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

Click image below to view PDF

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

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

Description

Engineering is a dynamic and innovative field constantly seeking the brightest minds of the future, and the Discover Engineering Kit developed by PCS Edventures is designed to cultivate the young engineers of tomorrow. In order to prepare students for rapidly evolving technology, this kit combines the latest methods proven by research to get students excited about learning. While introducing the basic concepts of engineering, activities in the Discover Engineering Kit foster confidence, critical thinking and other important 21st century skills.

In addition to using hands-on building manipulatives, Discover Engineering utilizes cutting-edge technology to engage students with a variety of learning styles. The 3D Interactive Build Curriculum (3DIC) allows users to move through build plans step-by-step at their own speed, and has the ability to highlight individual pieces for clarity. Compatible with any desktop computer or mobile device including tablets, the 3DIC transforms the way engineering can be taught with technology.

Projects in the Discover Engineering Kit are diverse in content covering topics such as gear trains, power ratios and complex machines. It is designed to be fun and engaging for students while they construct models such as trebuchets, cart launchers, transmission models and more!  Each Discover Engineering kit, suitable for 1-4 students, is designed to meet the specific intellectual needs of students in grades 4-8 and be versatile for different educational environments and easy to utilize for educators.

PCS understands that a product is only as valuable as its curriculum. That is why each Discover Engineering kit comes with an exciting, advanced curriculum that is available both in print and digitally in a PDF format.   

Discover Engineering Curriculum Sample

The 3DIC

In addition to print and PDF formats, the newest curriculum is the 3DIC or 3D Interactive Curriculum. This innovative new program supplements the Discover Engineering kit and allows users to view project builds in an interactive 3D format. With various playback speeds, the ability to highlight individual pieces of each build, and step-by-step instruction, students can work at their own pace with clear instruction. Usable on any desktop computer or mobile device including tablets, 3DIC is excellent for a beginning engineering education.

Materials Included

• 642 fishertechnik™ Building Elements
• Compartmentalized Storage Bin with Lid
• Instructor Guide
• Student Guide
• 2 fishertechnik™ Building Skills Cards

Club Pack

The Discover Engineering Club Pack comes with five (5) individual kits, each of which is suitable for 1-4 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 20 students, after-school programs, homeschool groups and more. Get your students engineering today!

Classroom Set

The Discover Engineering Classroom Pack includes eight (8) 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 1-4 students, so the Classroom Pack can be utilized with groups of 16-64 students!

Learning Objectives

Engineering Learning Modules

• Pulleys
• Levers
• Wheel & Axle
• Power Transfer
• Flexible Power Systems
• Gear Trains
• Worm Gears
• Complex Machines
• Speed Ratios
• Power Ratios
• Drive Train
• Power Transfer

Standards & Alignment

Click image below to view PDF

Book 1: Simple Machines Series

This original, awesome curriculum includes 8 full units of Simple Machines. Each unit is comprised of 5 projects that naturally take a student from beginning exploration to mastery as they first do step by step builds, graduate to open ended challenges and conclude with a culminating personal project that demonstrates mastery.

Grades 5-12

Lessons:

Book 2: Power Transfer Series

This comprehensive treatment for fischertechnik users addresses multiple methods of mechanical power transfer. Each unit is comprised of 5 projects that naturally take a student from beginning exploration to mastery as they first do step by step builds, graduate to open ended challenges and conclude with a culminating personal project that demonstrates mastery.

Lessons:

Book 3: Gear Train Series

This volume is another comprehensive treatment for fischertechnik users addressing all important aspects of gear train construction including the math applications. Each unit is comprised of 5 projects that naturally take a student from beginning exploration to mastery as they first do step by step builds, graduate to open ended challenges and conclude with a culminating personal project that demonstrates mastery.

Lessons: