Sarah Meyers : Solarbotics in the Classroom
 

current —
Teaching kids robotics in an art classroom combines three of my interests, science, graphic design, and art education. My seminar project is broken down in two parts; the first part is understanding the construction and programming of robots. I will gain this understanding using LEGO Mindstorms and ROBOLAB to construct and program a series of simple robots. As I go through the process of constructing and programming, I will keep in mind my own difficulties, thoughts, and minor accomplishments. This will help in the planning of the lesson plan. I will document my process in a journal, with photos and notes. Once I understand the process of robotics, I will be able to assess the correct age appropriate to build a unit/kit for teaching robotics in an art education classroom. This kit will include, but not limited to: a lesson plan, directions on assembling robots, posters for the classroom, and product packaging.
26 sept 06

previous —
Educating students on solar energy combines three fields of my interest: science, education and design. My intent is to build a solar-powered robot and create the entire kit to ge given to educators so they can use it to teach children about solar energy. The kit would include a lesson plan, directions on assembling the solarbot, poster, information on solar energy, and product planning.
6 sept 06

previous —
...So I was thinking solar power, how to teach it to students, including using solar powered robots. So I would make the poster(s?) for the classroom lesson, the lesson books, remake the instructional kit... etc etc... including actually building the robot and having it on display at the gallery opening.
22 august 06

previous —
For my senior seminar, I plan on exploring the place where my interests come together. Specifically art education, graphic design, math and science. I would like to revisit a previous project, the reading and writing timeline robot. I want to explore other options, specifically mediums to make this design project stronger (perhaps plexiglass or metal, robotics, I am not quite sure). I also would like to continue to make three-dimensional pieces that relate to graphic design because I believe some of my strongest pieces have been 3D. I plan on delving deeper into concept, specifically education in regard to communication, reading and writing. Options for achieving these goals include informational posters, books or informational packets, and three-dimensional learning tools.
9 may 06

5 september 06