Rhode Island School of the Future
Rhode Island Robotics Design Project
Announces the . . .

21st Annual Summer Workshops in Educational Robotics

Systemic Robotics
“Intersecting Art, Science, Technology, Engineering  and Mathematics so that
No Problem Solver is Left Behind”

Who: Interested Educators, Classroom Volunteers and Team Coaches

When: August 11 - 15, 2008

Where: General Dynamics (GDIT), Middletown, RI

How: Complete and submit the online application and forward any required deposits by the registration deadline of July 4, 2008.

What: The Rhode Island School of the Future's (RISF) 21st annual summer workshops will provide training and support to those who want to learn about robotics and its implementation in the classroom. These workshops will be offered on the beginner and intermediate levels. The beginner's program is offered for those with little or no previous robotics classroom experience and the intermediate program is designed for those with some background or classroom experience with robotics.

Overview of the Beginner's Program: The materials in this hands-on workshop will be based on the Mindstorms NXT Robotics Invention System (by Lego). We will utilize NXT software with the NXT Programmable Brick. Using these and other materials, participants will work in teams to design, build, and debug a robotic challenge or project of their own. The easy-to-learn NXT robotic programming language is used to "bring projects to life." Workshop activities include structures, gearing, motors, axles, pulleys, and wheels as well as a variety of sensing devices. Sensors allow programmed creations to interact with their environment and respond to certain conditions. Attention will be given to the way robotics can be implemented and integrated into the K-12 curriculum. The workshop will be conducted each day from 8:30 to 3:30 with a break for lunch locally.

Overview of the Intermediate Program: Participants in the Intermediate Workshop will continue to use NXT kits with either NXT or Robolab software that was introduced in the Beginner Workshop. Intermediates will advance in terms of their programming and use of multiple sensors. These skills will be introduced and practiced through a variety of team challenges. The challenges will vary from cooperative learning to friendly competition and will introduce inventive ways to incorporate more advanced robotics into the classroom and curriculum. The intermediate program is especially well suited to participants who are coaching or planning to start a FIRST LEGO League team.

For more information or assistance please contact:

Workshop Costs and Funding

The Cost of the 5-day summer 2008 Robotics workshop is $375 plus a $250 materials fee. Each partcipant will receive a Mindstorms NXT base kit.

RISF will offer $100 grants towards the materials fee for a limited number of beginners.
The following are the guidelines for receiving these grants:
1. These grants will available for those teachers or volunteers working in RI schools only.
2. Applications for workshop participation and for these grants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.
3. Only two teachers/volunteers per school will be eligible to receive summer workshop grants.
If you are a beginner you will need to apply as either an in-state or out-of-state participant when you register.

Click here for OnLine Registration.

Note: If the workshop is cancelled for any reason your deposit will be refunded.

Make checks payable to RISF and mail to: Denis Coffey, 86 Ethel Drive, Portsmouth RI, 02871. No PO's can be accepted.