Abstract:

In this paper we are presenting the fundamental design concepts of an eight-week long robotics course for high school students with no prerequisites in robotics or CS, running for second year in Chios island by SEP Chiou (Chios Public School IT teachers Association , http://www.sepchiou.gr/). The project based learning method is selected, using Lego© Mindstorms and corresponding software as well as ROBOTC simulator. It is a modular program that starts with robot building activities and continues with programming activities on movement and sensor use, based on STEM challenges that simulate real life situations, leading to the final project namely a self guided vehicle that walks down a path completing various tasks. Based on participants’ progress and task completion rate, we claim that they managed to acquire relevant technical and programming skills, they learned to work as a team, used their critical thinking and creativity, within a highly motivated, active learning and enjoyable environment.

Keywords:

STEM Education, robotics, computer science, competitions, course design.