Features: Feb. 11, 2002

Bringing Robotics to a Seventh-Grade Classroom

Rensselaer's Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education (CIPCE) has launched a pilot program to teach robotics to local 7th-graders. The idea is to interest at-risk students in the principles of engineering and science.

"The purpose is to teach engineering design, core concepts in science and mathematics, and structured reasoning by transforming textbook learning to a hands-on activity that is understandable and fun," says CIPCE Director Lester Rubenfeld.

Students at Oneida Middle School in Schenectady will design and build robotic devices using LEGO® products, which include standard LEGO parts (plastic bricks, connectors, beams, axels, plates, gears, and pulleys) and a computerized unit that controls the motors and sensors.

The programs for the robots will be written using the ROBOLABTM software developed by LEGO Dacta and Tufts University. ROBOLAB incorporates a special version of LabView, created by Rensselaer alumnus Jeffrey Kodosky '70, co-founder of National Instruments.

"This context-based, hands-on approach to teaching will lead to the development of compelling classroom learning environments for all youngsters, especially those at risk," says Peter Olson, a CIPCE project manager who is heading the initiative.

The 7th-graders are being introduced to the software and other basic technology skills needed before they begin construction of the robots.

Engineering students Peter Parente '02 and Mark Cassalia '02 expect that by mid-March the nine-week program will be fully integrated into the Oneida Middle School classroom.