Co-Robots
Deadline for application for 2013-2014 Robotics Fellows: April 5, 2013
Notification Date for Application: April 19, 2013
Information Session Date: February 7, 2013, 5pm – 6pm, 2033 Bainer Hall
Project Summary
This three-year project, with a grant of $950,958 from the National Science Foundation, will study how to use co-robot systems and math-oriented co-robotics competitions to enhance student engagement, increase students’ motivation in learning Algebra and subsequent STEM subjects, and interest in pursuing STEM related careers and post-secondary study. We will develop innovative co-robot technology and curricula to transform math and science education by integrating computing, robotics, and engineering into K-12 education. Modular robots will be used as co-robot platforms for this project. Modules can be used alone or in collaboration with others, making it a flexible and scalable educational tool. The co-robot systems with modular robotics technology will not only facilitate personalized learning with engaging activities, but also enhance communication and collaboration. One of the major focuses of the project is on using computing and co-robotics to enhance student learning of Algebra to close the achievement gap. Algebra is one of the most important and also one of the most difficult courses for students in K-12 grades. It is considered the gatekeeper for students pursuing further studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Robotics involves a variety of math, information technology, and engineering concepts. Introducing computing and robotics into the Algebra curriculum helps make abstract ideas concrete and allows students to apply mathematical concepts to real world problems. The co-robot curriculum, Math Programming Competition, RoboPlay Competitions are especially designed for students who are taking Algebra, which can excite their imagination and foster their interest in learning math in classroom, after-school, and out-of-school programs and develop students’ critical thinking and reasoning capabilities.
The project will be carried out through the C-STEM Center and implemented in K-12 schools in the greater Sacramento region. A total of 22 math/CS/tech teachers in secondary schools in the greater Sacramento region will be recruited over the three year period as Robotics Fellows to participate in the project. They will implement the program in classroom, after-school, and out-of-school programs.
The program will be integrated with the annual UC Davis C-STEM Day, which is organized to build public awareness and advocate for computing and STEM education. Students participating in the project will showcase their accomplishments at the Math Programming and RoboPlay Competitions on C-STEM Day. Fellows will share their experiences at the UC Davis Annual Conference on Computing and STEM Education.
Payments for Robotics Fellows
Robotics Fellows will be trained with co-robot skills for classroom teaching with teaching resources and support of the UCD project team. Each Fellow will be provided up to $5,000 of robotics equipment. Therefore, each student in a Fellow’s class will have a modular robot for personalized and collaborative learning. In addition, each Fellow will be given a stipend of about $2,000 annually for their work and time spent on the project.
This year we are recruiting 6-10 motivated STEM teachers to participate in the program as Robotics Fellows. To build momentum teachers who have attended any previous C-STEM training and are from schools with prior collaboration with the C-STEM Center, especially schools with multiple teachers working with the Center, will have high priority. We encourage schools to use robotics platforms in multiple sessions in regular classroom teaching.
Robotics Fellow Application
Deadline for application for 2013-2014 Robotics Fellows: April 5, 2013
Notification Date for Application: April 19, 2013
Information Session Date: February 7, 2013, 5pm – 6pm, 2033 Bainer Hall
Roles and Responsibilities of Robotics Fellows and Schools:
Robotics Fellows are required to conduct the following activities for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years:
- Each Fellow must integrate C-STEM Curricula with computing and modular robots into his/her regular classroom activities throughout school year in any grade from 6 to 12.
- Fellows are required to attend regular monthly one-and-an-half-hour meetings.
- Project evaluation and reporting are critical components of continued funding of the program. Fellows will complete and deliver assessment instruments and/or participate in interviews as part of project evaluation by the required deadlines.
- Assist in obtaining permission from your school to collect student performance data.
- To measure student progress, Fellows must conduct mandatory student surveys as needed with the support of our external evaluator.
- Fellows are required to fill out and submit bi-monthly reports online to help track progress of teaching of the C-STEM curriculum, which takes about five minutes to complete.
- Fellows are required to attend the UC Davis C-STEM Day with Math Programming Competition and RoboPlay Competition on May 4, 2013.
- Form a Computing and Robotics Club and be a teacher advisor for participation in the following competitions: Secondary School Math Programming Competition and RoboPlay Competitions on the UC Davis C-STEM Day in 2014.
- Fellows are required to attend the UC Davis Annual Conference on Computing and STEM Education on May 18, 2013.
- Have access to a computer lab during the academic year
- Schools or school districts are committed to install necessary software for the project promptly.
- Fellows are required to attend the two-week 2013 UC Davis Summer Institute on Computing and STEM Education on June 24-July 5, 2013.
Equipment Support for Fellows and Schools:
Each Fellow will be provided with up to $5,000 of robotics equipment. Therefore, each student in a Fellow’s class will have a modular robot for personalized and collaborative learning.
Financial Support for Fellows:
Each Fellow will be given a stipend of about $2,000 annually for their work and time in completing each of his/ her responsibilities.
How To Apply:
- Applicants must provide all the required information and supporting materials to receive full consideration.
- Applications must have signatures by both teacher and principal to be considered.
- Applications must be received by the UC Davis Outreach Center for Computing and STEM Education no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013.
- Applications, with teacher and principal signatures, must be e-mailed to c-stem@iel2.engr.ucdavis.edu no later than the deadline.
Application
The 2013 Robotics Fellow application is available as a downloadable pdf file.
The application for the 2013 Robotics Fellows must include signatures from both the applicant and his principal to express continued support for the activities of Fellows and the C-STEM Center.
