ROBOTICS PROGRAMS - DSI-4 (12-15 YRS)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

DSI-4 curriculum is for students who are between 12-15 years old. The curriculum is 96 weeks long divided in 3 modules. It starts with coding pre-assembled robots to learn fundamentals of C language in Robotics, then moves on to Mechanics, CAD Design and 3D Printing where it teaches concepts of Design, Dimensioning and Tolerancing. 

It then advances to Arduino Microcontrollers to teach advanced C coding for Robotics as well as Electronics. Finally, students are given a project that requires CAD Design, Electronics and Software to graduate. The program runs once per week. Homework is an essential part of the program requiring 1-1.5 hours per week on average. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Classes are 6 students maximum, each student will be working on the projects individually. Presentations and Competitions are an integral part of the curriculum..

  • No prior experience needed
  • Fun and engaging courses using numbers, geometry and logic in Robotics
  • Modules in programming, 3D Print and Circuits
  • Option to continue to Exceeders program to learn coding and Micro-Controllers in Robotics
  • 6 kids maximum per class
  • Students work individually on projects
  • Program includes competitions with prizes

PROGRAM OUTLINE

There is a total of 3 modules in the DSI-4 curriculum, each module is 12 weeks. Curriculum is 96 weeks.

Module 1: Advanced Coding

The first module introduces students to coding and syntax. In this module, students are again given fully built robots and are required to use coding to accomplish projects such as smart factory and radio-controlled robots. Concepts of variables and functions are covered within this module.

Module 2: CAD Design and Mechanics

The second module introduces students to CAD design and 3D Printing. Int his module, students are shown how to use computers and CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) software to create parts and robots. They will also learn dimensioning and tolerancing which are absolute necessity to fit parts. At the end of this module students are able to design parts, assemble them to create their own robots.

Module 3: Microcontrollers

This module is the most advanced coding and electronics module in the curriculum. It teaches students how to use Microcontrollers which act as programmable brain for any given robot. Numerous sensors and motors can be controlled using Microcontrollers to create autonomous robots. Concepts such as Input/Output, Digital/Analog, Voltages, Circuits, Resistors are introduced in this module. By the end of this modules students are ready to design, create and code many robots.

Module 4: Capstone Project

In this final module, students are given their graduation project which includes design, assembly, 3D printing, electronics and coding. This project sums up the 3 aspects of Robotics (Mechanics, Electronics, Software). Students work independently on their capstone robot. Once completed, they are shared on our Social Media for voting. Student with highest vote and highest complexity wins the final competition.

All graduate students get their curriculum certificate along with the transcript of all completed modules.

BENEFITS FOR KIDS

What is next?

Once graduated, students who would like to continue can sign up for the Exceeders Workshop where they are given real-world problems to solve. They select their challenge from list of given projects or they can bring their own project for approval. Students are responsible for research on their project, creating BOM (Bill of Material). We help them get the parts, but they need to create progress reports and track financials of their projects. It is very similar to a Master’s Thesis. Students who complete the workshop are eligible to start the Artificial Intelligence curriculum where they use Python language and Raspberry Pi in combination with Arduino Microcontrollers to create AI projects such as self driving cars, face/speech detection…etc.

A reason to learn Math and Sciences

Robotics uses Numbers, Geometry, Physics and Logic. Many times students are told to learn concepts without really understanding why they are learning them. As an example, fractions do not really have much use for an 8-year-old, or kids that age do not generally need to use multiplication on a day-to-day basis. Robotics, on the other hand, uses numbers and fractions. As an example, if the wheel of a robot turns 5 turns, and 5 turns is not far enough, students typically change to 6 turns. But what if 6 turns is too much? We now hove to use perhaps 5.2 rotations. Since kids want to complete their projects, they opt in to learn the concepts and use them which gives them a visual meaning of numbers.

Enable them to use their power of imagination

Kids in the ages of 7-9 love to imagine. They can build you a spaceship and have all the answers on how it will fly to the moon. We use their imagination and add logic to it. As an example, we ask them to build a simple crane. We then ask them how the crane is supposed to stop when the load is up? Use a sensor that detects the load at the top. The encouragement to see their projects functional is their drive to want to learn the concepts to do it.

Discover their hidden STEM interest and nourish it

Some kids show early signs of interest in Science by asking many related questions, some don’t. Our experience shows the earlier kids are placed in a program that tickles their curiosity, the more interested they become in it. Our job as educators is to give the kids challenges that interest them, then help them plan a solution, let them comfortably try methods they think would work, encourage them when they fail to try a different solution and cheer them on the successful completion of the challenge. Most often when kids believe they are good at something, they will pursue it and it becomes part of their life. The earlier they start before other hobbies (such as gaming) becomes their main interest, the easier it is to create the long-term interest.

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE EDUCATIONAL & FUN

ROBOTICS

With a growing economy that has a higher demand for STEM fields, it’s important that the next generation learns how they can make a difference in their world. That’s why Engineering For Kids offers a variety of classes and workshops that kids of all ages can enjoy. Robotics camps and classes give students the opportunity to dive deep into the world of robotics and explore how computer programming and robot design can solve problems big and small!

BENEFITS OF ROBOTICS

Not only do our robotics programs help to establish science, technology, engineering, and math concepts, they also work to build on students’ team-building skills as they work to complete fun challenges. These collaborative skills are essential for student success, no matter what subject they choose to pursue in the future.

Many other advantages include:
  • Improved creative thinking skills
  • Improved social skills
  • Improved problem-solving skills
  • Improved computer programming skills

JUNIOR ROBOTICS ENGINEERING

Whether you have a son who’s in preschool or a daughter that’s going on six years old, Engineering For Kids offer robotics classes that children as young as pre-kindergartners can enjoy. Our junior robotics engineering classes use educational kits like LEGO® WeDo™ Robots to create a perfect mixture of fun and imagination that can help expand your young child’s creative mind. We introduce students to robot design and computer programming using basic machine principles to create robots capable of performing simple tasks.

APPRENTICE & MASTERS ROBOTICS ENGINEERING

We are proud to offer a wide range of unique, educational, and stimulating robotics programs for young engineers ranging from 3rd grade to 8th grade. Putting the Engineering Design Process to work, students work in teams to plan, build, test, and modify their own robotic creations! We use LEGO® EV3 or NXT, VEX IQ, and other educational kits that mirror programming language used by engineers and scientists to help creative minds put mathematical concepts to the test as they develop a better knowledge of robotics, computer programming, and teamwork.

Our

Robotics Classes

7 Years Old

DSI-1 curriculum is designed to introduce robotics to children ages 7 and 8 years old using Lego motors, sensors and bricks, programmed using a user-friendly graphical software installed on IPADs.

8 - 9 Years Old

DSI-2 curriculum is for students who are between 8-9 years old. The curriculum introduces students to programming robots with multiple motors and sensors using a simple pictorial Drag&Drop software.

9 - 11 Years Old

DSI-3 curriculum is for students who are between 9-11 years old. The curriculum begins with Drag&Drop text-based programming using logical statements such as IF, WHILE and LOOPS to practice fundamentals of programming logic.

12 - 15 Years Old

DSI-4 curriculum is for students who are between 12-15 years old. The curriculum is 96 weeks long divided in 3 modules. It starts with coding pre-assembled robots to learn fundamentals of C language in Robotics, then moves on to Mechanics, CAD Design and 3D Printing where it teaches concepts of Design, Dimensioning and Tolerancing.

Get the latest news in your inbox.​

Subscribe our newsletter to get latest news. No spams​