Technology & Engineering 

Explore the importance of computer science education in our schools. Check out the CA State Computer Science Standards.

Robotics/Coding Activities

• Code robots to solve challenges.

• Introduce coding to students.

• Explore career opportunities.

• Understand the purpose of robotics in daily life.

• Differentiate between robots and machines.

• Identify main components of robots.

• Introduce building and programming robots.

Resources for the Classroom:

• Hour of Code, Scratch, or similar, checkout OctoStudio by MIT for even more ideas - Free coding resources and lessons!

• Earthquake Towers - Free lesson!

• Rubber Band Racers - Free lesson!

• Robotics Programming Lessons - Explore robots!

Competition General Guidelines:

• Student builds only.

• Construct projects at school.

• No modifications on the challenge day.

• Failure to follow directions may lead to disqualification.

Robotics Programming Challenge:

• Consider teams of two or three students. Code to hit a target, move a certain distance, create a pattern or shape.

• Given a built Lego Mindstorm EV3 robot and EV3 software, or design your own.

• Students with varying programming skills grouped together.

Air Rocket Guidelines:

• Build rockets. Rockets compete for maximum distance.

• Launched at a 45-degree angle, propelled by 60 PSI.

• Rockets must sleeve over a 12-inch by ¾-inch PVC pipe.

• Materials: Paper and tape.

• No additional materials allowed.

Richter's Revenge - Earthquake Tower:

• Tower must be at least eight inches tall.

• Constructed with popsicle sticks, straws, and glue.

• Top platform minimum four inches by four inches.

• Winner supports the greatest load for fifteen seconds.

Rubberband Racers:

• Judged on distance traveled.

• Linear distance measured from start to resting point.

• Racers must start on their own, no assistance.

• Materials: 4 rubber bands only, no "mouse trap or rat traps" allowed.
  Alternative Materials: Paperclips, plastic bottle, yogurt or takeout lids, CD’s or DVD’s, recycles materials, paper/styrofoam plates, unsharpened pencils

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