The Robotics Program at Eliot Middle School allows eighth grade students to explore the fundamentals of robotics and programming as part of their Algebra I curriculum. Students connect the mathematical concepts they have learned to the real world by using the RobotC language to program their Lego NXT robots. Eliot's junior roboticists learn how to use infrared, touch, and sonar sensors to enable their robots to perform simple tasks, such as navigating a maze of black tape drawn on the floor. The class also participates in community events, such as the recent Stargazing Night at Longfellow Elementary and the Pasadena Science Fair at JPL. The Robotics Program at Eliot Middle School was started by math teacher Stephen Crosby and Caltech alumnus Jason Yosinski and is funded by a generous grant from the Pasadena Education Foundation.
For teachers and parents
Start your own robotics program with this handy program checklist and robotics curriculum.
Information for students on the Eliot Robotics Team, which will compete in the upcoming Pasadena Robotics Competition.
The Robotics Program at Eliot Middle School is an implementation of Design Based learning (DBL), which focuses on a curriculum of real-world projects presented in stages throughout the school year to connect the academic subjects. It requires students to draw from many disciplines to solve problems. Read more about Design Based Learning in a paper by Stephen Crosby.
Students interested in technology are encouraged to check out Upward Bound, a pre-college program at PCC funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to encourage scholars, from low-income families and/or whose parents did not graduate from a four-year college, to develop the skills and motivation necessary for success in college and beyond.
Press
Geek Squad reigns supreme at Pasadena Unified robot competition, Pasadena Star News, 5/21/2010.
PUSD Hosts First Annual Middle School Robotics Competition, PUSD Website, 5/19/2010.
PUSD Middle School Science Fair Held at JPL, 3/31/2010. (see also ScienceFairDemo)
Competition up for educational funding, NPR, 1/19/2010.
Schools race for piece of federal grant, NPR, 1/18/2010.
Fun with robots is teaching Eliot Middle School students math, computing skills, Pasadena Star News, 11/26/2009. (More pictures).