Phenomenal Physics!

The study of energy and motion instantly becomes a student favorite with this application-based program! Discover Robotics & Physics is expertly scaffolded to support essential problem-solving and collaborative skills while learners seek solutions to challenges. Students employ the engineering design process to develop a deep understanding of robotics and foundational physics concepts.

With high-quality, reusable fischertechnik® building manipulatives, any learning environment can start a STEMventure right out of the box. As with all PCS Edventures curriculum, the objective is to cultivate intrinsic motivation, deep conceptual foundations and a sense of intellectual empowerment. Start the journey today with Discover Robotics & Physics!

Grades: 4-8
Students: Up to 3 per kit
Contact Hours: 25+

Subject Targets:

Physical Science, Technology, Robotics & Coding

Recommended Settings:

• Classrooms
• Before & After-School Programs
• Homeschools
• Libraries and Makerspaces

Tech Requirements:

• One device per kit with Windows, macOS, iOS or Android operating system. Cortex is currently not compatible with Google Chromebooks.
• All tablets require internet connection to enable wireless communication via Bluetooth.

LABCard Curriculum:

With the use of the PCS LABCards, educators can take advantage of a differentiated instruction model where challenging concepts are broken down so that learners can quickly master skills and move at their own pace towards a final performance task design project.

How to Use Your LABCards:

Each LABCard includes two step-by-step projects, two challenges and one design project. Each project introduces new programming skills by guiding learners through step-by-step activities. Two engaging challenges allow learners to apply this knowledge before testing their understanding in a design project. Key terms are listed at the end of each card for reference. Along the bottom are three questions to check for understanding. Use them in discussion, written reflection or informal conversation to probe and deepen learners’ understanding. At the end of every level, a final end design project challenges learners to synthesize their learning with creativity and critical thinking.

Why We LOVE Them:

The LABCard approach is intended to provide educators with a tool that enables a student-directed experience. Educators are empowered to provide facilitation, coaching and mentoring as learners work independently, in their own fashion. Almost all learning environments including after-school programs, clubs and a wide variety of classroom models, can be supported using the LABCard curriculum. Each LABCard is assigned a point value for quick and easy assessment of progress through each level and to provide learners with immediate recognition of their accomplishments. Learners earn points for each card they successfully complete. Each level includes four 5-point cards and culminates with a 5-point end design project, for a total of 25 points per level. By completing all four levels, learners can earn up to 100 points!

Product Orientation:

• Half-hour free webinar orientation for purchases of $500+
• One-hour free webinar orientation for purchases of $1000+
• Additional training available for purchase

Curriculum Topics:

Discover Robotics & Physics includes curriculum that is meant to be worked through in levels. Each level becomes progressively more challenging as students learn new concepts and build on previous knowledge.

• Introduction to gas pressure and pneumatic forces
• Introduction to energy transfer

ORANGE Level 2: RACERS

• Deeper into types of energy and energy transformation
• Introduction to the physics of motion (1D kinematics)

PURPLE Level 3: MARBLE LAUNCHERS

• Deeper into kinematics, velocity and acceleration
• Introduction to the physics of collisions

BLUE Level 4: CATAPULTS

• Integration of pneumatic forces and energy transformation
• Deeper into kinematics with 2D motion
• Focus on optimized engineering design

Complete Program Includes:

• Intro Guide
• Building Instruction Cards
• LABCards (20-Card Set)
• The Brain™ & Cortex User Guide
• Expanding File Folder
• Specialized PCS Robotic Controller - The Brain
• 9V DC Motor and Motor Cable
• Bluetooth Dongle (available in BLE for iPads or Classic for all computers and Android tablets)
• Rechargeable 11.1V LiPo Battery and DC Wall Adapter
• Touch Sensor and Sensor Cable
• USB Cable
• Bag of BB Pellets
• Ping Pong Ball
• fischertechnik® Building Elements

Note: Each Program includes only 1 Instructor Guide. Other included material amounts will vary with the Single Kit, Club Pack, or Classroom Pack.

Single Kit:

The Single Kit is primed for small groups of eager learners looking to expand their STEM skills into robotics and physics.

Club Pack:

The Club Pack comes with five individual kits, each of which is suitable for 1-3 students. To get the most for your money, and your learning environment, choose the Club Pack! This bundle is perfect for small classrooms with up to 15 students, after-school programs, homeschool groups and more. Get your students programming with physics concepts today!

Classroom Set:

The Classroom Set includes 16 individual kits, which are stored in a rolling storage cart. Each kit is meant to be used with 1-3 students, so the Classroom Set can be utilized with up to 48 students.

Habits of Mind:

16 thinking habits developed by Art Costa and Bena Kallick to empower students to succeed in a 21st-century learning environment.

• Persisting
• Thinking flexibly
• Applying past knowledge to new situations
• Remaining open to continuous learning
• Managing impulsivity
• Creating, imagining, innovating
• Taking responsible risks
• Gathering data through all senses

21st Century Skills:

A set of widely-applicable abilities essential for success in the information age.

• Creative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Initiative
• Productivity
• Technology Literacy

© 2019 Battelle for Kids. battelleforkids.org. All Rights Reserved. Battelle for Kids was not involved in the production of this product and does not endorse it.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:

• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 Model with mathematics.
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7 Look for and make use of structure.

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3 Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics.

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

Next Generation Science Standards:*

• NGSS 4-PS3-1 Energy
• NGSS 4-PS3-2 Energy Transfer
• NGSS 4-PS3-3 Energy
• NGSS 4-PS3-4 Energy Transfer
• NGSS MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-PS2-1 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
• NGSS MS-PS2-2 Forces and Motion
• NGSS MS-PS3-2 Energy and Forces
• NGSS MS-PS3-5 Energy

* Next Generation Science Standards and NGSS is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

International Society for Technology in Education:

• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

ISTE Standards for Students, ©2016, ISTE® (International Society for Technology in Education), iste.org. All rights reserved. ISTE was not involved in the production of this product and does not endorse it.