Description

Be sure to call our sales department at (800) 429-3110 for more information and visit http://rubiq.edventures.com to see the support site for Discover Drones!

Drones capture stunning aerial photography, save lives in modern day search and rescue missions, collect snot samples from whales for scientific research, inspect vast agricultural landscapes, survey crocodile-infested waters, thrill spectators in FPV racing, bring medical supplies to war-torn areas and deliver pizzas in New Zealand. The world has fallen in love with them, and we’re sure your students will too.

In Discover Drones, your learning environment will experience first-hand the technology that’s been sweeping over the world. Starting with lessons in engineering and technology, students begin by building RubiQ, their modular, open-source training drone! After learning the safety regulations and procedures surrounding unmanned aerial vehicles, they’ll then start with the basics of flight, first becoming comfortable on a training simulator before moving to line-of-sight piloting. After mastering RubiQ’s controls, it’s time for students to don their First-Person View (FPV) goggles, experiencing first-hand what STEM at 75 MPH is like!

Discover Drones utilizes the PCS Edventures cutting-edge curriculum, LABCards. The LABCard approach is intended to provide a tool that enables a more student-directed experience. Educators are empowered to provide more facilitation, coaching and mentoring as students work independently and in their own fashion. To keep interest piqued, each card includes a mix of different activities for you to flow between. From whole group discussions and time for teams to work together on their drone to individual quizzes and flight simulator practice, every LABCard is unique, engaging and downright fun!

Coupled with hands-on, experiential learning, Discover Drones also utilizes the online educational app, Droneology, a fast-paced, interactive online course that prepares pilots of all skill levels for safe and responsible drone entertainment. Droneology covers topics of safety, laws and regulations, flight basics and the many uses of drones! This digital course is optimized for use on mobile devices, allowing easy access from phones, tablets or computers, anytime, anywhere.

From learning to piece RubiQ together to making death-defying aerial maneuvers, Discover Drones is the trailblazing educational tool your learning environment needs. Preparing students for the future of UAV’s and careers that haven’t even been invented, it’s time to take flight. Are you ready for high-octane education?

Check out the Discover Drones spec sheet to see all included materials and further details about this groundbreaking product!

Classroom Set:
Includes 5 drones, 2 pairs of FPV goggles, 2 radio controllers and all necessary components to get you flying!
Grades: 7+
Students: Up to 25
Contact Hours: 30+

Club Pack:
Includes 2 drones, 1 pair of FPV goggles, 2 radio controllers and all necessary components to get you flying!
Grades: 7+
Students: Up to 10
Contact Hours: 30+

Materials Included (Club)

2 RubiQ's, PCS Edventures cutting-edge educational drone
(Each RubiQ model features: FPV camera, GPS, Built-in accelerometer, barometer and compass, Brushless 2200KV Motors With Built-In ESC, Programmable RGB LED Board, 3S LiPo Battery.)

The Discover Drones Club Pack also includes:

• All parts and tools needed for assembly
• 2 radio controllers with ability to tether
• 1 set of FPV goggles
• 10 pairs safety glasses
• 50 licenses for PCS drone pilot certification course, Droneology
• 10 controllers for flight simulator
• 10 licenses for flight simulator software, FPV FreeRider
• LiPo-safe storage bag for batteries
• LiPo battery charger with balance, charge, discharge and storage functions
• Compartmentalized Gratnell storage bins with lids
• Drone Educator Guide
• 2 sets Discover Drones LABCard curriculum (20-card set)
• 2 sets step-by-step drone building instructions
• 2 expanding folders to hold all curriculum pages

Materials Included (Classroom)

5 RubiQ's, PCS Edventures cutting-edge educational drone
(Each RubiQ model features: FPV camera, GPS, Built-in accelerometer, barometer and compass, Brushless 2200KV Motors With Built-In ESC, Programmable RGB LED Board and 3S LiPo Battery.)

The Discover Drones Classroom Set also includes:

• All parts and tools needed for assembly
• 2 radio controllers with ability to tether
• 2 sets of FPV goggles
• 25 pairs safety glasses
• 100 licenses for PCS drone pilot certification course, Droneology
• 25 controllers for flight simulator
• 25 licenses for flight simulator software, FPV FreeRider
• LiPo-safe storage bag for batteries
• LiPo battery charger with balance, charge, discharge and storage functions
• Compartmentalized Gratnell storage bins with lids
• Drone Educator Guide
• 5 sets Discover Drones LABCard curriculum (20-card set)
• 5 sets step-by-step drone building instructions
• 5 expanding folders to hold all curriculum pages

Spec Sheet

Click image below to view PDF

Product Support

Visit www.rubiq.edventures.com for configuration guides, troubleshooting, and support.

If your questions cannot be answered through these user guides, call 1-800-429-3110 between 8:30 am and 5 pm MST or email support@edventures.com.

Description

The PCS Edventures Discover Robotics & Programming Kit is a one-of-a-kind collection combining both exceptional curriculum and high-quality mechanical building pieces. The robotics curriculum is a platform that teaches basic programming logic in the context of mechanical output, which allows students to gain integral 21st century skills like creative problem-solving as well as thinking logically and critically. This cross-curricular technique also aligns with various national and international teaching standards including the following: Common Core, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

By combining a game-like programming interface and real mechanical robotic components, the Discover Robotics & Programming Kit is one of the most versatile and useful teaching tools of today. Projects focus on the integration of STEAM skills by incorporating math, physics and engineering principles. Each project is followed with an optional journaling component to fuse language arts and reflection, in response to extensive research that illustrates the benefits of including reflective elements in STEM classrooms.

With Discover Robotics & Programming students have the freedom to iterate and design, while gaining tangible benefits from frequent analysis and reflection. Individual Discover Robotics & Programming kits are meant to be used with 1-3 students. Each level within the student-driven series focuses on different concepts and are clearly aligned for specified age ranges, allowing educators to implement the most appropriate activities in their classrooms which are also engaging, fun and educational!

Club Pack: 
The Discover Robotics & Programming Club Pack comes with five (5) individual kits, each of which is suitable for 1-3 students. To get 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, home school groups and more!

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

Grades: 6-8
Students: Up to 3 per kit
Contact Hours: 25+

Classroom Curriculum vs LAB Cards

Discover Robotics & Programming is an extremely versatile kit which can be used in a variety of educational environments. When choosing to purchase the kit, there are two options for curriculum which can be paired with the physical building manipulative: the Classroom Curriculum or the LABCards Curriculum.

If you are unsure which option is best for you, please feel free to contact one of our STEM experts for assistance!

Classroom Curriculum:

This option was developed specifically for classroom use, and therefore is called the Classroom Curriculum. In this bound book are projects, challenges and design activities suitable for students in grades 6-8. The Classroom version booklet, meant for 1-3 students, progresses through four different levels, each of which includes journaling components and a variety of assessment options for teachers to choose from.

Grades: 6-8
Students: Up to 3 per kit
Contact Hours: 25+

LABCards Curriculum:

This curriculum is unique in the fact that is can be utilized with younger students in grades 4-8, and is extremely student-driven. This option also comes with four different levels of cards, and each level includes 5 cards. With a total of 20 cards full of activities, challenges and design activities, the LABCards can be used in after-school programs or other educational settings that require curricular flexibility. Each set of LABCards can be used by individual students, or used in small groups to encourage collaborative skills.

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

Materials Included LABCards

• Computer science curriculum, printed on no-tear polymer
• Discover Robotics & Programming I LABCards (20-card set)
• Step-by-step building instructions for motor testing station and RiQ robot
• Brain and Cortex User Guide
• Expanding file folder for easy access and storage of all curriculum pages
• Specialized PCS Robotic Controller, The Brain™
• Bluetooth Dongle (Available in BLE for iPads or Classic for all computers and Android-based tablets)
• USB Cable
• Advanced Sensor Pack including 1 ultrasonic, 1 light, 2 touch, 2 infrared, 2 LEDs, and 5 sensor cables
• 2 9V DC motors and 2 motor cables
• Rechargable 11.1V LiPo battery and DC wall adapter
• Advanced engineering manipulatives from fischertechnikTM
• Compartmentalized Gratnell storage bin with lid

Materials Included Classroom

• 1 bound Discover Robotics and Programming Student Manual
• 1 bound Discover Robotics and Programming Instructor Manual
• Specialized PCS Robotic Controller, The Brain™
• Bluetooth Dongle
• Available in BLE for iPads or Classic for all computers and Android-based tablets
• USB Cable
• Advanced Sensor Pack including 1 ultrasonic, 1 light, 2 touch, 2 infrared, 2 LEDs, and 5 sensor cables
• 2 9V DC motors and 2 motor cables
• Rechargable 11.1V LiPo battery and DC wall adapter
• Advanced engineering manipulatives from fischertechnikTM 
• Compartmentalized Gratnell storage bin with lid

Cortex/Brain

Cortex Programming Software Downloads

Windows
MAC OSX for iPad v3 and later
Android
iOS

Brain Controller Pack

The Brain robotic controller from PCS Edventures! offers students the opportunity to learn about robotics like never before. With quick processing power, wireless connectivity, and physical sensors, the Brain is used with the Cortex programming environment to create a comprehensive hands-on robotics education experience.

With physical hooks that are easily adaptable to LEGO and fischertechnik parts, students can build to their imagination’s content. Then, using the Cortex, students program desired movement and watch their creations come to life!

The advanced sensor pack allows robots to interact with the physical world and respond to received stimuli. New sensors include touch, infrared, optical, LED, and ultrasonic.  

LABCards Spec Sheet

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Classroom Spec Sheet

Click image below to view PDF

Standards & Alignment LABCards

Next Generation Science Standards

• MS-ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
• MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• MS-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
• MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Common Core State Standards for Math

• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7 Look for and make use of structures.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.A.2 Draw (freehand, with ruler and protractor, and with technology) geometric shapes with given conditions.

Common Core State Standards for 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).

Habits of Mind:

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

• Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
• Managing Impulsivity
• Persisting
• Remaining Open to Continuous Learning
• Striving for Accuracy
• Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition)
• Thinking Flexibly

21st Century Skills:

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

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

Standards & Alignment Classroom

International Society for Technology in Education Standards

• Communication and Collaboration with a Digital Portfolio
• Creativity and Innovation 
• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
• Research and Information Fluency

Next Generation Science Standards

• MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. 
• MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 
• MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Common Core State Standards for Math

• MATH.CONTENT.6.SP.A.2 Understand that a set of data collected to answer a statistical question has a distribution which can be described by its center, spread, and overall shape. 
• MATH.CONTENT.6.SP.A.3 Recognize that a measure of center for a numerical data set summarizes all of its values with a single number, while a measure of variation describes how its values vary with a single number. 
• MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.C Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations). 
• MATH.CONTENT.7.G.A.2 Draw (freehand, with ruler and protractor, and with technology) geometric shapes with given conditions. 
• MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems. 
• MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6 Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms. 
• MATH.CONTENT.8.G.A.4 Understand that a two-dimensional figure is similar to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations; given two similar two-dimensional figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the similarity between them. 
• MATH.CONTENT.8.SP.A.1 Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Describe patterns such as clustering, outliers, positive or negative association, linear association, and nonlinear association.

Common Core State Standards for Language Arts

• ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.B Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources. 
• ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.E Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. 
• ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.D Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. • ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.F Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented. 
• ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3 Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical task 
• ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently. 
• ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Description

Same rockin’ little robot, 40 more hours of programming awesomeness. Using the 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. Students attach light, infrared, ultrasonic and touch sensors, integrate virtual sensors and advanced variables into their code and even create interactive control panels from the touch screen of a tablet. The Discover Robotics & Programming II curriculum has been expertly structured to foster creativity, ignite imagination and build technical literacy as students design solutions to robotic 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 developed curriculum, the overarching objective is to cultivate intrinsic motivation, deep conceptual foundations and a sense of intellectual empowerment.

The LABCards series, Discover Robotics II is designed to be student-driven using project-based learning techniques that rapidly build skills using a combination of step-by-step projects and challenges. Using the PCS Edventures designed RiQ robot coupled with the interactive programming software Cortex, students of a variety of ages can be quickly building and programming their own robot.

Grades: 6+
Students: Up to 3 per set
Contact Hours: 40+

Pricing Options:

• First set of LABCards: $195
• Each additional set: $50

Training:

• Purchases of $500+ come with 30 minutes of free webinar training
• Purchases of $1000+ come with 1 hour of free webinar training
• Additional training available for purchase

Recommended Settings

Classrooms

• Computer science unit
• Tech ed curriculum
• Station in open learning environment

After-school programs and robotics labs
Maker spaces
Home learning

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 students through step-by-step activities. Two engaging challenges give students the opportunity 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 students’ understanding. At the end of every level, a final end design project challenges students 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 students 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 students with immediate recognition of their accomplishments.  Students earn 5 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, students can earn up to 100 points!

Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements:

• One device per kit with Windows. OS X, 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: Brown (level) Robotics II explores Cortex features for programming with virtual sensors.  Some of these features can be previewed on a laptop or desktop bot not all are compatible.  Because of this it is necessary to have tablet to fully complete that level. Students working on desktops or tablets can preview the virtual features and then move onto the next level.

Curriculum Topics 

Curriculum Content

GREEN
Level 5: Light Sensors and Touch Sensors

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

• 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
• ARITHMATIC Operations
• Programming with Variables
• Life-like Robots

Standards & Alignment 

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.

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

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)
• 
  

  Common Core State Standards for 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).
  
  

  Common Core State Standards for Math

  • 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.
  
  

  Next Generation Science Standards

  • MS-ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
  • MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • MS-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
• MS-ETS1-4  Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

 Spec Sheet

Description

The study of energy and motion instantly becomes a favorite of students with this project-based learning series! By incorporating robotics with the expansive subject area of physics, The Discover Robotics and Physics kit uses experiential projects to instill real-life knowledge. The kit has been expertly structured to support essential problem-solving and collaborative skills while students seek solutions to challenges. Students move through the curriculum series by employing the iterative design process to formulate and develop a deep understanding of the subject area.

By utilizing high-quality fishertechnik ® building manipulatives, any learning environment will have the ability to cater to students with different learning needs and speeds. As with all PCS Edventures developed curriculum, the overarching objective is to cultivate intrinsic motivation, deep conceptual foundations and a sense of intellectual empowerment--start the journey today with the Discover Robotics and Physics Kit!

Materials Included

Single Kit

• PCS Physics LABCards (4 Levels) w/poly-pocket sleeve for storage
• Physics & Robotics build instructions
• Advanced engineering building manipulatives from fishertechnik ^®
• Specialized PCS Robotic Controller - The Brain^™
• The Brain™ & Cortex user guide
• Compartmentalized Gratnell storage bin with lid

Club Pack

The Discover Robotics & Physics Club Pack comes with five (5) individual kits, each of which is suitable for 1-3 students. To get 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 Discover Robotics & Physics Classroom Set includes 16 individual kits, which are stored in a high-quality hardwood furniture unit with rolling casters. These furniture units are made specially to house these kits and are both beautiful and strong, designed for many years of use. Each kit, is meant to be used with 1-3 students, so the Classroom Pack can be utilized with groups of 16-48 students!

Curriculum Options

Available As LABCards Only

Curriculum Topics

Level 1

• Air pressure
• Force
• Energy Transfer
• The Brain and Cortex-simple motor commands

• Gravity
• Potential Energy
• Electricity
• Advanced Motor Commands

Level III

• Impulse
• Velocity
• Acceleration
• Collisions and elasticity and programming sensors

• Torque
• Degrees of freedom
• Angular acceleration
• Design optimization

Standards & Alignment

Common Core Standards