Course 1- Getting Started in Robotics (24 hrs.)
Course Dates: Jan. 11 through Feb. 21, 2010

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 (10 hrs.)
Course Dates: Feb. 23 through March 15, 2010

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.)
Course Dates: May 3 through May 21, 2010 (Tentatively)

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.)
Course Dates: May 31 through June 13, 2010 (Tentatively)

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?
Course Dates - TBD

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?            Course Dates – TBD

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?
Course Dates – TBD

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 Dates – TBD

Course 5 - How can statistical methods help us make and support decisions?
Course Dates - TBD

Middle and high school earth science teachers will develop understanding and skill in using inquiry, problem-based learning and virtual environments (e.g. - Second Life) to enhance learning. Participants will explore NASA resources for both PBL and virtual worlds learning, eventually designing an earth or space science PBL 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.