Robots

Robots have a strong attraction, though to whom depends on the design and use of the robots.

Talks from Tapestry Workshops

Speaker Tile Workshop Material
Jurist, Mel Using Pico Boards with Scratch Delaware 2011 Slides (pptx)
Sharris, Antigone Turning GADgETs into Enrollment Illinois 2013 Slides (pdf)

External Resources

There are many robots I don't know about and I have limited knowledge of those I do know about. Please expand this section.

  • Finch robots are simple, versatile, and inexpensive and can be programmed in many languages.
  • Lego Mindstorms are extensible but require some tinkering, and are particularly good for engineering students.
  • LilyPad Arduino makes wearable computing.
  • Pico Crickets are designed to be integrated into other devices.
  • Pleo robots are cute and appeal well to children and girls.
  • Botball has kits based on the iRobot create with metal parts and legos; intended for the botball competition but useable elsewhere too.
  • FIRST robotics leagues. Hosts competitions with 6-week prep time.
  • Waterbotics
  • SeaPerch

Comments

Robots have a non-trivial startup cost. It is often possible to get funds for a few by asking local companies to donate money or from micro-grants, such as Donors Choose.

At present, the state of research shows that robots are engaging but not a good basis for a curriculum. It can work well to have the students use the robots for a purpose, such as having high school students bring robots to elementary schools as educational units.

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