Plugged into technology
Motivation
The aim of the project is to give primary P6/P7 pupils a chance to work with the latest in small robot technology without it being hidden in a faceless grey box. You are probably aware that much of modern technology is invisible and seems nothing short of magic. In fact, it is developed by many thousands of engineers throughout the world. We are keen to make sure that pupils see past the ‘magic’ and understand that there are many incredibly interesting careers for budding electronic engineers.
As an example, this video shows the electronic insides of an Apple Ipod.
As an example, this video shows the electronic insides of an Apple Ipod.
Overview
Experience has shown us that primary school children have a tremendous enthusiasm for the ideas of science and technology which seems to dissipate in the later years of education as shown by the drop in pupils taking higher maths and physics. Building on this early enthusiasm is one way to help to stabilize and hopefully build the numbers in the future. UK Plc needs a healthy science and engineering base.
The aim of the project is to provide teachers with quality, tested project material that is “teacher friendly”. We understand that for primary school teachers to take on this level of technology they require help and support.
Project resources
Participating schools receive the following
• ONE robot kit per 3 pupils
• ONE class kit
• Full set of written resources to run the project - supplied on this web site.
• ONE class kit
• Full set of written resources to run the project -
Copyright © 2009 Jim Herd
Engineering a brighter, younger future
Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh
Heriot-
The robokid project is one attempt to meet this demand. With a generous grant from EPSRC, a three year programme has been setup to produce a technology project based on the theme of Robotics. Heriot Watt University is providing the technical input while current teachers and volunteers are helping to write the classroom support material.
Teams of three pupils will be given an electronic robot kit that will form the basis of a range of experiments that will last between 2 and 6 weeks. We have produced 800 kits for the schools. We are currently in year 3 and have signed up over 70 schools with close to 3000 pupils involved.
