The Botball Educational Robotics Program engages middle and high school aged students in a team-oriented robotics competition, and serves as a perfect way to meet today’s new common core standards.
By exposing students to an inquiry-based, learn-by-doing activity that appeals to their hearts as well as their minds, Botball addresses our nation’s need for a well-prepared, creative, yet disciplined workforce with leadership and teamwork experience.
In January, February, and March, the Botball Educator Workshops provide team leaders and mentors with technology training and introduce the details of that year’s game. Then, after a build period of about 7 weeks, students bring their robots to their regional tournament to compete against other students in the current season’s game challenge.
Students use science, engineering, technology, math, and writing skills to design, build, program, and document robots in a hands-on project that reinforces their learning.
The robots are always autonomous! Botball gives students the tools to develop sophisticated strategies using artificial intelligence with embedded systems. Students will learn to program their robots in advance using C, C++, and Java.
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No need for power tools or a machine shop. Competitors are at a level playing field with access to all resources. The Botball game kit provides various parts and pieces that get you going toward building a working robot.
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In a recent survey (2011), 86% of Botball team leaders reported using the building materials, robot controllers, sensors, and motors, for educational activities outside of Botball throughout the academic year.
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Botball prepares teachers and mentors on how to use robotics in their classrooms, curriculum, and community. It will help prepare teachers and mentors to build a foundation that will impact their students for years to come.
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Autonomous No Remote Controlled Robots!
There is no driver! The robot’s actions are based on information from the sensors, combined with the computer program written by the students in advance. Botball robots are completely autonomous and rely on this computer programming to start, stop, and maneuver on the game board. Each robot uses sensors to detect changes in light, distance, color, and parameters.
Why Robots?
In order for students to transfer and apply the information and skills they learn in school, they must be able to use that knowledge in a way that is meaningful to them. By designing, building, programming, and documenting robots, students use science, engineering, technology, math, and language arts skills in a collaborative hands-on project that reinforces their learning.
Engineering With Minimum Tools
The kit includes a KIPR Wombat robot controller, LEGO pieces, compatible metal parts, motors, servos, a multitude of sensors, a camera for use with the built in computer vision system, and all the tools required so that students can complete the mechanical construction of their robots without the need for power tools or a machine shop. This helps level the playing field amongst competitors with different access to these resources.
Teams receive their reusable robotics kit at the workshop along with software and documentation. They also receive detailed information regarding the current year’s game. Participants will actually use their robotics kit to build and program a demonstration robot at the workshop. Following the workshop, students are given 7-9 weeks to:
In a recent survey, 86% of Botball team leaders reported using these components for educational activities outside of Botball throughout the academic year.
Uses for a Botball kit outside the Botball season:
Teachers who know how to use robotics to teach STEM and have appropriate educational materials can impact students for years. That’s why every Botball region hosts a hands-on professional development workshop for educators, developed and taught by professional roboticists.
The hands-on workshop is designed to empower teachers enabling them to teach their students how to apply the engineering design process and improve their computational thinking skills as they design, construct and write code to control their robots. Curriculum is aligned to Next Generation Science and Common Core math standards and provides a framework within which teams can be successful.
After the workshop, the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics provides technical support and advice throughout the Botball season