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IEEE Teacher In-Service Training Program

Region 5

13-14 July 2007Dallas, Texas

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Build Your Own Robot Arm

Region 5

Brad Snodgrass, Central Indiana Section Douglas Gorham, IEEE Educational

Activities

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Principles & Standards for School Mathematics

Geometry: Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric

modeling to solve problems Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-

dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships

Problem Solving: Recognize and apply geometric ideas in areas outside of

the mathematics classroom Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies

Communication: Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and

clearly to peers, teachers, and others

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National Science Education Standards

Standard E: Science and Technology Abilities to distinguish between natural objects

and objects made by humans Abilities of technological design Understandings about science and technology Communicate the process of technological design Interactions of energy and matter Motion and force

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Standards for Technological Literacy

Students will develop an understanding of… Standard 7. the influence of technology on history. Standard 8. the attributes of design. Standard 9. engineering design. Standard 10. the role of troubleshooting, research and

development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.

Students will develop… Standard 11. the abilities to apply the design process. Standard 19. an understanding of and be able to select

and use manufacturing technologies.

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Outline and Procedures Divide into teams of 2 Brainstorm and create a sketch of your

design Build a model of your design with given

materials Test your model Discuss and agree upon a redesign, if

needed Rebuild your robot arm Retest your model Answer reflection questions as a team

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Reflection What was one thing you liked about your

design? Are there algebraic principles that can be

applied to this activity? What is one thing you would change about

your design based on your experience? How might you incorporate this activity into

your classroom instruction?

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Tying topics to state standards.

Alignment to State Standards

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How to Begin?

Two pronged approach:

Build relationships with school districts.

Build interest in members.

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Building a Sustainable TISP in your Section

The Wonderful World of IEEE Volunteers

Brad Snodgrass

R5 TISP Training Workshop

July 2007

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The Wonderful IEEE Volunteer

IEEE Members are very generous with their time

IEEE Members are very willing to share their experiences

Educational Outreach events get enthusiastic Volunteer support - it touches volunteers as engineers, teachers, and parents

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Two types of volunteers

TISP Champions - take responsibility to establish and maintain a TISP program in their school system.

TISP Trainers - energetic supporters of the initiative, willing to interact with teachers and serve as “coaches” during TISP presentations.

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The Beauty of TISP Champions

Once energized, these Volunteers are self motivated

The reward for the TISP Champion is immediate - You see it on the faces of the teachers

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The Paradox of TISP Trainers

Relatively easy to recruit volunteers for an established TISP

These volunteers are effective with minimal training

These volunteers genuinely enjoy the experience

Only responsibility is to "show up and work”

TISP Champions still bear the burden of organization, preparation, and logistics of the program.

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Growing Your TISP Champions

Focus on TISP Champions - the TISP Lifeline Invite/Recruit/Draft potential IEEE Champions to established events

Use TISP presentations to train future Champions

Use TISP presentations to cross-train the other TISP Champions

Teaching Approach: See one, Do one Teach one Team Approach: Co-Champions support a school or school system, but responsibilities are spread among them.

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Sections must aggressively support their TISP

Champions TISP Champions are rare and precious commodities.

Encourage Section to Champion communication Online forum and Resources to share information.

Encourage Champion to Champion communication

share ideas celebrate success lament failures

Communicate. Communicate. Communicate

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Recruiting Volunteers

Articles placed in Section newsletters

Announcements At chapter meetings At section executive committee meetings

Informal contacts with members

Members can choose to be presenters or coaches

Life members are good candidates

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Choose Topics

Tie to state education standards.

Choose topics of interest to section members.

Emphasize “hands-on” activities.

Think low cost: $50- $100 to replicate for a class.

Simply ask teachers, curriculum supervisors and curriculum specialists (assistant principals) what topics are needed.

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“Rocket Cars and Newton’s Laws”

“Build Working Models With Household Items”

“The Orbit of Planet Gamma” “Learn to Program and Test Robots For

Classroom Use” “Everything You Wanted To Know About

Electric Motors But Were Afraid To Ask”,

Sample Teacher In-service Presentation Topics

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Sample Teacher In-service Presentation Topics Cont’d

“How Do We Communicate Using Radio Waves”

“Get Connected With Ohm’s Law” “Effective Lighting” “Build Your Own Robot Arm” “Simple Machines” “Light Waves and Spectroscopes”

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Plan Times and Places Special Events

USF Engineering EXPO, all day, February, prelude to Engineer’s Week

Teacher Conferences, e.g. Florida Association of Science Teachers or Florida Technology Educators Association

National teacher organizations that happen to meet nearby

Places College Campuses, hotel meeting rooms

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Follow-up Activities/Metrics

Count the number of educators who participated in your teacher in-service program

Be sure that teachers complete the 12 item questionnaire

EAD will tabulate the results Follow-up with teachers to determine the level

of implementation of the concepts and activities

Consider a sign in sheet to include an email address

Consider sending a follow-up postcard to attendees

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Lessons Learned

Contact the school principal directly to let him know that your section is planning an event at his school.

Have telephone or cell phone numbers for at least two contacts at the school.

If possible, visit the school several days before the presentation.

Use a cart for moving materials from volunteers’ cars to classrooms.

If your presentation requires electric power, bring several extension cords and multi-outlet power strips.

Exchange cellular telephone or pager numbers among all the section member volunteers.

Provide each section member volunteer with good directions to the school.