Two Semester Robotics Course Classroom Set

Our courses were designed to be used by teachers with no previous experience in electronics, programming, or robotics. Lessons start at the very beginning building foundational skills that increase in complexity over time.

• Learn how electricity and electrical equipment work
• Learn to properly use common electrical components that make up circuits including breadboards, batteries, LEDs, resistors, jumper wires, and switches
• Build both series and parallel circuits and understand how to use Ohm's Law when designing circuits
• Practice systematic troubleshooting techniques including half-splitting
• Learn to read schematic drawings
• Learn to use a Raspberry Pi (a mini computer) including connecting it to peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) as well as downloading files and software updates
• Learn to use several included software packages including Raspberry Pi OS, Nano, and Thonny
• Learn to to create basic Python programs including comments, merging strings, user input, mathematical functions, lists, if/else statements, and loops to control electrical circuits and create games
• Learn to identify and correct errors in Python computer programs
• Work administratively with files, folders, and directories
• Continue to expand coding knowledge to include functions, advanced list commands, logical operators, while true loops, advanced string techniques, try/except/finally, and multithreaded operations
• Understand pulse width modulation
• Learn to work with new types of switches, a matrix-style keypad, potentiometers, phototransistors, infrared sensors, RFID readers, temperature sensors, an I2C display, and ultrasonic range sensors
• Learn to use Github and adjust for various versions of Python
• Work with an analog-to-digital converter integrated circuit
• Expand project flexibility with networking and remote access
• Write Bash scripts and using Bash programming
• Use microphones, speakers, audio amplifiers, and audio software
• Work with servo motors to add movement to projects
• Multiple methods for gathering data from internet feeds and databases including API data access as well as how to use data in projects
• Work with accelerometers and gyros to allow for multi-axis measurements in projects
• Use relays to control high-powered devices
• Create your own Graphical User Interface (GUI) using the popular module Tkinter to create a user-friendly interface for programs and display data
• Build a web server using popular server softwares like Bottle and Apache to add web page control to projects
• Use a camera to gather data and see real-time events
• Learn to protect and recover operating files and project data
• Use a digital multimeter (included in kit)
• Construct the robot chassis including wheels, motor mounts, and motors
• Control the robot remotely via VNC
• Add and configure various sensors, an audio amplifier, and speaker on the robot
• Use a camera to collect information and see the world from the robot's point of view
• Set up the mobile power system including gaining understanding of benefits and drawbacks of various battery power options
• Learn to drive and troubleshoot motors through code including coordinating multiple motors
• Set up keyboard control of robot while accounting for focus, keypress, and repeat rate issues
• Build a webpage and use CGI scripts to control the robot remotely
• Use a web page to view video generated by the robot and trigger the robot to play audio files
• Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electrical circuits and computer programs
• Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online
• Gain the skills to systematically plan large projects including identifying needed functionality, part compatibility, and keep appropriate documentation

This course is designed to be used by high school students and we do not generally recommend using it with middle school students outside of extraordinary circumstances.

We typically see schools using this course as a full credit Robotics course over a full school year. This recommendation assumes 4-5 hours a week of classroom time is available. If a full school year or 4-5 hours a week is not available, we recommend viewing our other course options by clicking here.

The Robotics Course consists of Lesson Levels A, B, C, and D with 18 lessons each. We recommend planning for approximately 160 class periods to complete the Robotics Course. Specifically we recommend the following pacing:

• Level A Lessons: Average 1 class period per lesson (the first half of the Level A lessons are more brief than he second half)
• Level B Lessons: Average 2-3 class periods per lesson
• Level C Lessons: Average 3-4 class periods per lesson
• Level D Lessons: Average 2-3 class periods per lesson (earlier lessons involving physical construction the robot are more brief than later lessons where the robot is programmed and calibrated)

Curious to see samples of the lesson materials and online classroom? Click here to view sample videos lessons, activity instructions, and a video showing how the online classroom is used.

Once your school has started the quote process with our team, we can grant you 14-day access to the online classroom for your evaluation and planning purposes.

There are three line items that will need to appear on the purchase order:

• Instructor Set: Includes an online classroom login and one set of component kits  for the instructor
  
• Student Licenses: Consumable license, includes online classroom access, purchase one for each student (required even if student won't be directly using the online classroom)
  
• Classroom Equipment Kits: We recommend one set of component kits for every 1-4 students (see below)

Generally speaking, we recommend purchasing an equipment kit for every 2-3 students. This ratio strikes a nice balance between hands-on time for the students and school equipment budgets.

If your school is placing a high priority on hands-on experience for students, we recommend purchasing an equipment kit for every 1-2 students.

If your school has budgetary concerns, we have had some schools using one equipment kit for every 4 students. While it results in less hands-on time for each student, we've also received feedback that it is a workable ratio.

The Raspberry Pi used in all our courses (and included in the equipment kits) is essentially a very small, stand-alone computer. To use the Raspberry Pi and complete the course, please see the lists below for additional equipment needed. The equipment listed is specific to each set of equipment kits you plan to use with your class (i.e. every equipment kit will require a separate monitor, keyboard, etc.)

• Internet access (course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom so high speed internet access is needed; we do not recommend attempting to use the online classroom with a phone due to the small screen size)
  
• Computer Monitor (a television can also be used provided it has HDMI inputs, please note, a Chromebook or laptop computer will not work for this purpose)
• HDMI cable (likely attached to your computer monitor)
• AA Batteries x2 (these are used in Lessons A-1 to A-9 to power circuits prior to learning to use the Raspberry Pi)
• Keyboard and Mouse (please use a USB wired keyboard and mouse if possible. Wireless models do not work reliably with the Raspberry Pi. We suggest purchasing the least costly wired USB mouse and keyboard set available--there is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20)
• A Desktop Computer, Laptop, or Chromebook (this can be the same device the student is using to access the online classroom; in Level C this is used in networking lessons)
  
• Anti-Static Mat (highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera; Amazon typically has an option available for under $25)
• AA Batteries x6 (these are used to power the robot in Level D; we recommend rechargeable batteries)
• 9v Battery
• USB Drive (minimum 4 gb)
• Electrical Tape (used in Level D to build a track on the floor for the robot to follow; use black electrical tape if you have light colored flooring, use white electrical tape if you have dark colored flooring)
• USB to SD Card Adapter (optional; Lesson D-1 activity shows students how to back up their SD card to their computer)

Unfortunately for this course, it is not possible for students in different sections to share equipment. Starting in the Level C lessons, the circuits built are quite complex and carry over from one lesson to the next in many cases. Rebuilding (and troubleshooting) these more complex circuits at the beginning of each new lesson would be very time consuming. Once robot construction begins during the Level D lessons, sections of the robot cannot be easily disassembled and doing so will likely damage the equipment.

The classroom teacher and each student will require their own login to access the online classroom. These logins will be set up and provided to your organization at the time your organization's purchase order is processed and the equipment kits shipped.

Each student will use their own individual login to access the Intro to Robotics' online classroom.

We do not offer access to the online classrooms separately from the kits. We are 100% committed to troubleshooting any bumps you or your students may face on the road to learning. Unfortunately component connections can be configured differently or may not be compatible depending on the specific component or manufacturer, even though they may look almost identical. That means you'd likely to run into incompatibility issues and makes it really difficult (and potentially impossible) for us to troubleshoot effectively. Our goal is for our classroom sets to be open-and-go and low-stress for teachers. Ensuring students are working with a standardized kit of parts helps make that happen.

Generally speaking, equipment kit are reusable the next semester or following year for a new group of students with a few caveats:

• Small parts such as resistors and LEDs do tend to wear out and break with repeated use, we do recommend planning to replace these items regularly (please note, these are the inexpensive parts of the kit and we can help you with bulk replacements)
• How well the equipment will last from one class to the next is dependent on how gentle the students are with it. Equipment should be treated carefully and stored appropriately. Replacement parts for all kits can be purchased individually on our website.
• The primary components on the robot chassis are not meant to be disassembled and therefore we would recommend planning to replace them for each new group of students. These particular components are not costly.
  

We are happy to help you work through this course with your students! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track. We rely on email as it's easier to send pictures or copy of your code back and forth--this can help us troubleshoot far more efficiently.

Yes! The Raspberry Pi operating system tends to change fairly regularly. Sometimes the changes are minor, such as moving a menu item, and sometimes the changes are major, such as process changes. As we learn of changes to the Raspberry Pi OS, modules, repository libraries or any other resources used in the course, we will update the online classroom ASAP. When accessing the materials through the online classroom, you will always have access to the most up-to-date version of the lesson materials.

No, we are unable to offer discounts or free shipping on classroom products. Actual freight charges will be added to the final invoice when ordering via purchase order.

We are happy to put together a customized quote for your district, school, or group. Please contact us and include the following info so we can expedite your request:

• Which levels of the course you are interested in purchasing? (Level A+B vs. Levels A+B+C+D, etc.)
• How many students total you anticipate enrolling in the course?
• The number of students you anticipate sharing each equipment kit (we recommend 2-3 students per kit)

Please note, estimates are fine. We realize student enrollment numbers can fluctuate greatly and we can adjust the quote later, prior to purchase, if needed. Also we can assemble multiple quotes for different scenarios if that is helpful for your school's decision making process.

We generally try to respond to quote requests within 1-2 business days, but during our busy season (July and August) it may take a bit longer for quotes and PO processing. Please plan accordingly.

While you are welcome to order your classroom set online, we do strongly recommend utilizing our custom quote option so we can ensure you get the correct number of student licenses and equipment kits (we can often save schools money) and your student's logins for the online classroom can be set up at that time as well.

Most schools order our program via the following steps:

• Request a custom quote by contacting us (see above); we will provide a quote and W-9 form for your purchasing department
• Submit a purchase order to us; we recommend including the classroom teacher's email address on the PO so we can set up a download account for the teacher at the time the order is created. This will allow the teacher to access the lesson files without delay
• We will generally process your purchase order and ship your equipment kits within 2-3 business days; please note there can be short delays in processing for orders containing 100+ equipment sets or during our busiest season (July and August)
• Equipment kits are shipped from North Carolina via UPS Ground and generally take 2-8 business days to arrive; UPS will require a school staff member to sign for any package containing >$500 in equipment