Mrs.

Halper Automation & Robotics Syllabus

Gurrie Middle School • Project Lead the Way

STEM Class Syllabus

Design & Modeling-Automation & Robotics-Forensics-Coding & Computer Science

Instructor: Mrs. Halper Room: 113 Email: dhalper@d105.net

Course Description:
STEM is a course for students to explore science, technology, engineering and math all in one
curriculum. This course offers an innovative approach to learning in which students use problem
solving skills to tackle hands-on learning activities. Skills in this course will improve critical
thinking skills and will propel students toward a successful career in the STEM fields.

Goals/Objectives:
❖ Students will describe the use of automation and robotics and its effects.
❖ Students will apply knowledge of mechanisms to solve problems for speed, torque and motion.
❖ Students will design, build, wire and program robotic systems.
❖ Students will work collaboratively with their peers to make informed decisions.
Course Outline:

● Intro to Automation & Robotics

● Mechanical Systems
● Automated Systems
Materials:
Students will need a pen/pencil every day as well as a notebook or loose-leaf paper and folder
specifically for their exploratory class only.

Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined on an added point system. Grades may reflect classwork, exit slips,
quizzes, surveys, homework, and projects. Students are encouraged to take responsibility of
their own grades through the duration of the course at to keep track of these using
PowerSchool.

Grade Scale:
A: 90-100
B: 80- 89
C: 70- 79
D: 60- 69
F: 0- 59
 Mrs. Halper Automation & Robotics Family Letter
Gurrie Middle School • Project Lead the Way

Classroom Policies:
Late work:
Late work will be accepted pending a late work explanation form, available in the classroom.
Students will need to fill out and sign the form, as well as have this signed by a parent/guardian.
If late work continues to be turned in, a meeting will be held with the student and
parent/guardian to explore how to change this habit.

Group activities:
Students will be working in groups on a regular basis. Students are expected to be an active
member of each group, participating regularly. Each group activity will have an individual portion
as well as a group portion and group members will be evaluated by their peers.

STEM Shillings:
Opportunities for students to earn “STEM Schillings” will be offered from time to time.
Students can be awarded this currency in addition to tiger stripes for exemplary behavior,
participation, work etc. Each Schilling will be worth 1 extra credit point.

Absences:
Daily work will also be posted on the class website for student to keep up with work. If a
student is absent it is his/her responsibility to get all missed work from the absent bin/class
website. Students are asked to return work in a timely manner-an additional day for each day
missed i.e. if a student misses two days of school and returns on Wednesday, work should be
turned in no more than four school days later or on Tuesday of the next week.

Classroom Expectations:
✓ Be Respectful: Students are expected to treat the teacher and other students with
respect at all times. Offensive language and hatefulness is not acceptable in this class.
Use the guideline “Do the Right Thing.”

✓ Be ready: Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the
bell rings. Being prepared for class means having all materials: pens, notebook, folder etc.
out and ready.

✓ Be safe: Students are expected to pay attention to the teacher and their peers. Listen
the first time directions are given. We will be working with various materials in the class
and it is important to know directions the first time.
 Mrs. Halper Automation & Robotics Family Letter
Gurrie Middle School • Project Lead the Way

✓ The phrase “I don’t know” is not allowed in this classroom. STEM is a new and exciting
area for all of us so we might not know YET but we will work together so that we do.

✓ What do you expect from your class…? PBIS Posters

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Welcome to the Automation & Robotics STEM class! I am very excited to be working with your child for the next 7
weeks. This quint, the students will be working in and out of the RobotC Program to build with VEX robotics as well as
supplemental materials created to support the Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards and
National Technology Literacy Standards. To begin this unit, students will be assessed on Mechanical Systems and
Automated Systems. This includes these standards:
Common Core State Standards:
● Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or
speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. (AS.R.1)
● Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze
how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. (AS.R.4)
● Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and
expressing their own clearly and persuasively. (AS.SL.1)
Next Generation Science Standards:
● Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant
scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (MS.ETS1.1)
● Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the
problem. (MS.ETS1.2)
● Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design
can be achieved.(MS.ETS1.4)
National Standards for Technological Literacy
● New products and systems can be developed to solve problems or to help do things that could not be done without the help of technology.
(1.6-8.F)
● The development of technology is a human activity and is the result of individual and collective needs and the ability to be creative. (1.6-
8.G)
● Technology is closely linked to creativity, which has resulted in innovation. (1.6-8.H)

In everyday terms this means that students will be able to interpret uses for robotic and automated
systems. Students will use technology to communicate different types of robotics appropriate for different situations.
Students will use the creative process to create a working robot by designing, building, coding & testing their design and
iterating until success. Students will practice collaboration skills by sharing their ideas with others and collecting feedback
on ideas to improve their projects.

Each unit students will be working on specific learning targets, known as “I Can statements”, as outlined in their
student self reflection & analysis Google Document. This document is in your students Google Drive folder for this class
and they have been encouraged to share with you as this includes information about their pre assessment scores. They will
use this as a self-reflection tool throughout the unit to assess their strengths and areas of need with each learning target.
This will include a reflection after they complete their final project to help students determine any further review
needed. The learning targets can be found on the back for your review.

Throughout this unit students will be working in class in cooperative groups in addition to individual work. Some
 Mrs. Halper Automation & Robotics Family Letter
Gurrie Middle School • Project Lead the Way

assignments include watching videos to introduce new topics that will be explained in detail in class, completing problems
from class activities, and understanding key vocabulary terms within the unit. Assessments will include quizzes, formative
assessments from graded homework, in-class exercises, and an end of the unit summative project.

Here is a list of ways that you can help your child be successful in this unit: see the teacher for assistance as
needed, encourage them to use their notes, and go into teacher’s website for web links and resources (including notes
taken in class). If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail. I am
looking forward to a successful Automation & Robotics class!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Dana Halper
email: dhalper@d105.net
Learning Targets (“I Can” statements)
● Use ratios to solve mechanical advantage problems.
● Use numerical and algebraic expressions and equations to solve real-life problems, such as gear ratios.
● Use the characteristics of a specific mechanism to evaluate its purpose and applications.
● Apply knowledge of mechanisms to solve a unique problem for speed, torque, force, or type of motion
● Know the seven technological resources and how they are integrated into an open and closed loop system.
● Describe the purpose of pseudocode and comments within a computer program.
● Know how to use ratio reasoning to solve mechanical advantage problems.
● Design, build, wire, and program both open and closed loop systems.
● Use motors and sensors appropriately to solve robotic problems.
● Troubleshoot a malfunctioning system using a methodical approach.
● Explain the roles and responsibilities of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers who solve robotic problems.

Understandings
● Energy is the capacity to do work; the use of mechanisms is necessary to transfer energy.
● Engineers and technologists design mechanisms to change energy by transferring direction, speed, type of movement, and
force or torque.
● Mechanisms can be used individually, in pairs, or in systems.
● Automated systems require minimal human intervention.
● Troubleshooting is a problem-solving method used to identify the cause of a malfunction in a technological system.
● Comments do not change the way a robot behaves, but they do allow the programmer to remember the function that the code
performs.
● Invention is a process of turning ideas and imagination into devices and systems.
● Some technological problems are best solved through experimentation.
 Mrs. Halper Automation & Robotics Family Letter
Gurrie Middle School • Project Lead the Way

I have read and understand the STEM class syllabus. Please sign and return this page only to Mrs.
Halper by FRIDAY. Thank you!

_____________________________ __________________
Student name (printed) Class Period

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Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Signature Date