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Pythagorean Combinations For Lego Robot Building., Ronald I. Greenberg
Pythagorean Combinations For Lego Robot Building., Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
This paper provides tips for LEGO robot construction involving bracing or gear meshing along a diagonal using standard Botball kits.
The Impact Of Meaningful High School Computer Science Experiences In The Chicago Public Schools, Ronald I. Greenberg
The Impact Of Meaningful High School Computer Science Experiences In The Chicago Public Schools, Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
We report on initial outcomes of the Taste of Computing project, under which a meaningful computer science course has been initiated in many high schools of the Chicago Public Schools system. Surveys of students have shown that they attribute high value to the course and have experienced increases in their understanding and interest regarding the computing field. Data was also collected from teachers participating in professional development regarding their preparation and confidence in teaching the new course. We report on the strengths of various survey responses and their relationships, and we compare student responses by race and gender. The data …
The Impact Of The Exploring Computer Science Instructional Model In Chicago Public Schools, Ronald I. Greenberg
The Impact Of The Exploring Computer Science Instructional Model In Chicago Public Schools, Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
As part of the Taste of Computing project, the Exploring Computer Science (ECS) instructional model has been expanded to many high schools in the Chicago Public Schools system. We report on initial outcomes showing that students value the ECS course experience, resulting in increased awareness of and interest in the field of computer science. We compare these results by race and gender. The data provide a good basis for exploring the impact of meaningful computer science instruction on students from groups underrepresented in computing; of several hundred students surveyed, nearly half were female, and over half were Hispanic or African-American.
Pythagorean Approximations For Lego: Merging Educational Robot Construction With Programming And Data Analysis, Ronald I. Greenberg
Pythagorean Approximations For Lego: Merging Educational Robot Construction With Programming And Data Analysis, Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
Abstract. This paper can be used in two ways. It can provide reference information for incorporating diagonal elements (for bracing or gear meshing) in educational robots built from standard LEGO kits. Alternatively, it can be used as the basis for an assignment for high school or college students to recreate this information; in the process, students will exercise skills in both computer programming and data analysis. Using the paper in the second way can be an excellent integrative experience to add to an existing course; for example, the Exploring Computer Science high school curriculum concludes with the units “Introduction to …
Motion Planning For Educational Robots, Ronald I. Greenberg, Jeffery M. Karp
Motion Planning For Educational Robots, Ronald I. Greenberg, Jeffery M. Karp
Ronald Greenberg
This paper considers various simple ways of navigating in a 2-dimensional territory with a two-wheeled robot of a type typical in educational robotics. We determine shortest paths under various modes of operation and compare.
Evaluation Of The Impacts Computer Science Presentations, Ronald I. Greenberg
Evaluation Of The Impacts Computer Science Presentations, Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
Recent computer science enrollments have shown positive trends. However, these trends are not evenly distributed by gender and race. Efforts to recruit underrepresented students should focus on providing information that demystifies the field of computer science. This paper reports on such an effort to inform underrepresented high school students about the field and its diversity. The results suggest that increasing awareness in an enjoyable format can increase student interest in pursuing computer science. These results can provide guidance about ways to encourage students to take high school computer science classes as motivation and preparation for college-level computer science.
Educational Magic Tricks Based On Error-Detection Schemes, Ronald I. Greenberg
Educational Magic Tricks Based On Error-Detection Schemes, Ronald I. Greenberg
Ronald Greenberg
Magic tricks based on computer science concepts help grab student attention and can motivate them to delve more deeply. Error detection ideas long used by computer scientists provide a rich basis for working magic; probably the most well known trick of this type is one included in the CS Unplugged activities. This paper shows that much more powerful variations of the trick can be performed, some in an unplugged environment and some with computer assistance. Some of the tricks also show off additional concepts in computer science and discrete mathematics.