Title:
Applying Common Core State Standards in grades 4th – 10th using LEGO Robotics

Team Members:
Derrick Jones (Mississippi Valley State University)
Dezerae Little (St. Augustine College)

Mentor:
Dr. Darnell Johnson (Elizabeth City State University)

Keywords:
Educational Robots, Robot Programming, Mobile Robots, Computer Science Education, Inquiry Based Instruction

Abstract:
Common Core Standards includes critical content for all students in American education. Forty-eight of the fifty states have adopted the standards as of 2012. Previously, every state had its own set of academic standards and students in each state were learning at different levels. In the new global economy, all students must be prepared to compete with students from around the world. Students are expected to develop a deeper mastery of content and demonstrate what they know through writing and other projects. Changes to curriculum and instruction are more student-centered with greater focus on skills, abilities, and a shift towards more performance assessments. This research was designed to apply mathematical processes of the Common Core Standard in a lesson plan for fourth through tenth. The team used NXT LEGO® robotics to teach various scientific, mathematical, and design concepts, through designing, building, and programming the robots at each level. The students’ received hands on experience with physics, mathematics, motion, environmental factors, and used problem solving in a collaborative group setting. The data was collected through observations.

Extended Abstract