Category Archives: Robotics

PK to Grade 6 Elementary Engineering Curriculum Maps Available!

Posted on October 21, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I have finished the first drafts of Curriculum Maps, based on an Understanding By Design model,  for a PK to Grade 6 robotics curriculum called the Elementary Engineering Curriculum based on BeeBots (PK-K), Lego Education WeDo (Grade 1-4), and Lego … Continue reading →

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Grade 5 Curriculum Map Added to Resources Page

Posted on September 20, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I added the curriculum map for our grade 5 NXT robotics unit to the Resources page. Any auxiliary files can be found in the zip file at the end of the page

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Case Study Begins

Posted on September 16, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I happened to have indoor recess duty and was up with my planned case study kindergarten classes.  I have not had much time to observe them yet and have only had them once so far for computer lab.  But I … Continue reading →

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Idea for Yearly Case Study Project

Posted on September 8, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I thought of the idea of building a bridge as a way to see progress in K-6 engineering (and beyond) over time. A bridge could be static or dynamic (drawbridge). So I am planning to give a choice of wooden … Continue reading →

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Tracking Engineering Skills Over Time

Posted on August 25, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I am trying to think of a good way to track engineering skills over time.  I will be tracking this year’s K class as they progress to sixth grade.  Is there a task I can give them that will work … Continue reading →

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BeeBot Class

Posted on August 13, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I taught my first BeeBot class for teachers and it went great! BeeBots are small premade robots meant for early elementary students.  I used them in PK and K.  I was not sure there was enough for a whole day … Continue reading →

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New Talk; New Methods

Posted on July 26, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I spent about 3 hours yesterday working on a presentation explaining why we should teach engineering to young students.  I am trying to make my presentations more like TED talks with big ideas and lots of visuals.  It is still … Continue reading →

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Research Directions; Which Way To Go?

Posted on July 13, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I plan on continuing to implement and document the PK-6 Elementary Engineering Curriculum I have been developing.  That is clear.  What is less clear is the direction to go with my associated research. Many intriguing possible areas have come up … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics | 5 Comments

What Do The Student Quotes Mean?

Posted on July 5, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I received this analysis of the student robotics quotes from graduate student Lama Jaber.  I found it to be an excellent summary.  Here it is.   First, at an affective level, the robotic experience seems to be triggering very good … Continue reading →

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Effects of a Less Than Optimal Project

Posted on June 30, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

Sixth graders did an engineering challenge this year to create the fastest robot they could that could also go around an obstacle placed anywhere and continue along its path.  For this year’s sixth grade students, it was their first year … Continue reading →

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