Dive Further into the World of Robotics!

Same rockin’ little robot, 40 more hours of programming awesomeness. Using the same application-based software and building manipulatives included in Discover Robotics and Programming I, Discover Robotics and Programming II pushes students to take their skills to the next level. Lessons have learners attach light, infrared, ultrasonic and touch sensors, integrate virtual sensors and advanced variables into their code and even create interactive control panels from a tablet. The Discover Robotics & Programming II curriculum has been expertly structured and scaffolded to foster creativity, ignite imagination and build technical literacy as learners problem-solve solutions to robotic challenges.

Designed to be student-driven, this LABCard set uses engineering design process techniques to rapidly build skills through a combination of step-by-step projects and challenges. By utilizing a granular, student-driven approach, LABCards enable any learning environment to cater to students with different learning needs and speeds. As with all PCS Edventures curriculum, the overarching objective is to cultivate intrinsic motivation, deep conceptual foundations and a sense of intellectual empowerment.

Prerequisite: Discover Robotics & Programming I

Grades: 6-8
Students: Up to 3 per kit
Contact Hours: 40+

Subject Targets:

Technology, Robotics & Coding

Recommended Settings:

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

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.
• Note: One level of the LABCards explores Cortex features for programming with virtual sensors. Some of these features can be previewed on a laptop or desktop but not all are compatible. Because of this, it is necessary to have a tablet to fully complete that level. Students working on desktops or tablets can preview the virtual features and then move onto the next level.

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 & Programming II LABCards are meant to challenge learners as they learn new concepts and build on previous knowledge gained through Discover Robotics & Programming I.

GREEN Level 5: Light Sensors and Touch Sensors

• Calibrating Sensors
• RANDOM and COMPARE Commands
• SENSOR Commands
• WAIT UNTIL Commands

RED Level 6: Infrared and Ultrasonic Sensors

• Line-following Robots
• Logical Operations
• Self-navigating Robots
• Creating Variables

BROWN Level 7: Virtual Sensors

• Intro to Virtual Canvas
• Sliders and Counters
• Joystick and Accelerometer
• Microphone Sensor and Toggle Switches

BLACK Level 8: Advanced Logic and Procedure Commands

• Flowchart Planning
• Arithmetic Operations
• Programming with Variables
• Life-like Robots

Complete Program Includes:

• LABCards (20 Card Set): 1
• Expanding file folder: 1

To meet the needs of a variety of learning environments, LABCards are aligned to 21st Century Skills and Habits of Mind as well as national standards for math, language arts, science, engineering and technology.

Habits of Mind:

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

• Creating, Imagining, Innovating
• Gathering Data with All Senses
• Remaining Open to Continuous Learning
• Responding with Wonderment and Awe
• Striving for Accuracy
• Taking Responsible Risks
• Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition)

21st Century Skills:

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

• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Information, Media and Technology Literacy
• Initiative and Self-Direction
• Productivity and Accountability

© 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.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2 Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.6  Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.8 Write an inequality of the form x > c or x < c to represent a constraint or condition in a real-world or mathematical problem. Recognize that inequalities of the form x > c or x < c have infinitely many solutions; represent solutions of such inequalities on number line diagrams.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3.C Find a percent of a quantity as a rate per 100 (e.g., 30% of a quantity means 30/100 times the quantity); solve problems involving finding the whole, given a part and the percent.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3.D Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities.

© 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.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

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

Next Generation Science Standards:*

• NGSS MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design
• NGSS MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design

* 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.

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