Requesting help with developing classes in Japan

[RoboSenseiJapan]

Originally Posted by *Rachelle*

I am in an "Introduction to Engineering and Design" class at a community college this quarter...

Rachel, Thank you for your response. I will definitely make notes about these ideas and see if we can incorporate them into our lessons, ESPECIALLY the rube goldberg idea - In Japan, we have a TV program called "PI.TA.GO.RA. Switch" (ピタゴラスイッチ) that often has a rube goldberg style contraption to show their logo.

youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AdAKDaVuJ0

Originally Posted by *Rachelle*

Some questions I have:

• If this is for kids, teens, and adults, will this school be offering some kind of degree?
• Do the kids attend a different school for their language/history classes/etc.?
• How are the age groups separated, if at all?
• I am mainly looking for a fuller intent and goal of this school in order to better understand the situation and hopefully help with any knowledge/ideas/resources I can.
• Are there any standardized tests or anything of the sort that must be prepared for by the kids/teens?

1. Since we are just starting out, no - not at this moment, however we may plan to do so in the future if we do well with student numbers.
2. Yes, Currently our style will be an "extra curricular activity" that is held outside of the public classroom. In the future, however, we will incorporate more GE classes as we push towards #1, the degree.
3. We plan to hold each age group at a different time of the day, for the time being, due to other school or work schedules. Elementary will be held in the morning, high school will be in the afternoon, and adults will be held in the evening.
4. In Japan, private schools do not currently have a set standard of education like in America, thus each school is free to develop their own systems and curriculum styles. As said above, we will start with the intent of being an extra-curricular academy outside of normal public schools & work, but with the goal of attaining accreditation eventually.
5. As far as I know, there are not, due to the above reason.