A new 8 week Robotics Course is being offered by SWE Boston for girls in grades 6 thru 8. The course will focus on programming basic behaviors using a programming language called Python. Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, extensible programming language that is quickly taking the lead as one of the most popular programming languages in the world. The students will learn to use Python to program a scribbler robot to do basic behaviors - like draw a triangle and solve a maze.

The SWE Boston volunteer teaching the course is a Computer Scientist who works full-time at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and has experience teaching the course as an undergraduate at Bryn Mawr. The course is intended to inspire girls to consider engineering as an occupation by introducing them to computer programming with robots.

Goals: Academically speaking, the course is intended to focus far more on general problem solving and computing at a higher level than on things like syntax or mastery of the Python programming language. That is, having a correct and strong algorithm is the most important part of solving a problem. Additionally, the course will attempt to have students master three areas of general computing: sequential reasoning (e.g. putting instructions in the right order), understanding of loops, and understanding of conditionals.

Methods: Each session will generally have the same format each time consisting of equal parts of the following:

• Lecture: The lectures are meant to address both visual and audio students. A print out, filled with pictures, of the lecture notes will be distributed to students at each session. During the lecture, the instructor will review interactive examples, allow students to share their thoughts with the class, and provide time for questions.
• Group Activity: The group activities are very active and often kinesthetic. Activities are meant to stimulate the students and keep them engaged and enjoying themselves.
• Individual Programming Project: The individual portion ensures that students will have time one on one with a teacher. Each individual project is chosen because of its natural appeal, as well as the students' ability to complete the problem within the session.

Registration is limited to 10, so register today!

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Dates:

• February 8, 2012: Class 1 - Getting to Know Your Robot
• February 15, 2012: Class 2 - My First Program
• February 22, 2012: no class (winter vacation)
• February 29, 2012: Class 3 - Do the Robot
• March 7, 2012: Class 4 - Animal Behaviors, Robot Creatures
• March 14, 2012: Class 5 - Artificial Intelligence
• March 21, 2012: Class 6 - Putting it all Together
• March 28, 2012: Class 7 - How do Robots See?
• April 4, 2012: Class 8 - The Final Project

Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location:

Bedford High School
9 Mudge Way
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Cost: $150*

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Please note: A parent/guardian must sign a permission slip and photo release form for each child attending this event. Click here to download the permission form. Each child must bring a signed permission form with him or her on the day of the event.

*All proceeds from the registration fee are used to fund the course - including facility rental and robot hardware.

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To register for this event:

Please send any questions or comments to swebos@sweboston.org.

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We greatly appreciate all of the support we get from the community. Thank you to everyone who helps spread the word about our events. To advertise this event with your community, click here to download the event flyer.

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Directions:

Bedford High School
9 Mudge Way
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Directions will provided to attendees prior to the first class.

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