Course 1- Getting Started in Robotics (24 hrs.)


In this course participants will be engaged in the use of online learning tools and will install the LEGO NXT Robotic Effector software on their computers to prepare them for programming the LEGO Mindstorms robot. Participants will become familiar with LEGO vocabulary and parts of the LEGO Mindstorms kit as they build structural components of a robot and use math, science, and engineering principles to design, build, test, and operate their robots. Capping off this course will be the programming of a robot to perform a specific task.

Course 2 – Manipulator and End Effectors (15 hrs.)

Participants will examine industrial robots and how they are uniquely designed to accomplish their respective tasks.  A simple end effector will be constructed and replicated with LEGO parts. Capping of this course will be the integration of manipulators into the robots designed in the previous course.

Course 3 – Advanced Programming and Sensors (12 hrs.)


Participants will use a variety of sensors to assist in navigation and understand the control systems used when access to the robot is limited, including NASA’s inter-planetary communications methods. Participants will also apply a programming structure to advance the function of the machine and understand how to incorporate sensing to allow for the machine to engage with its environment.

Course 4 – Grand Challenge (10 hrs.)


In this course participants will understand the engineering design process and use a morphological chart to develop a solution to an engineering challenge. Included in this course will be an exercise to solve a task based problem and communicate its results through distance learning technologies.

 

Course 1 - How can we use simulations to provide data to answer questions? (25 hours)

In this course participants will explore data, where it comes from, how it can be described and how data can be gathered from simulations.

Course 2 - How can sampling provide information about a global population? (15 hours)

Participants will formulate statistical questions based on samples generalized from a survey tool.  Participants will use scatter plots, contingency tables, and simple random sampling to examine the association between two variables.

Course 3 - How can we use probability to quantify uncertainty? (15 hours)

Participants will use basic laws of probability for independent and dependent events. They will understand how to find the probability of any set of possible outcomes and solve problems by creating probability histograms of discrete random variables.

Course 4 - How are observational studies different from experiments?

Course 5 - How can statistical methods help us make and support decisions? (20 hours)

Certificate Description: Middle and high school science teachers will develop understanding and skill in using problem-based inquiry learning (PBIL) to enhance conceptual understanding, critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving. Participants will 1) complete a PBIL in a NASA-oriented context first-hand to better see the design and methods of PBIL; 2) analyze PBIL curricula and resources to develop design acumen; 3) explore how virtual learning environments can enhance student PBIL experiences; 4) explore NASA resources for both PBIL and virtual environment learning opportunities; and 5) design a PBIL unit for their classroom.

This course will address issues of distance learning and the incorporation of electronic programming, such as the use of simulations, virtual worlds, games, video field trips and podcasts into classrooms.  It will range from modules aimed at classroom teachers, to help them overcome the fear factor associated with new technologies, to modules designed for school system personnel to help them with the broader IT issues that are associated with distance learning.