Course+Requirements+Pathways+Robotics


 * CTE Exploring Robotics/STEM**


 * Instructor:**
 * Matthew Spampinato**: Rm. 33, 720-423-7013, matthew_spampinato@dpsk12.org
 * Sara Andolsek**: Rm. 107, 720-423-7000, sara_andolsek@dpsk12.org

Credits: 5 per semester Prerequisite: CTE Advanced Robotics Grades: 11-12
 * Overview:**

This capstone class for the Robotics Strand of the CCT Magnet allows students to work independently or in small groups to set their own robotics goals for the day, week, month, semester, and year. Students may make multiple choices of tasks/activities in which to participate:


 * Rocky Mountain BEST competition ([]):**
 * Kickoff – Saturday, September 6, Denver South High School, noon-4pm
 * Practice Day – Saturday, October 11, Thomas Jefferson High School, 9am-3pm
 * Game Day – Saturday, October 18, Auraria Campus Event Center, 7:30am – 5pm

From the kickoff date to the final competition, students will work on one team to build a robot that fulfills the BEST challenge. All materials are provided, and no outside materials may be used. This robot is controlled through a VEX drive system component, programmed with Robot C, and built with a tote box full of raw materials provided by BEST. Last year our team won fourth place in the State of Colorado.


 * First Tech Challenge ([]):**
 * Kickoff - Saturday, September 6, CEC, 9:30-3:30
 * Regional Championships - Dec. 2014 - Jan. 2015

In this competition, students will be using Tetrix kits and approved raw materials to build a robot that fulfills the FTC challenge. This class can have up to two teams participate in the challenge. Each team must raise $500 in sponsorship - and the CCTM will provide $500 in matching funds - in order to compete.


 * First Robotics Competition ([]):**
 * Kickoff - Saturday, January 3, 2015 (times and location TBA)
 * Regional Championships - April, 2015 (dates, times, and location TBA)

First Robotics uses a combination of AndyMark, Vex, and other drive systems, as well as an approved list of raw materials, to build a robot that fulfills the FRC challenge. This will be the fourth year for team [|#3648], and building on a strong tradition, this group has high hopes!


 * Independent Robot Design and Build (ALL STUDENTS must complete at least one independent robot design and build):**

Throughout the course of the year, students may design and build a number of robots built from the variety of materials we have available (e.g., LEGO, Tetrix, AndyMark, VEX, etc.), or from materials which they may choose to purchase themselves. All designs, schedules, and materials must be approved by me prior to beginning the project. The proposal must be logical, timely, rigorous, and meaningful.


 * Community Service Requirement:**

This year we begin a new association with the Hamilton Middle School robotics program, wherein advanced robotics students from TJ's CCTM Robotics program will mentor Hamilton Middle School students. Early in the first semester we will be working with the students to determine what the requirements will be.

$50 Lab Fee. The lab fee is for equipment used in our curriculum that is not covered by the district. The equipment includes but is not limited to: robotics building supplies, competition fees, camcorders, headphones, microphones, videotape, wiring, and overall computer maintenance. If any student cannot afford the lab fee, see Mr. Spampinato, CCT Department Chair, for a waiver.
 * Materials**:

Much work will be done in the robotics lab, but it is necessary for you to bring school supplies (writing utensils, notebook, etc) with you every day.

Students are expected to be a successful part of the CCT program. Students must be in class and on time every day. Work missed because of excused absences can be made up according to school policy. Due to the intensive nature of this course, students can expect to spend some time after school working in therobotics lab, particularly as competitions draw near.
 * Student Expectations:**

Due to the nature of this program, we highly encourage students to come in during office hours on Wednesdays since they cannot do lab work at home. Please see TJ student planner and listen to announcements for details about office hours.
 * Office Hours:**

Instructors will follow school policies for attendance, tardies, grades and electronic devices.
 * Policies:**

We will be forming a parent group for robotics, which will include volunteer opportunities for mentoring,fundraising, recruiting, evening supervision for club activities, refreshments, etc. If you are interested in participating on the parent support group, please contact matthew_spampinato@dpsk12.org.
 * Parent Volunteer Group:**