Department of Technology

Course: Robotics I
Teacher: Ms. Stowell
Phone: 407.320.6150 ext. 56197
Email: stoweldb@myscps.us
Course Location: Building 2, Room 2-110
Textbook: There is no formal textbook for this course.
Course Description: This course begins the development of the knowledge base, communication skills,
interpersonal skills, and technological skills necessary in the robotics engineering profession. The student will
gain a basic understanding of the engineering design process, mechanical engineering, software design and
troubleshooting. Hands on projects, group activities, and the use of technology are an integral part of this
course. Students will design, construct, and program an autonomous robot as they increase their mechanical
design, software development, and problem solving knowledge and skills. This course is open to students in
grades 6, 7, and 8. There is no prerequisite course for Robotics I.
Course Outline:
I. Introduction to Robotics I
A. Classroom Rules and Procedures
B. Safety Contract and Syllabus
II. Hardware Design
A. The student will understand the definition and characteristics of a robot.
B. The student will understand what a microprocessor is.
C. The student will understand what a feedback system is.
1. The student will understand what input is.
2. The student will understand how sensors function.
1. The student will understand what output is.
III. Mechanical design
A. The student will be able to use motors and gears to control the speed and direction of a robot.
B. The student will be able to use motors and gears for basic navigation of a robot.
IV. Software Design
A. The student will understand the definitions of basic flowchart symbols.
B. The student will be able to use basic flowchart symbols to describe a process.
C. The student will be able to design a software program using flowchart symbols.
V. Programming
A. The student will understand and be able to use basic software functions.
1. The student will be able to use the wait function.
2. The student will be able to use the multitasking function.
3. The student will be able to use the looping function.
4. The student will be able to use the loop interrupt function.
3. The student will be able to use the switch function.
4. The student will be able to use the subroutine function.
B. The student will understand and be able to use data functions.
1. The student will understand the definition of and be able to use variables.
2. The student will understand the definition of and be able to use constants.
3. The student will understand and be able to use logic operations.
4. The student will understand and be able to use math operations.
5. The student will understand and be able to use compare operations.
VI. Design Project
A. The student will be able to describe her/his engineering objectives, skills, and talents in a neat and
orderly written fashion.

B. The student will be able to verbally describe her/his attributes and qualifications for a position in a
robotics engineering company.
C. The student, as part of a design team, will design, build, program, and test a robot given a set of
design requirements.
Assignments will include written class assignments, class activities, and projects. There is no homework for this
course.
Grading Scale:

90 100
80 89
70 79
60 69
0 59

A
B
C
D
F

Grading Rubric:

60% Daily Class Assignments

20% Class Starter Activity
20% Class Participation

There will be a standards based assessment at the end of the course that will be counted as 20% of the students grade.
Participation points will be deducted for unexcused absences.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be on time, be in your seat, and be prepared to work before the tardy bell rings.
2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
3. Be respectful to each other and each adult.
4. Be respectful of each others property and each adults property.
5. No food or drink is permitted in the classroom.
6. No horseplay will be tolerated.
Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Parent contact
3. Parent phone call
It is expected that each student will behave responsibly and courteously at all times and give honest effort to all course
work. I look forward to working with your student this semester. Please feel free to contact me. Please feel free to
visit our classroom.
Sincerely,
Ms. Stowell
Please complete and return the form below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have reviewed the Robotics I course syllabus.
Student Name ________________________________________________

Period _______________

Parent Signature ______________________________________________

Date ________________