Course Description
This course offers an introduction to robotics and engineering principles. Students will learn the fundamentals of robotics, including mechanical design, electronics, programming, and automation. Through hands-on projects, they will build and program robots to perform specific tasks and solve real-world challenges.
The course emphasizes the engineering design process, encouraging students to brainstorm, design, prototype, test, and refine their projects. Along with technical skills, students will develop teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities as they work in groups to complete assignments and compete in robotics challenges.
By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of robotics and engineering concepts and be prepared for further studies in engineering, computer science, or related fields. This course is ideal for students interested in technology, innovation, and exploring the possibilities of robotics.
Course Details
Robotics & Engineering
Ninth Grade
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of robotics, including mechanical design, electronics, and programming.
- Learn the engineering design process and apply it to robotics projects.
- Develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
- Build and program robots to complete specific tasks and challenges.
- Gain hands-on experience with robotics hardware and software tools.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Robotics
- What is Robotics?
- Overview of robotics and its applications in various fields.
- Introduction to key components of a robot (sensors, actuators, controllers).
- Robotics Basics and Safety
- Understanding basic robotics terminology and concepts.
- Discussing safety procedures and best practices for working with robots.
Unit 2: Mechanical Design and Engineering
- Mechanical Design Fundamentals
- Exploring the basics of mechanical design for robots.
- Learning about gears, levers, and simple machines.
- The Engineering Design Process
- Introduction to the engineering design process.
- Applying the design process to plan and build robotic projects.
Unit 3: Electronics and Sensors
- Electronics Basics
- Understanding basic electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes).
- Learning to build simple electronic circuits.
- Sensors and Actuators
- Exploring different types of sensors used in robotics.
- Understanding actuators and their role in robot movement.
Unit 4: Programming and Automation
- Introduction to Robotics Programming
- Learning basic programming concepts for robotics.
- Writing simple programs to control robotic functions.
- Automation and Control Systems
- Understanding automation and control systems in robotics.
- Programming robots to perform automated tasks.
Unit 5: Robotics Projects and Challenges
- Building a Simple Robot
- Applying learned concepts to build a simple robot.
- Testing and troubleshooting the robot’s functionality.
- Robotics Challenges
- Competing in robotics challenges and tasks.
- Applying problem-solving skills to complete robotics assignments.
Unit 6: Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Projects and Collaboration
- Working in teams to design and build more complex robots.
- Emphasizing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
- Peer Review and Feedback
- Engaging in peer review and receiving feedback on projects.
- Revising and improving robotic designs based on feedback.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of robotics and engineering principles. They will have gained experience in mechanical design, electronics, and programming, and developed teamwork and problem-solving skills. This course aims to prepare students for further studies in engineering, computer science, or related fields, and to spark interest in the possibilities of robotics and technology.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Tayson Holzer
Tayson Holzer completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and has worked as an engineer developing and programming electrical systems, including gas and oil pipeline inspection technologies, missile launch systems, microfabrication of a novel chemical process called micro circulatory gas chromatography, and a 3D laser scanner. He believes that all students, including those not pursuing a technical career, can be inspired by and greatly benefit from learning the patterns of searching for truth that science provides. He also believes that technically minded students who do plan to pursue scientific or engineering careers should be strongly encouraged to keep their roots firmly planted in faith, history, literature, and law. These priorities are reflected in his other interests, which include reading great literature; researching his family history and writing the stories of his ancestors; and studying European and American history to learn from the repeating patterns of history. He enjoys reading with his three young children, baking and talking with his wife, and going on early-morning jogs in the quiet of pre-dawn. His principle loves are the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his family, and teaching in a way that invites others to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and powerfully engage in the compelling work of the last days.