Subject: How can the field of Robotics be utilized to create interest and promote participation in science and technology curriculum
Many students have difficulty maintaining and interest in or seeing the benefits of science in education. One the greatest challenges any science teacher faces is developing curriculum that peaks the interest of the students while covering all areas associated with any given standard of learning and demonstrating some “real world” application. This a tall order for any teacher, but I think there are some very viable opportunities that involve interactive activities for the students which introduce them to science oriented companies and individuals in their own geographic locations.
A curriculum focused on robotics lends itself to the development of a curriculum than spans several disciplines – physics, mathematics, engineering, biology and chemistry. Establishing a set curriculum should incorporate an evaluation of the current college level robotics programs. This would help ensure that the basic information the students gain from the secondary curriculum will add to the college experience. Schools and teacher should also focus when ever possible on establishing a relationship with local or even national companies that employ individuals in the field of robotics. This relationship can add an aspect of everyday application to the students experience and give the instructor an opportunity to look outside the normal instructional box.
Associations and competitions are also of great benefit in cementing the concepts taught in a robotics curriculum. One of the best that I have seen and personally participated in is the FIRST robotics competitions. The name says it all For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – http://www.usfirst.org/default.aspx. This is one of the most established and successful groups for high school aged students.
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