PCS Edventures (Academy of Robotics reviewed, multiple kits offered) You are viewing a resource description from the Consumers Guide to Afterschool Science Resources.

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Resource Details for: PCS Edventures (Academy of Robotics reviewed, multiple kits offered) Afterschool Program Expert Review by: John Ervin Science Content Expert Review by: Bernard Zubrowski

PCS Edventures (Academy of Robotics reviewed, multiple kits offered) Resource Description: PCS Edventures has developed after-school learning labs for students in grades preK-12 that combine a variety of hands-on activities using familiar manipulatives that provide opportunities to use and develop skills from the domains of math, science, engineering, technology literacy, architecture, robotics, and more. The material that was recommended and reviewed for this guide is called the "The Academy of Robotics." It is a Lego-based robotics lab that gives participants opportunities to use Lego Mindstorms materials explore basic robotics and mechanical engineering by constructing mechanical devices with LEGOs. They are challenged with increasing amounts of freedom as they advance through the program, recording their ideas and experiences in a journal. While the guide gives leaders strategies for introducing the activities, an instructor would need additional resources or prior knowledge to conduct deeper discussions about each concept presented. These materials do enable users to build robotic models they can use to solve problems and communicate with peers and employ skills from the domains of logic, engineering and technological literacy. Cost Category: More than $100 Price Details: The cost varies, but use of a kit for a group of 20 would require a minimum initial investment of $1,000. Format: Instructors Guide, Kit or Materials Grades: grades 5 to 12 Suitable for Multiple Uses?: can be reused Content Domain(s): engineering, math, physics, robotics, technology Part of Series?: yes URL: http://academy.edventures.com/robotics/ Other Contact Information: Additional kits and materials that offer similar experiences in other domains at http://www.edventures.com/labs/ Reviews Detailed Review by John Ervin (reviewer bio): Short Synopsis: Although the Academy of Robotics is complex set of science activities, it can be a hit in an afterschool program. There are several keys to remember when considering this program. First, it does require a substantial initial investment. Second, the instructional leader must have a strong background and interest in hands-on science and robotics. Much of the success of the Academy of Robotics will depend on the teacher who leads it and that teacher's ability to manage the group of students and extend the lessons beyond the units covered. If implemented well, this program can appeal to participating students and encourage them to think systematically and creatively. Detailed Review by Bernard Zubrowski (reviewer bio): Short Synopsis: There is a great appeal to building models of devices, especially when some of them involve movement or some kind of interaction, and this set of materials does provide a great opportunity for students to gain a sense of how mechanisms function. Within the context of an afterschool or summer program, these would be attractive activities for some kids.