*This will take you to Mr. Wees website: http://teacherwee.weebly.

com/

Robotics A
Mr. Michael David Wee
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, Welcome to MIT Academy! I hope that all of you have had a refreshing summer!

Room P 2013-2014

mwee@mitacademy.org

I would like to welcome you to first year robotics and to the robotics program. I am pleased to be your robotics teacher throughout this year and hope you are ready for a true adventure in learning. Robotics A is the first in a series of four classes designed to introduce students to programming with the eventual goal that students will complete AP Computer Science. Robotics A is not a traditional programming course. Through the building and programing of robots students will develop their skills and content knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)! Outlined below are the specific course expectations:

Course Goals
STEM:
In order for students to be competitive in todays economy, students must be proficient in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Robotics is a highly cross-disciplinary course! Do not be surprised to find lessons and assignments that use math and science Ethics: Technology raises many ethical questions: Should robots have rights? Do you think the development of new technologies, and their implementation, is inevitable? What, if anything, should we as a society do for those people who lose their jobs? If you could have a robot that would do any task you like, a companion to do all the work that you prefer not to, would you? And if so, how do you think this might affect you as a person? Are there any kind of robots that shouldn't be created? Or that you wouldn't want to see created? Why? Collaboration: All groups will be assigned by the instructor. Groups will be designed to challenge students to work together and to rely on one another. Entrepreneurship/ Research skills: Students, in groups, will research, build a prototype and prepare a presentation for a robot. Students, individually, will prepare a research paper on a topic in robotics.

Course Content
Please visit http://teacherwee.weebly.com/ for specific course content Basics of engineering and programming Forward movement: Does wheel size effect distance traveled? Turning: Can we control the angle the robot turns? Detecting the environment with various sensors (ultrasonic, light, touch):
What is the field of view of the ultrasonic sensor? Can our robot follow a line even faster? What is the robot really hearing? Using gears: How much will the robots speed change if we change the gear ratio?

Challenge projects: open-ended projects that require students to solve engineering and
programming problems

mini-golf, dancing robots, sumo wrestling robot, robot butler, mazes Current events: We read approximately one article per week dealing with current
events that pertain to robots. Grading Policy Projects: 30% of the grade Tests and Quizzes: 20% of the grade Journal: 30% of the grade Participation: 20% of the grade A = 90% to 100%; B = 80% to 89%; C = 70% to 79%; F = 69% and below Homework, late work, and make up work Homework is due on the due date Late work will receive a deduction of up to fifty percent Extensions for all projects are available at the discretion of Mr. Wee Materials and supplies needed by students Three ring binder for engineering journal worksheets, project notes, lecture notes, current events and handouts. A section in a larger binder is acceptable but not desirable; bring this every class! Classroom Rules Respect the robotics equipment Respect your classmates and especially your teammates! Respect Mr. Wee: Listen carefully and follow all instructions Please no food: we do not want anyone to accidentally eat a lego

Course Grade

Policies and Procedures

This robotics course is designed to introduce students to programming in a comfortable and motivating environment. Students will think spatially, logically, socially and creatively on any given day. Please do not get frustrated when something does not work!!! Some of us are better at some tasks than others; the idea is that we work together to grow and to succeed together. Failure is an essential part of the engineering process and, moreover, the journey of learning. This is going to be a very full year and our goal will be to make it fun and rewarding! Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for taking the time to be involved in your childs education. I am looking forward to a very exciting year. Sincerely, Michael Wee 707-552-6482 ext. 309 mwee@mitacademy.org Room P