Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Curriculum

ROBOTC is one of the very best time-tested, in-depth packages combining programming environments and curricula for VEX, VEX-IQ, VEX CORTEX AND LEGO MINDSTORMS learning systems.  CMU has provided a remarkable Virtual Worlds component that allows programming in online worlds, and even the capability of creating a custom online world for students’ use.  Moreover, this package includes a Virtual Brick option  that looks and acts like the real thing working with NXT-G, EV3 and LABVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS software. CMU’s Robotics Academy develops tools for teachers that make it easier to implement robotics curriculum into today’s classrooms. CMU curriculum is research-based, aligns with standards, and focuses on the development of 21st century skill sets in students. CMU provides first-rate guides to getting started using their curricula designed for VEX and LEGO robotics systems. CMU has outlined a 3-step approach to organizing the teaching of their robotics-based curricula. The Step 1 introduction notes that “Robotics provides many rich opportunities to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CS-STEM) as well as 21st century skill sets. As you plan your robotics course, one of the first things that you will need to consider is what “Big Ideas” do I want to teach through robotics. At the Robotics Academy we’ve worked with many teachers helping them to develop a scaffolded set of curricular activities to help them to develop a multi-year program.” Step 2 addresses “scaffolded learning” that incrementally builds STEM knowledge. Step 3 addresses evaluation of student progress. Image: LEGO MINDSTORMS TRACK3R, courtesy of LEGO MINDSTORMS.