasks so that students can explore advanced topics in digital technologies such as control systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This provides them with a glimpse into the cutting-edge applications of technology and helps to inspire them to pursue further studies or careers in these fields.

Overall, using robots to teach Digital Technologies provides students with a fun, interactive, and practical way to learn and apply digital skills that are relevant and in demand.

There are several reasons why robots are used to teach Digital Technologies:

- Engaging and Interactive: Robots provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience that can engage students and make learning fun and enjoyable.
- Real-World Applications: Robots are used in many real-world applications, and teaching students how to build and program robots give them a taste of what they can expect in the industry.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Building and programming robots requires students to use their problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of Digital Technologies to real-world scenarios.
- Multidisciplinary Learning: Robots incorporate concepts from various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, and science, which provides a well-rounded learning experience.
- Career Preparation: As technology continues to play a more significant role in our lives, the demand for professionals with knowledge of Digital Technologies is increasing. By teaching students about robots, they are preparing themselves for careers in this growing field.

In conclusion, using robots to teach digital technologies offers students a fun and interactive way to learn while also providing opportunities to develop valuable skills and gain exposure to advanced technologies.

We provide various platforms:

The Beginner Course utilises robots from Kai’s Clan. Kai is a cutting-edge robot developed in New Zealand that has gained widespread popularity in the US, with over 5,000 schools currently using them. These robots can be programmed both in class and remotely, allowing students to participate even if they cannot attend in person. The minion-like robots also feature augmented and virtual reality capabilities. The curriculum is designed for collaboration, with activities ranging from missions on Mars to creating a smart city, autonomous warehouse, and even rescue missions and battles. The program is compatible with all devices, including laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks, and can be accessed without any installations as it runs on a browser. Students can even create custom avatars for their robots using Tinkercad and Minecraft. The manufacturer has plans to host international virtual competitions, such as chess matches and space races, using these robots. More details are on the Beginner Course page.

Adelaide Robotics Academy Beginners Course 5

The Intermediate Course focuses on programming LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots using a curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellon University. The program includes a variety of challenges, activities, videos, resources, documentation, materials, competitions, and tools for robotics. It follows a structured sequence of building and programming activities in real-world, project-based contexts, featuring over 100 projects designed to encourage students to think critically about robotics and problem-solving. The course is rooted in the principles of computational thinking. Upon completion, students can take an optional exam with 70 questions and earn a certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. Our institution is accredited to administer certification exams on behalf of the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy for LabVIEW (EV-G) and EV3 Classroom. More information can be found on the Intermediate Course page.

Adelaide Robotics Academy Beginners Course 1

The Advanced Course focuses on programming various robots, including LEGO Mindstorms EV3, DJI Tello, Tello EDU, RoboMaster Tello Talent drones, Moorebot Scout, Stanford Pupper, Bittle Robot Dog, and more. Please check our Drones page for more details.

Building Worlds, Real and Imagined!

We Make, We Code, We Grow!