Apollo's Vision Computer Clubs -Robotics

   About the Program     Challenges & Strategies      More Information   

About the Program

The Apollo's Vision Club, Inc. robotics program is an after-school program currently partnered with the Napa Street Elementary School in Northridge, California. The current participants of this program, who are in the 4th and 5th grades, meet for three hours on Saturdays during a twelve-week-session. The young participants co-operate with adult mentors in creating robots according to their own interest. The participants start by using pre-existing instructions for building their robot, followed by a programming and investigation session that defines the blueprints for the robot's performance. As their expertise increases, youth get involved with designing the robot using a Lego Computer Aided Design (CAD) application--creating detailed building instructions from the CAD design, and completing the programming and investigative tasks that are necessary for its performance.

The Goals of This Program:

• To encourage young people to become designers and creators of computer-based products, such as robots, and help them experience the process from beginning to end
• To use alternative learning environments to encourage students to build robots that uncover their interest; improve confidence in math, science, and technology; and build leadership
• To encourage young people to use novice expert tools that can bridge the gap between "real work" applications and school work

Program Activities:

Participants of this program build their robots using the Lego©Mindstorms sets, which includes the programmable brick (RCX), that was developed by MIT. The participants use gears, motors, and Lego parts to build a robot. Training starts by introducing basic concepts of building and commences with the introduction of RoboLab©, a graphic-based programming environment, that enables youth to manipulate motors, lights and sensors in an attempt to help the robot perform a task. Next, the program is transferred from the computer to the brick, via a special tower that uses infrared communication to accomplish this task. The entire building process is monitored by a database that helps youth record their project in the database, access building instructions, store their programming solutions, and write investigation notes as they encounter new problems and make new discoveries.

Funding Sources:

• High Priority Schools Grant & Title 1 schools funding from the participating school
• Other support expected from corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual sponsors