Robotics Design Challenge

 

BHAG: To help students become confident, capable problem-solvers who use technology as a tool for change—not just something they consume.

 

 

Week 1: Exploration & Planning

Day 1 – Intro to Robotics & Real-World Tech Use
Focus: Foundational Knowledge & Caring

• Watch a short video on how robotics solves real-world problems (e.g., medical, environmental, space).

• Class discussion: “Where do we see robots helping people?”

• Curiosity Journal Prompt: “If I could build a robot to help someone, what would it do?”
  Assessment & Support: Journal entry (typed or voice-recorded), participation, visual anchor charts for accessibility.

Day 2 – Explore Tools + Safety
Focus: Application & Learning How to Learn

• Hands-on rotations with robotics kits and coding tools.

• Discuss safety rules and respectful use of equipment.

• Groups build a mini starter bot or practice code.
  Assessment & Support: Safety checklist, quiz (with read-aloud option), peer modeling encouraged.

Day 3 – Brainstorm Design Ideas in Teams
Focus: Integration & Human Dimension

• Use graphic organizers to brainstorm problems worth solving.

• Create “What if...” idea boards.

• Short idea pitches to peers.
  Assessment & Support: Peer feedback cards, teacher check-ins, guided sentence stems.

Day 4 – Draft Design Plan + Research
Focus: Integration & Application

• Research real-world solutions (articles or web quest).

• Begin design draft and materials list in a shared Google Doc.

• Teacher reviews each group’s plan for support.
  Assessment & Support: Progress check on Google Doc, simplified reading materials, research scaffolds.

Day 5 – Begin Building Prototype
Focus: Application & Learning How to Learn

• Groups begin building their robots.

• Trial-and-error process is emphasized.

• Start build logs to document progress.
  Assessment & Support: Build log review, photo evidence, flexible pacing, ongoing teacher scaffolding.

 

 

Week 2: Build, Reflect, & Share

Day 6 – Continue Building & Troubleshooting
Focus: Application & Learning How to Learn

• Continue working on builds.

• Peer-led help desk and teacher support stations.

• Optional reflection: “What challenge did we solve today?”
  Assessment & Support: Checklists, journal prompt (written or audio), troubleshooting visuals.

Day 7 – Finalize Build + Practice Presentation
Focus: Application & Human Dimension

• Complete final design tweaks.

• Create visual aids or slideshows.

• Practice presenting to another team.
  Assessment & Support: Warm/cool feedback, visual prompt cards, rubric preview provided.

Day 8 – Group Presentations & Demonstrations
Focus: Integration & Assessment of Learning

• Groups present their robot design, function, and purpose.

• Audience Q&A encouraged.
  Assessment & Support: Final rubric includes creativity, design, function, teamwork, and delivery. Flexible formats allowed.

Day 9 – Self & Peer Assessment
Focus: Assessment as Learning

• Reflect on personal contributions and group dynamics.

• Provide peer feedback using sentence starters or Google Form.
  Assessment & Support: Student-friendly checklist (digital or printed), audio or simplified formats available.

Day 10 – Final Wrap-Up & Reflection
Focus: Caring & Learning How to Learn

• Final reflection journal: “What I learned / What I’d change / What I’m proud of.”

• Celebration: Share robot photos, certificates, or posters.
  Assessment & Support: Journals (written, typed, or voice-recorded), teacher returns rubric with personalized feedback.

 

 

Assessment Summary

Assessment for Learning

• Daily check-ins

• Journal prompts

• Build logs

Assessment as Learning

• Peer and self-assessments

• Reflections

Assessment of Learning

• Final presentations evaluated using a clear rubric

• Rubric reviewed in advance to support success

 

 

Built-In Accommodations for SPED and Diverse Learners

• Visuals provided for all steps and instructions

• Sentence starters and checklists for writing

• Audio, visual, or peer-supported submissions

• Research support with simplified readings

• Flexible pacing and task completion

• Defined group roles based on student strengths

• Access to sensory tools or quiet zones during build sessions

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 Relevant TEKS for Robotics Programming & Design

§126.40 Robotics Programming and Design (Middle School / High School Tech Apps)

• §126.40(1)(C): “Use the design process to construct a robot” — aligns with brainstorming, drafting plans, and building prototypes gocoderz.com+14tea.texas.gov+14core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com+14tea.texas.gov.
   

• §126.40(2)(A–C): “Demonstrate design teams … serve as team leader/team member … describe a problem and identify design specifications” — mirrors the group-based problem-solving and planning activities tea.texas.gov.
   

• §126.40(4)(A–D): “Develop algorithms to control a robot … create maneuvering algorithms … use output commands, variables, loops, and selection structures” — connects with programming aspects taught in the unit tea.texas.gov+1tea.texas.gov+1.
   

 K–8 Tech Apps TEKS (Context and Vertical Alignment)

From the 2022–2025 updated K–8 Technology Applications TEKS:

• TEKS focus areas include computational thinking, creativity & innovation, critical thinking, digital citizenship, and technology operations & concepts — all integrated across the unit tea.texas.gov+12tea.texas.gov+12tea.texas.gov+12.