Tech Thinker
Main Topic
Empowerment and Inclusion – Special Needs
Additional Topic(s)
Solidarity - Participation
Duration
1 day
Implementation Mode
Indoor F2F
Goal(s)
1-Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as participants build and program their robots.
2- Provide participants with a foundational understanding of robotics components and programming.
3- Create an inclusive environment that empowers also individuals with special needs through hands-on STEM activities.
4-Promote teamwork and peer collaboration, helping participants support and learn from each other.
5-Spark a lasting interest in STEM fields and provide resources for further exploration in robotics and technology.
2- Provide participants with a foundational understanding of robotics components and programming.
3- Create an inclusive environment that empowers also individuals with special needs through hands-on STEM activities.
4-Promote teamwork and peer collaboration, helping participants support and learn from each other.
5-Spark a lasting interest in STEM fields and provide resources for further exploration in robotics and technology.
Overview of Activity
Tech Tinker is a one-day workshop designed to introduce participants to the basics of robotics while fostering inclusivity and empowerment. The workshop includes hands-on building and programming sessions, enabling participants to create and control their own robots. This activity is suitable for beginners and aims to inspire a lasting interest in STEM fields.
Description of Activity
Preparation Before the Workshop
Materials Needed:
-Basic robotics kits (Arduino Starter Kits, LEGO Mindstorms, etc.)
-Laptops with pre-installed programming software (Arduino IDE, Scratch, etc.)
-Tools for assembly (screwdrivers, pliers)
-Power supplies (batteries or power banks)
Venue Setup:
-Arrange tables and chairs in a way that facilitates collaboration.
-Ensure good lighting and enough power outlets.
-Set up a projector and screen for presentations and demonstrations.
-Facilitator Training:
-Ensure facilitators are familiar with the robotics kits and programming software.
Train facilitators on inclusivity and supporting individuals with special needs.
Workshop Implementation
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome and Introduction
- Introduce the workshop and its goals.
-Briefly explain what robotics is and its real-world applications.
-Icebreaker Activity: Conduct a quick activity to energize participants and foster a sense of community.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Basics of Robotics
-Introduction to Robotics Components:Sensors, actuators (motors and servos), controllers (Arduino or Raspberry Pi), power sources.
-Discuss safety measures to ensure a safe working environment.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Introduction to the Robotics Kit
-Unboxing the Kit;Show the components in the robotics kit.
-Demonstrate how to assemble the basic frame of the robot.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Building the Robot
-Guide participants step-by-step to assemble their robots:Attach wheels and motors.
-Connect sensors.
-Ensure all parts are securely fixed.
-Assist participants with any issues during assembly.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to programming concepts using a simple language (Arduino IDE or Scratch for Robotics).
- Guide participants through writing a basic program to control their robot:
- Making the robot move forward.
- Turning left and right.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Advanced Programming and Testing
- Integrate a sensor (like an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection).
- Write a program to make the robot react to sensor input (e.g., stop when an obstacle is detected).
- Test the robots and troubleshoot any issues with the programming or hardware.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Show and Tell
- Allow participants to demonstrate their robots and explain their programming.
- Encourage participants to share their experiences and what they learned.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Future Opportunities
- Hand out certificates to participants.
- Future Learning Resources: Provide resources for further learning in robotics and STEM.
-Thank participants and encourage them to continue exploring robotics.
Materials Needed:
-Basic robotics kits (Arduino Starter Kits, LEGO Mindstorms, etc.)
-Laptops with pre-installed programming software (Arduino IDE, Scratch, etc.)
-Tools for assembly (screwdrivers, pliers)
-Power supplies (batteries or power banks)
Venue Setup:
-Arrange tables and chairs in a way that facilitates collaboration.
-Ensure good lighting and enough power outlets.
-Set up a projector and screen for presentations and demonstrations.
-Facilitator Training:
-Ensure facilitators are familiar with the robotics kits and programming software.
Train facilitators on inclusivity and supporting individuals with special needs.
Workshop Implementation
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome and Introduction
- Introduce the workshop and its goals.
-Briefly explain what robotics is and its real-world applications.
-Icebreaker Activity: Conduct a quick activity to energize participants and foster a sense of community.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Basics of Robotics
-Introduction to Robotics Components:Sensors, actuators (motors and servos), controllers (Arduino or Raspberry Pi), power sources.
-Discuss safety measures to ensure a safe working environment.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Introduction to the Robotics Kit
-Unboxing the Kit;Show the components in the robotics kit.
-Demonstrate how to assemble the basic frame of the robot.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Building the Robot
-Guide participants step-by-step to assemble their robots:Attach wheels and motors.
-Connect sensors.
-Ensure all parts are securely fixed.
-Assist participants with any issues during assembly.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to programming concepts using a simple language (Arduino IDE or Scratch for Robotics).
- Guide participants through writing a basic program to control their robot:
- Making the robot move forward.
- Turning left and right.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Advanced Programming and Testing
- Integrate a sensor (like an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection).
- Write a program to make the robot react to sensor input (e.g., stop when an obstacle is detected).
- Test the robots and troubleshoot any issues with the programming or hardware.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Show and Tell
- Allow participants to demonstrate their robots and explain their programming.
- Encourage participants to share their experiences and what they learned.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Future Opportunities
- Hand out certificates to participants.
- Future Learning Resources: Provide resources for further learning in robotics and STEM.
-Thank participants and encourage them to continue exploring robotics.
Sources & Additional Materials
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Additional Notes
Encouragement and support are crucial, so facilitators should be available to assist with both hardware and software issues, fostering an environment of peer collaboration where participants are encouraged to work together and help each other. Maintaining inclusivity by providing necessary accommodations and support for the individuals with special needs ensures that this structured, engaging, and inclusive approach allows all participants to gain valuable skills and have a positive experience with robotics.
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