Teaching STEM using LEGO Underwater Robots

Transcription

1 Teaching STEM using LEGO Underwater Robots Mercedes McKay The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Stevens Institute of Technology

2 About Stevens / CIESE

3 WaterBotics in Action On the surface and underwater

4 What is WaterBotics? Underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) created with LEGO materials Approximately hour curriculum aimed at middle and high school classes as well as summer camps and after-school programs Developed, piloted, and implemented with thousands of students in U.S. through National Science Foundation funding

5 Why Underwater Robotics? Presents unique, complex design challenges not found in landbased projects (e.g. buoyancy, control in 3-D) Exposure to science concepts like propulsion, drag, buoyancy and stability, gearing, torque, speed, and thrust Awareness of careers that involve STEM skills

6 Why LEGOs? Familiarity with LEGOs Ease of use and durability Variety of pieces Rapid prototyping, testing, and redesign Can leverage prior purchases of LEGO equipment

7 NXT & EV3 (coming soon!) What do you use?

8 Project Challenge Create an ROV that will be able to: Dive under the water Move around in 3 dimensions in a fully controlled manner Pick up weighted whiffle balls and deposit them in sunken bins

9 Mission 1: Rescue! Build a robot that can travel forward and backward on the surface of the water Optimize gearing to improve speed and/or control Use the robot to save a drowning swimmer

10 Mission 1 Example Achievements

11 Mission 2: Clean Up! Add steering and two-dimensional movement Maneuver the robot on the surface of the water to clean up an oil spill

12 Mission 3: Mine Sweep! Engineer a buoyant and stable robot that can dive under the water Detonate or disable underwater mines to make a shipping lane safe

13 Mission 4: Collect! Produce an ROV that can retrieve samples from a sunken ship Optionally, create a mechanism to grab and release the objects

14 Program a Custom Remote

15 Key Concepts and Skills Buoyancy Newton s Laws Gear Ratios Forces Volume Programming Iterative Design Stability Propulsion Inertia Torque Density Troubleshooting Team Building

16 Next Generation Science Stds SCIENCE PS2.A: Forces and Motion PS2.C: Stability and Instability in Physical Systems ENGINEERING ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution

17 ISTE Standards STUDENTS 1. Creativity and Innovation through iterative engineering design process 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making through mission-based, real-world application of underwater robotics TEACHERS 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity through authentic problem-solving, collaboration and recognition of achievements

18 Implementation Approaches In school or out of school? In School Within a graded course Standards to be met School restrictions (pool) In a required course o Higher learning curve o Better girl / boy ratio o More inexperienced students In an elective course o More flexible wrt standards o Higher initial enthusiasm o More boys, more experienced students Out of School Summer camp or after-school More flexibility Can use full project time More focus on enthusiasm and experience rather than grades Can be tailored for specific audiences, such as an all-girl camp or an outreach program Can be intense; need breaks and icebreakers

19 Implementation Considerations Pool setup Room configuration and access to computers Educator prior experience with robotics and technology Equipment needs per group Costs of materials

20 Why Implement WaterBotics? Excellent at teaching engineering and inspiring STEM interest Real World Contexts Scaffolded Learning Mission Achievements Promotes iterative design by using LEGOs Driven by Collaboration Flexible Implementation Detailed Curriculum Guide Few Consumables 53% of Participants have been Female

21 WaterBotics Overview

22 For More Information: