Expanding LEGO Robotics at ACMS

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Jonathon Levin
School Site
Alder Creek Middle School
Grant Category
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Technology
Grant Date
2025-03-31T12:00:00
Description

The students have loved working with the SPIKE Prime robotics supplies provided by the 2024 grant process. However, we have noticed a need for differentiation in the program. Many students are pursuing more complex designs and need the parts and materials supplied by the Spike Prime Expansion packs. On the other, some of our students with individualized learning needs are unable to follow the instructions for the full robotics kits but may be able to access the Spike Essentials kits more effectively as those cater to younger learners. 

Benefits of Program

Students who will benefit from the Expanding Lego Robotics project are all the students who are part of the ACES rotation at Alder Creek Middle School. Specifically these supplies would target the 8th grade students, however due to high student interest, I would like to potentially use these tools with 6th and 7th graders as well. On a yearly basis about nearly 300 students come through the Tech Lab and learn about the many facets of STEAM education; robotics being one of the main concepts. This year we were not able to hold the Tech Lab during lunchtime due to scheduling conflicts, however I would like to have these supplies open to all students who want to come in during their recess time to work on robotics independently. These supplies help to foster skills in collaboration, digital literacy, programming and engineering. 

Success of Program

Defining success of an ACMS Robotics pathway becomes apparent when students take what they have learned and start to create their own problems, challenges and solutions. It starts with a guided and scaffolded curriculum to ensure all students can engage with the materials, however students quickly imagine their own applications and approaches for using the Lego materials and programming languages in new and innovative ways. This opportunity for creative thinking empowers students as designers of their learning experiences. These specific tools help to empower students who may have ideas or needs that are not met by the standard kit.

Implementation

Implementation of an ACMS Robotics Pathway will supplement the existing robotics activities in the ACMS Tech Lab.  Specifically, to provide students who need additional support or extensions with the tools and materials to bring their ideas to life.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

The goal of this grant is to span multiple grade levels and there may be opportunities to collaborate with the science teams on campus or with other TTUSD elementary and middle schools as they are using similar platforms. I would be able to share LEGO curriculum and resources with Heidi Bushway Verkler who teaches the most similar courses/grades as I do. And as much as possible, the resources would be open to all students during lunch for anyone on campus to use the robotic supplies..

Sustainability
Replacement parts, additional kits and additional curricular resources could also be purchased in the future with Measure AA Technology funds. This program also comes with FREE educational tech support to all Lego Education and VEX customers.
Amount Funded
$3520.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$1570 - 5x LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential Set @ $329.95
$1650 - 10x LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Expansion Set @ $156.95
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$300.00
Other funding sources

If more pieces are needed then Measure AA funds could be used.

File Uploads
Alder Creek Middle School QUO-90990-B0P6H2.pdf (86.35 KB)
Supporting Links
LEGO Spike Prime Expansion Set
LEGO Spike Essentials