April 2009 Electronic School eZine
All across the country students are participating in robotics programs and competitions. What some people don’t understand is why robotics is so important to the future of our next generation. According to a Brandeis University study on one robotics competition, students who participate are:
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More than three times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
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Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job in their freshman year.
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Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
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More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
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Nearly four times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
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More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.
A report from Carnegie Mellon University points out that beyond the math and engineering aspects of a robotics curriculum there are other benefits. The report states: “More surprising were large jumps from expectation to reported learning along the themes of Problem Solving, Teamwork and ID with Technology.”
In this issue of Electronic School we will examine opportunities available to school districts who arer considering a robotics curriculum for their districts. We will also look at some of the opportunities available to districts that are moving forward and preparing students for the future that they will be part of and may even find themselves leading.
Gene Broderson
Director, National Affiliate Services and Technology Programs
Electronic School Editorial Credits
Additional Resources
Teaching With Robots: A Guide To Finding Curriculum and Resources
by Dr. Kenneth Berry, Assistant Professor, California State University, Northridge. "We cannot afford to fail in preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow—jobs that will require skills in math, science, and engineering," said Donald L. Carcieri, Governor of Rhode Island in early October, 2006. He was at the launch of a new program sponsored by the Business Innovation Factory (BIF), the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Governor's PK-16 Council, the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council, and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. The $140,000 program will put VEX robots in every high school in the state, and support the formation of robotics teams at each of the schools to compete against other schools in the state, region and nation.
Bring Robotics into Your Classroom!
Robots are a great way to inspire students to learn about math, science, and technology! The NASA Robotics Alliance Project seeks to provide a clearinghouse of robotics-related educational materials. Click on the links above and below to find lessons, materials, and robotics education discussion forums.
ILITE Robotics Team, Battlefield High School, Prince Wiliam County, Virginia
Battlefield High School in Prince William County, Virginia, is just one example of exemplary robotics initiatives throughout America. Their mission is "to challenge ourselves and others to achieve a higher level of learning, intelligence, and success. We achieve this through our open-minded approach working with academia, technology industry partners, and mentors. We believe that every person should give back to the world..."
Robotics Competitions
There are numerous opportunities for students to participate in robotics competitions throughout the U.S. Here is a list of many of the opportunities available.
More Than Robots: An Evaluation of the FIRST Robotics Competition Participant and Institutional Impacts
"In 2002, FIRST contracted with Brandeis University to conduct an evaluation of the FIRST Robotics Competition. The principal findings of this study provide strong support for the continued growth and expansion of the FIRST robotics program, particular into communities serving low income and minority youth."
Call for Nominations for 2009 Salute Districts
Each year, NSBA honors three school districts for their technology achievements through the Technology Leadership Network Salute program. Salute Districts are excellent examples of the good things that can happen when technology efforts are well executed. Collaboration and teamwork, continuous improvement, and the seamless integration of technology across the curriculum as a resource for all students are common themes. Entering districts must be current participants in good standing of the Technology Leadership Network. Click here to submit your district's nomination.
Mechatronics: A Technology Forecast
By Dr. John Vanston, Henry Elliott, Jim Brazell, Dr. Eliza Evans, James Irwin, and Michael Bettersworth. Mechatronics is another way of saying “robots” or “intelligent mechanical systems". It’s the foundation of many 21st century enabling technologies and careers, and involves the integration of mechanical and electrical systems with control systems and technology. Mechatronics products and processes are increasingly pervasive across a broad range of industries. These same industries are expressing a clear demand for highly skilled employees capable of excelling in these technologically advanced environments.