Introduction
Robotics can be called the premier integrator in education today. This is because it combines design, problem solving and team work with concepts in mathematics, science and technology. And, importantly, it is a great amount of fun!The robotics workshops we hosted over the December holiday at the MTN Sciencentre, gave students a taste of the value and joy of robotics, and everyone requested that we continue the course throughout the year. We are happy to oblige and introduce the Rossum Robotics Academy.
Methodology and content
One of the most exciting aspects of the holiday workshops were the fantastic ideas for robots that the students wanted to build. These included a home automation system, automated factory and robotic helper. In order to see these engineering visions turn into reality, the Rossum Robotics Academy will equip students with a greater knowledge of mechanics, electronics and computer programming – the three elements of robotics.
- Knowledge about mechanics will help them to build the structure and moveable parts by using gears, levers, motors and pneumatics.
- Electronics knowledge will equip them to power the motors and install sensors that provide feedback on position, light, direction, colour and temperature.
- Programming knowledge will enable students to write programs that can control their creations.
Rossum Robotics Academy will thus offer a pre-engineering curriculum integrating theoretical grounding with hands on design and building. Classes will be in small groups of 10 – 15 people meeting once a week and catering for different levels of experience. The program will be broken up into 4-week modules, each module dealing with a different aspect, but all of them building on top of each other. The Academy caters from beginners to university level, so be believe the students will never exhaust the options and learning.The curriculum throughout the year will allow for a mixture of set building projects, own design projects and real-world exposure through talks and demonstrations by engineers and roboticists. Throughout it will also incorporate the scientific methodology of predict, observe, calculate and explain.
Details
When:
Every Wednesday 15:00 – 17:00 (more classes will be added later)
Where:
MTN Sciencentre, Canal Walk
Cost:
R200 registration fee which includes a one year access pass to the MTN Sciencentre
R400 per module (4 sessions) paid in advance
Registration:
Come to the information session on Wednesday 13 February at 15:00 at the MTN Sciencentre. Or contact us at robotics@dendrite.co.za
Equipment and Resources
We have a comprehensive library of robotics construction sets, electronics equipment and software that would cost any individual hundreds of thousands of rands to assemble. Rossum Robotics Academy gives the students access to using and playing around with it, without having to acquire it themselves. Primarily we use Fischertechnik, because the building sets from toddles to professional engineers and universities are standard. The Fischertechnik Robo Interface is also extremely versatile and adaptable.
Frequently asked questions
- What if my kid has participated in Lego League or Robo Cup or is planning to do it?
Great. This is good preparation for Lego League and Robo Cup, which happens later in the year. We will be training teams specifically for these competitions. - Does this relate to their school work and will it improve their marks?
There are direct links to parts of the science and technology curriculums and students will apply numerous science and mathematical concepts. The overriding goal of the robotics academy is however not merely to improve school marks, but to excite students about science and technology and improve their competence in the field. It will also help to inculcate creative and scientific approaches to problem solving – skills that are of far greater value than school marks. - I really want to come, but the time does not suit me?
There are a number of you. Let us know when would suit you and we will try and put together another group at a different time.I would like to get a better idea of what it entails before I want to sign up.
You are welcome to come and see on the 13th of February and then make a decision after that. - Is any prior experience required?
No.