In Affiliation with Tzu Chi Foundation, an international non-profit charity
Activities
At Tzu Chi Robotics, we designed the curriculum to include an overview of basic engineering concepts. Whether in person or online, we also make a point of illustrating these theoretical concepts with intuitive examples to ensure that students are able to grasp the concepts at a deep level. Take a look!
VEX IQ Competition Robotics
The main facet at which we can assess the engineering ability of our students is to take them to outside competitions. This is done through the VEX IQ Competition Robotics Challenge Platform. In a nutshell, the way VEX IQ works is that students spend the year designing, building, and programming a robot that they use to play a game that changes annually. Along the way, not only do they get to learn the workings of the engineering design process, they also learn the ideals of cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship . Our own team, 3088T Lotus, has been immensely successful this year, and we hope to continue this success in the future!
Simple Machines, Gear Ratios, and Circuits
The basis of building a competitive robot revolves around the motor. Motors provide the only input force to power your entire robot, and so students must translate the spinning of an axle to the handling of game elements in order to succeed. So, students will learn the different types of simple machines to incorporate into their designs, as well as the different types of gear ratios to modify the strength and speed of their motors. A basic understanding of circuits is also helpful to navigate the electrical components of a robot.
2D and Projectile Motion, Structural Stability
Motion is also an important concept to understand from a mathematical standpoint, and it paired especially well because the VEX IQ game from 2021-2022 required shooting balls into basket. By developing a greater understanding of the way objects move on a table or on the air, students are better equipped to tackle the challenge of building a robot with a catapult. We also included a unit on building the tallest tower possible to gain more experience in creating a sturdy build (2nd button).
Programming and CAD
Another integral unit to the world of engineering and robotics is programming and coding. To learn this, we use two main apps, RobotC Graphical (which is used by the competition kids to program their robot), and VR Vexcode Project coding studio, which is more user-friendly and gives rapid coding feedback via robot simulations. As for CADing, or Computer-aided Design, that is done through SnapCAD, an app made specifically for VEX IQ Robotics. Besides its immediate usage in the world of robotics, as the great Steve Jobs once said, "Everyone in this country should learn how to program because it teaches you how to think," and we could not agree more.
Engineering Design Process
Perhaps the most fundamental element of our engineering class is the engineering design process. Just as the scientific method helps scientists effectively test their hypotheses, the engineering design process allows engineers to find the best solutions to their problems. Although there are many different iterations of the engineering design process, they are all built on the fundamental processes of identifying the problem to be solved, brainstorming and designing potential solutions, testing those solutions, and reflecting and communicating your results. This enables students to always have an open mind when approaching any engineering problem.
