CS+II+-+Robotics

Group II, Course Number 703, Units: 1/2, Offered: Spring semester Prerequisite: Computer Science I or permission of instructor
 * Computer Science II - Robotics (Grades 10-12)**

This course presents a hands-on approach to learning the fundamental concepts of robotics, integrated with instruction in basic physics. Through state of the art applications, research, and experimentation each student builds his or her own robot. Fundamentals include the integration of sensors, path planning, kinematics, and feedback control. Robots are modified and tested throughout the semester and activities become increasingly complex, culminating in an end-of-semester project. Students with extensive computer science experience may be given permission to enroll in Computer Science II without completing the prerequisites.

Students will: •Develop skills in structured thinking and creative problem solving. •Learn various tools and approaches to solving problems, and determine the most appropriate *tool for the challenge at hand. •Develop a greater appreciation for the increasing impact computers and computer science on our *global society.
 * Goals**
 * Develop teamwork and collaboration skills for developing and writing programs.

•Why is logical thinking a desired trait in programming? •How is logic used in design? •What effect do variables have on the operation of a program?
 * Essential Questions**


 * Course Units**
 * Introduction, brief history of robotics, robot components
 * Effectors and actuators
 * Locomotion
 * Manipulation
 * Sensors (basic and complex)
 * Feedback control
 * Control Architectures: reactive, hybrid, behavior-based
 * Behavior coordination
 * Course Cognitive Benchmarks**
 * 1) Compare and evaluate the quality of the artificial intelligence of several robot functions**.**
 * 2) This comparison is performed on a measurable criterion as the time to solve a problem or the sucess (or failure) of a robot's action following a command.