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Teach-Learn Science and Technology in our Robotics Cyber Lab

The Educational Robotics Cyber Laboratory is a constantly evolving curriculum site for teachers, students, and other users who are interested in investigating real-world problems in educational robotics. Many of these laboratory activities are especially designed for participants of the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics Botball program, however, anyone with a LEGO Mindstorm kit, LEGO Technic, or a HandyBoard processor can join in the fun. We encourage teachers to incorporate these science and technology enhancement activities into their school's curriculum. We are well aware that robots and robotics technology may be new to most teachers and their students. Thus, the content of the Cyber Laboratory covers the very basics of robot design and experimentation. More advanced activities and research projects are provided to challenge experienced robot designers.

High tech doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. The Robotics Cyber Lab is designed to make technology easy to understand and learning fun.

How to Use the Lab

Learn the Basics

The Robot Technology Content Learning activities will definitely help you become a better robotics instructor or student. Our main goal is to provide an enjoyable robotics content learning experience for secondary level teachers and their students. In the process, you will become more familiar with sensors, motors, gearing, computer processors, and computer programming. Here are just a few ways teachers can utilize this material:

1. Use as a tutorial for Botball

2. Develop a robotics laboratory class

3. Develop a technology test and design class

4. Start a robotics club

5. Supplement classroom curriculum (science, math, social studies, vocational technology, etc.)

6. Supplement school district curriculum

Apply New Knowledge to Research Projects

Once you have mastered the basics of robot technology, explore one of several Robotics Research Projects. These projects will help teachers and students better understand the world of research. Supplement your current classroom activities with these projects, and help your students to better understand the scientific method of investigation. You'll find projects for beginners as well for more advanced students. Over the next year or two, we'll develop additional activities and research projects to meet the needs of students and teachers everywhere.

If you would like to contribute content or activities to this curriculum, please contact KISS Institute Curriculum Department.

For questions on products other than KISS Institute Botball or Mobile Robot designer kits, we suggest you contact the manufacturer directly

If you are in need of hiring a robotics consultant, some KISS Institute employees may be available for consulting on specific topics. Please contact us with your request.

If you are having equipment problems that are not answered on this site, contact the dealer who sold it to you. If you are having problems with KISS Institute equipment contact us be sure to include your name, address, school (if applicable), when you bought the equipment, what computer and OS you are using, and as many details about your setup and the problem as possible.

Robot Technology Content Learning

#1 Our first goal is to educate teachers and students about robotics technology (Appropriate for 6th 12th grades). To make complicated aspects of robotics less intimidating, we have developed a series of content learning activities for teachers and students. This is your guide to the "hows" and "whys" associated with robot components. Included are activities on sensors, robot structure, DC motors, computer programming, and software for both the LEGO RCX and HandyBoard processors.

Educational Robotics Research Projects

COMING SOON!

#2 Our second goal is to educate 9-12 grade students on the basics of applied scientific research (Appropriate for 9th 12th grades). The best way to learn science is to do science. Curriculum materials emphasize the scientific method of investigation in classroom experimentation. Furthermore, the National Science Education Standards place great emphasis on its application to science problems developed in the classroom. Enthusiastic and creative teachers are constantly on the lookout for potential projects that are engaging and will capture the imagination of their students. This page will be set up similar to a research design where problems are presented, background materials are provided, hypotheses developed, methods applied, robots designed, observations made, and findings communicated.

Supplementary Curriculum Materials

#3 Our third goal is to enhance secondary level curriculum materials with robotics technology. Beginning in 2000, we will incorporate a variety of curriculum materials, developed by Botball teachers, into this page. Over time, we will have pedagogically sound activities that pertain to physics, chemistry, mathematics, earth science, planetary science, social science, and life science. Click here to view robotics curricula developed by various school systems.

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KISS Institute
1818 W. Lindsey, Bldg D, Ste 100
Norman, Ok 73069