Electives » Robotics

Robotics

Palms Robotics

In the Robotics elective, students develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while exploring the history, development, and influence of robotics. They learn about the design process, mechanical systems, basic programming, and remote and autonomously controlled robotics. 

We have a Robotics cart with 40 laptop computers and we are adding a 3D modeling lab with printers used to create custom robot parts.

6th Grade Robotics

Lego Robotics

We use the Computer Science Discoveries curriculum from Code.org, Google's CS First, and Lego Spike Prime robotics.

Fall studies usually include:

  • Engineering & the design process
  • Lego Spike Prime robotics

Spring studies usually include:

  • Minecraft
  • Scratch
  • CS First
  • 3D modeling

Download the syllabus below.

7th and 8th Grade Robotics

Edison robot

We build and program Edison Robots, do 3D modeling and printing, and learn programming using Minecraft and courses from Project STEM.

Fall studies usually include:

  • Edison robots
  • 3D modeling

Spring studies usually include:

  • Minecraft
  • Micro:bit programming
  • Project STEM computer science courses

Robotics elective applications are available from Mrs. Romero and are due in early April. Download the syllabus below.

7th and 8th Grade Advanced Robotics

FTC competition

We use a combination of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), programming, and special robotics materials. Students build and program a robot designed to be successful in the competition against other robotics teams. Competition scores include the robot game, the engineering portfolio, and a team interview. As time permits, we practice programming with Minecraft and courses from Project STEM.

Fall studies usually include:

  • FTC tournament preparation

Spring studies usually include:

  • FTC tournament preparation and competition
  • Minecraft
  • Project STEM computer science courses
  • planning and recruitment for next year

Advanced Robotics elective applications are available from Mrs. Romero and are due in early April. Download the syllabus below.

Team Roles

  • Engineer/Builder
  • Programmer
  • Team Spirit (posters, tie dye shirts, organization, promotional materials)

Sustainability Practices

We're learning to follow the Environmental Protection Agency's sustainability practices.

EPA sustainability

Download

Download the syllabus for your Robotics class.

Advanced Robotics Photos

2023 First Tech Challenge

Two Palms teams qualified for the First Tech Challenge (FTC) regional finals in February 2023.

Palms students from Team Hydra and The Cyber Knights competed almost entirely against High School students at this competition, reaching the 2nd highest level of FTC Robotics competitions in the world.

Team Hydra placed 2nd after preliminary matches and advanced to the semi-finals, placing 1st runner-up against all LAUSD middle and high schools for The Inspire Award, the most prestigious honor that is given at an FTC competition.

Team Hydra also finished 2nd runner up in the overall advancement criteria out of all LAUSD High Schools and Middle Schools.

Congratulations, Palms robotics students!