The object of this lesson is to show the teacher how robotics can be used to enrich and expand an already exciting lesson in any discipline. Listed on the next page are Milestones, points at which the project can be viewed to determine its progress. Also listed in the chart are suggestions for evaluation and points to be awarded. All of the suggestions are simply that, suggestions. No one knows better than you, the teacher, at which points you want to grade the students, how you will grade them or how much. Sometimes, however, a fresh point of view can be stimulating and provide a different outlook. We hope our suggestions may do just that.

The robots are designed to be a part of a lesson and not an end in themselves. In science they may help demonstrate a theory. In math they can be used to test an algebraic formula or with ratios and proportions. In History they can be used to recreate an invention or a famous castle or building. In English they can be a book coming alive. They even play music and can be programmed as far as tones or time signatures. Their use is limited only by the imagination of the teacher or student.

Robotics reintroduces fun to learning. The robots serve as a focal point for a lesson and a way to bring a group of children together and enhance their social skills. What better way to learn then have fun and talk while doing work.

Below we see a flowchart depicting the milestones. The number in parenthesis represents the amount of time it has taken in the past to accomplish this milestone However the individual teacher will determine how much time should be spent on each milestone. The flowchart itself can be used by the groups as a help in organizing

their time. In addition the teacher might want to assign a student in each group to keep

a daily log of what the group does together as well as individually. This will identify the students not working and get peer pressure to do your work for you.

Each teacher will have to decide for themselves whether or not to allow the students to form their own groups. Give them the rules beforehand and let them know they cannot change groups unless they get someone to trade with them. A group of 4 is a good size. Two can build and program the robot, and two can do research and write the report. The ideal thing about two people working together is that if one of them is absent the other can continue to work so the project will always be moving forward. Also, if one of the students is stuck as to which direction to turn in the report or building, the other can give advice. The project can be as simple or as involved as the students and teacher make it., However the more difficult projects will obviously get more credit. It is a great opportunity for those not doing as well in the class to get extra credit.

Be very liberal with the extra credit and you will see the students doing all kinds of things to spice up their projects. The bottom line is that the students will be putting a lot of effort and work into their projects and if it means giving a little more extra credit, then everyone wins: the kids get a higher grade and you get more work out of them.