Intro to Robotics Design & AR Coding for High Schoolers

Grades: High School

Length: 1 week

Accreditation: Fully WASC Accredited (The Gold Standard in K-12 Education)

Prerequisite: None

DESCRIPTION

In this course, you will not just build a robot; you will bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

No experience needed—everyone learns at their own pace, with extra challenges for students who are ready for more.

Imagine a world where your code commands a Robot to explore dangerous frontiers while you stay safely at the controls. You will become an interdimensional explorer, launching your robot into a remote, hazardous environment—like a toxic alien planet or a deep-sea trench.

Using Holographic Augmented Reality (AR), you will "teleport" yourself into the robot’s world. You will see what the robot sees and partner with it to solve problems, controlling it safely from your desk while it navigates the dangers of the unknown.

You will engineer a high-tech machine equipped with futuristic Mecanum wheels that can drift sideways and maneuver in ways standard cars can't. Then, you will step into the role of a commander, using Python coding to give your robot instructions, blending hands-on mechanics with the magic of digital teleportation.

The Magic of Engineering + AR

• Bring Your Robot to Life: Take a silent machine and give it motion. You will see your creation drift, spin, and interact with the world based on your logic.
• Teleport into the Action: Don't just watch from the sidelines. Use Holographic AR to teleport yourself into the digital world your robot is exploring. Partner with your machine to clear obstacles in a virtual galaxy while staying safe in the classroom.
• Real Code, Real Power: Move beyond simple blocks. You will use Python, the text-based language of real-world engineers, to write the logic that controls your robot's every move.

The Robot & Hardware

The following hardware is provided for each student in camp:

• Robot: A Mecha Armed smart robot powered by Raspberry Pi Pico (industry standard) technology, featuring programmable sensors, Mecha Arms, and Mecanum Wheels with Omni Directional Tires, to explore sophisticated sensor technologies and advanced control systems.
• Note: The smart robot hardware is provided for camp use, not to take home.

What You Will Do

• Engineer the Rover: Assemble and test the smart robot, ensuring the mechanical arm and wheels function correctly.
• Code in Python: Learn Python coding to control motors, speed, and direction.
• Enter the Robot World: Design your own augmented reality (AR) environment featuring a digital twin of your robot—then launch it remotely and teleport into your robot world using holographic AR!

Students will learn the following:

• Intermediate Robotics Engineering (High School Level)
• Introductory Robotics Coding (High School Level)
• Fundamentals of Circuits (High School Level)
• Python Coding (High School Level)
• Introductory Holographic AR Design & Logics (High School Level)
• UI/UX (user interface/user experience) (High School Level)
• Introductory visual communication (High School Level)
• Interactive storytelling (High School Level)
• Debugging and Problem-solving (High School Level)
• Design Thinking process based on Stanford University Design School curriculum (High School Level)

⚠️ Essential Safety & Readiness Guide

To ensure a successful experience, please ensure you are ready for the following:

• Respect the Tech: We use advanced components. Students must handle equipment with care.
• Focus & Logic: Engineering requires patience. Be ready to troubleshoot and solve puzzles.
• Instruction: Following step-by-step engineering protocols is vital for safety and success.