Robotics Exploration Studio
Robotics Exploration Studio Syllabus
Spring 2008
Course materials available at http://ozark.hendrix.edu/~ferrer/courses/135/
Class time: D3, MW 12:10 pm - 2:00 pm, MCACX 118
Final Exam period: Friday May 2, 2-5pm
Instructor:
Dr. Ann Wright
Office: Acxiom 104
Phone: 450-3808
Email: wright@hendrix.edu
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 1-4pm, by appt., or drop in if my door is open.
Course Goals
The main purpose of this course is to expose non-science majors to the scientific method.
Students will learn science by exploration in a studio format instead of more
traditional lecture methods.
A student who successfully completes this course will:
- Learn basic programming concepts including variables, loops,
conditionals, blocks, and subroutines.
- Learn the physics of translational motion, rotational motion, friction, and forces as applied
to the study of robotics.
- Learn basic engineering concepts such as gear ratios, stability, and building a robust vehicle.
- Learn how to program a robot to interact with the environment via light, sonar, rotation, and bump sensors.
- Learn how to identify and fix problems on a robot that is not behaving as desired.
- Be able to work productively as part of a team.
- Plan, complete, and exhibit a creative design project.
- Demonstrate the ability to write coherent laboratory reports.
- Discuss the difference between robots in literature/media and reality.
- Be able to analyze and understand different viewpoints about artificial intelligence.
Text Book
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. ISBN: 0553294385, published by Bantam
Books; Reprint edition (July 1994)
Lego Kits
You will have access to many different Lego kits and parts. The main kit is the Lego Mindstorms NXT
Robotics Invention System. It contains a programmable Lego brick. The kit also contains many
specialty parts such as sensors and motors. This kit is available at most toy stores.
Each team will have access to a full kit during class time. If a kit part is damaged
or lost or not returned, the student responsible will be charged an amount equal to the replacement cost.
The kits will also be available to class members outside of classtime by appointment.
Teamwork
You will primarily work in groups of two. The teams will be assigned by the instructor for each exercise. You may select
your partner for the final design project. Each student will be responsible for maintaining his/her own class
journal.
Because teamwork is vital to this class, attendance at each class is mandatory. The professors reserve the
right to drop any student who has more than 3 unexcused absences. Absence will only be excused in the case of
family emergency, severe illness that has been verified by the school nurse, or a school-sponsored activity
that is documented in writing by the sponsor prior to the absence.
GRADING:
10% Short Essay Assignments
10% Journal
40% Lab report average
40% Final Project: report, exhibition
Note: there will be no final exam, but the final project will be presented during the exam time.
Short Essay Assignments
There will be at least four short essay assignments based on reading assignments. All essays should be typed. A
typical essay is 2 pages long, but there is no minimum or maximum length. The essays will be graded
for content as well as grammar. Due dates and details on grading criteria will be discussed in class
before each assignment.
Journal
Please bring a 3-ring binder, at least 1 inch thick, to each class period. You will be given
instruction sheets for lab exercises, and worksheets for data collection. These items should
be kept in the binder. In addition, you should place some blank lined paper for taking notes
that will help you prepare the lab reports and document your design project. Binders will
be inspected periodically in class. You will also be expected to bring to class a device for
electronically storing your robot programs. A USB "jump drive" is the best device for this purpose.
Lab Reports
A written lab report will be due one week after the completion of each major class project. The lab report
will be prepared by each student (not one per team). The top of the lab report should contain the following
information: your name, your partner's name, the project name. The body of the lab report should contain an
introduction to the main ideas of the project, a description and picture of the completed project, any computer
codes written for the project, any data and analysis from the project, and a section on results and conclusions.
The lab report should be word-processed and any graphs or tables should be computer generated. The student
may choose an appropriate font and report style, as long as it is professional and easy to read. The lab report
will be graded for spelling, grammar, organization, and scientific content. A typical lab report will be 5-10
pages long, but there is no page minimum or maximum.
Final Design
The final part of this class will be a student-selected design project. Students will select a partner for the
duration of the project. Each team will design, build, and program a robot. The robot should be able to
accomplish a complex task and should be aesthetically pleasing. More details will be given in class on project
selection criteria. The final project will be graded based on the project exhibition, web page documentation,
journal documentation, and a final report.
Late Policy
All assignments are due at the start of class. Late assignments lose 10% of their original score
if one day late. 50% will be deducted for assignments 2 days late. No assignments will be accepted
more than 2 days after the deadline. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis.