Robotics:
Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

October is Computer Learning Month. Many schools have integrated the building of robots into their science classes as a method of interdisciplinary project-based learning. Student need to be able to tell their robots what to do through of the programming of mini-computers.

Most kids are familiar with building with Legos. But Lego MindStorms has taken Legos to the next dimension. Did you know that last year, more than 100,000 students and an estimated 8,000 teams took part in robotics events worldwide?

This hands-on and collaborative learning activity immerses students, even in elementary schools, in the popular world of Robotics. Students work as teams to learn about topics such as gear ratios, locomotion, and energy, while learning how to design, build, program, and control robots. Many schools now also offer competitive robotic activities to further engage interest in making the best robot possible.

Many schools find these new robot building and competitive activities attract and interest girls who traditionally have not shown interest in science, math, and engineering. What a great way to expand the talent pool in a career area that is vital to our economic future.

eLibrary Elementary BookCarts are no-cost, flexible lesson plans that power 21st-century, inquiry-based learning activities.

Instead of sending students out to search the open web and waste precious research time, assign students to open a BookCart activity inside your subscription that minimizes searching and maximizes learning.

BookCarts can include all the information and resources that students need to complete the learning activity:

• Essential Questions for Critical Thinking that guide and motivate students
• Student Directions that list what students are expected to do with the resources
• Correlated Print Resources provide call numbers for students to include in their research
• Quizzes when appropriate to assess student knowledge of content

ProQuest has created a BookCart learning activity for your students to use: Robotics.

It includes three examples of essential questions for critical thinking that you can assign to your students. You can even create more or substitute others if you wish. Student directions are included as well as a 21st Century Skills standard.

• Open the eLibrary Elementary Teacher Edition.
• Click BookCart Admin link.
• Click the ProQuest Carts tab.
• Click the Elementary BookCart folder in the left margin.
• Find the Cart Robotics.
• Click the Copy icon in the Actions column to the right of this title.
• Click the Return to My Local Carts tab to end the copying process.

This BookCart can easily be edited for the most effective use by your students:

• Click the new BookCart Title with the prefix "Copy of."
• Delete "Copy of" and then type your first and last name in the AUTHOR boxes.
• Type your email address in the box next to Author.
• Edit the sample of STUDENT DIRECTIONS in the DESCRIPTION box.
• Type call numbers for print resources related to this topic.
• Scroll down and click Save.
• Click the My Local Carts tab to see your newly edited and ready to use activity.

Assign students to write a report of at least 100 words, or a presentation of at least five slides. Students should cite at least two eLibrary Elementary articles and/or websites and one print resource.

Type Robots in the Search box.

Students should address the essential questions for critical thinking listed below (you should add or substitute others):

• What are five things that robots can do to make life easier for us?
• What are three things that robots can do that people can't do or can't do safely?
• What are three things that you would like to see a robot do and why?

Use our custom ProQuest models for written or PowerPoint reports written and PowerPoint-style reports.

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