PLTW

Students will revisit the relationship of science, technology, engineering and math and explore the contributions engineers provide. They will trace the history, development and influence of automation and robotics as they move to designing, building, wiring and programming simple to complex robots to carry out a specific task. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, collaboration and innovation. = @Lesson 1 Introduction to Engineering = I Can: =@Lesson 2= = Lesson 2.1 What is Automation and Robotics? (7 days) =
 * explain what engineers do
 * describe different types of engineering and their tools
 * properly use an engineering notebook

Understandings
1) Automation is the use of technology to ease human labor or to extend the mental or physical capabilities of humans. 2) Robotics is the specialized field of engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, and application of robots. 3) The use of automation and robotics affects humans in various ways, both positively and negatively, including their safety, comfort, choices, and attitudes about a technology’s development and use. 4) Automation and robotics have had an influence on society in the past and present and will influence society in the future. 5) Engineers, designers, and engineering technologists are in high demand for the development of future technology to meet societal needs and wants.

It is expected that students will:

 * Describe the purpose of automation and robotics and its effect on society. 
 * Summarize ways that robots are used in today’s world and the impact of their use on society. 
 * Describe positive and negative effects of automation and robotics on humans in terms of safety and economics. 
 * Provide examples of STEM careers and the need for these professionals in our society.

= Lesson 2.2 Mechanical Systems (12 days) =

Understandings
1) Energy is the capacity to do work; the use of mechanisms is necessary to transfer energy. 2) Engineers and technologists design mechanisms to change energy by transferring direction, speed, type of movement, and force or torque. 3) Mechanisms can be used individually, in pairs, or in systems.

It is expected that students will:

 * 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.

 Students will build Pull Toys that incorporate various mechanisms. The mechanisms, attached to the wheels of the Pull Toys, will enable a secondary motion to occur. This motion will be used to add a "character action" to the toy, allowing it to rotate, bob up and down, wave, etc.  engages three different mechanisms to transfer the motion from the wheels to at least 2 different outputs.

 Our STEM students must make toys that are both safe and appealing to the Kindergarten students.

Gear Basics https://www.schooltube.com/video/4ae76c00f11f4012b7cd/Gear%20Basics

Gear Train http://www.teachertube.com/video/lashleys-build-of-a-simple-gear-train-440987

Mechanical Gears https://quizlet.com/2177731/mechanical-gears-and-energy-transfer-flash-cards/ media type="custom" key="29377333"

media type="custom" key="29377335" = Lesson 2.3 Automated Systems (26 days) =

Understandings
1) Automated systems require minimal human intervention. 2) An open-loop system has no feedback path and requires human intervention, while a closedloop system uses feedback. 3) Troubleshooting is a problem-solving method used to identify the cause of a malfunction in a technological system. 4) Comments do not change the way a robot behaves, but they do allow the programmer to remember the function that the code performs. 5) Invention is a process of turning ideas and imagination into devices and systems. 6) Some technological problems are best solved through experimentation. 7) Fluid power systems are categorized as either pneumatic, which uses gas, or hydraulic, which uses liquids. (FT Version) 8) Automated systems can be powered by alternative energy sources like solar and fuel cells. (FT Version)

It is expected that students will:

 * 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. 
 * Experience fluid power by creating and troubleshooting a pneumatic device. (FT Version) 
 * Design, build, wire and program a system operated by alternative energy. (FT Version) 
 * Explain the roles and responsibilities of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers who solve robotic problems.

http://vms-stem.weebly.com/automation-and-robotics.html https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/umo_challenges_lesson02 https://wvia.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/vtl07.math.number.rat.lpgears/gears-and-proportions/#.WgMSYtWnG1s http://www.mrjopp.com/automation-and-robotics.html

Engineering Games http://www.engineering.com/GamesPuzzles/ConnectIt.aspx http://www.engineering.com/GamesPuzzles/DynamicSystems.aspx https://www.coolmath-games.com/0-gears-and-chains http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/physics/gears.html