Materials for a robotics class of 30

[Rick TYler]

What age group? How long will the class run? What are your educational goals?

[sanddrag]

High school 10th through 12th grade. The educational goals are extensive. I'm not sure how to state them simply. At this point I'm still gathering ideas, as the course is new to this school.

[Rick TYler]

For that age group, if you are thinking of a one-semester or one-year class, I'd use VEX: http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-classroom-lab-kits.html.

1. Versatile mechanical platform. Broad hardware choices.

2. Multiple programming choices.

3. Fully integrated classroom and after school program (you may not think they want an after-school competition program, but there is no reason to paint yourself into a corner)

4. It all works together.

5. Fully reusable.

6. Multiple curricula choices, including one that is free with the kit.

7. For this age group, VEX is a better choice than LEGO.

8. Less expensive that other advanced kits (ones based on metal components and not snap-together bricks) with similar features.

[Mark McLeod]

I, too, like the Boe-Bot® robots and the training materials/educators forum Parallax provides.