Robotics is one of the most versatile STEM tools in that it allows for design thinking in both physical and computational design. It’s also just super engaging and fun to learn to take control of a machine and the instantaneous feedback makes for a dynamic learning environment. Seeing a student realize for the first time that they are talking to / controlling a machine with code never disappoints. Microbric Robotics from Australia has created the Edison robot, an affordable platform ($49 each) that is codable on a Chromebook in three different “languages” (primary blockly, scratch or python) and can be engineered with Lego blocks for nearly endless creations. If you have never coded but could picture robots in your school or curriculum, come let me introduce you to your own Edison and give you a broad hands-on introduction. If you’re a robotics guru but have never explored the Edison, this will be a great session as I know you will love this platform. I’ve successfully used the Edison with students from K-12 and the potential curricular connections are limitless. I guarantee Edison can turn anyone into a coder – come let me show you how.
Presenter: Allan Miller
Allan Miller is a recovering school administrator who now spends his days helping students and teachers explore STEM. He is a Digital Learning Leader and Design Tech teacher with the Champlain Valley School District, and a Fulbright Fellow currently providing STEM professional development for teachers in Uzbekistan, Russia, and India. He is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator and a certified trainer for the Australian Microbric company that makes the Edison Robot.
Pre-Conference (Hands-on 2.5 hrs) includes an Edison Robot for each registrant to keep! – Wednesday, Nov 3 – Registration Fee $75
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2021 – Registrations must be completed by October 8 to ensure that the robots can be ordered and shipped to the conference on time!
A shortened version of this session will also be presented during the regular conference (1 hr presentation) – Thursday, Nov 4, 2021, 8 AM – no robot included.
