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

24th Annual Summer Workshops in Educational Robotics

*** The Summer Workshop has been cancelled***

*** Coming Soon: Educational Robotics Mini-Workshops will be offered in the Fall-2011 ***

Robotics the 4th R,
“Intersecting Art, Science, Technology, Engineering  and Mathematics"

Who: Interested Educators, Classroom Volunteers and Team Coaches

When: August 1 - 5, 2011

Where: General Dynamics (GDIT), Middletown, RI

How: Complete and submit the online application and forward any required deposits by the registration deadline of June 30, 2011.

What: The Rhode Island School of the Future's (RISF) 24th annual summer workshop 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. 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) supplemented by other technologies that allow a more complete exposure to structures and mechanisms fundamental to building robotic devices. NXT software with the NXT Programmable Brick will be the programming language used. Using these and other materials, participants will work in teams to design, build, and debug robotics challenges or projects 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. Data logging with the NXT system will be introduced. Attention will be given to the way robotics can be implemented and integrated into the K-12 curriculum with connections to STEM activites. 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 also use NXT kits with NXT software. 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 and demonstrations. 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.

Two (2) Professional Development Credits (30 hours) will be awarded from the Rhode Island Department of Education.

For more information or assistance please contact:

Workshop Costs and Funding

The Cost of the 5-day summer 2011 Robotics workshop is $340 plus a $310 materials fee*. The materials fee includes a full NXT Invention Base Kit and reference text for each participant.

(* Participants may bring their own NXT Invention Kits and forego the materials fee for the workshop.)

Applications will be considered on a first-come first-served basis as long as space is available. OnLine Registration is now open. Your registration will be finalized by email after your non-refundable deposit of $100 is received.

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.