Robotics Program (VDP)

 We have started a two week (10 day) robotics program during our life science class time.  Your child will be working in a small, cooperative group.  Each group is responsible for working together to accomplish a list of challenges using their robot and the computer program.


What?  VDP stands for "Virginia Demonstration Project" (formerly N-STAR).  It is a program within the Department of Defense and the College of William and Mary whose purpose is to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers to ensure that the Department of the Navy maintains a leading edge in technologies for national defense.  The program combines engineers and scientists in the career field acting as mentors with middle school students.  The program uses LEGO robots and computer programming to complete missions.

Who?  ALL seventh grade students at King George Middle School will be participating in the VDP program during their science class periods from January 6-24, 2014. All aspects of the program are explained, taught, practiced, and completed during the school day.  Working in teams, students will use LEGO Mindstorm robotics kits and laptops with RoboLab software to build robots and program them to complete missions.

Why?  Our goal is to increase student motivation and interest in the STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and math), so that students will pursue these subject areas at the higher level in high school and college and possibly choose a STEM area as a career choice.  This program provides the hands-on materials to give students a personal experience with robotics and computer programming.  

A "snapshot" of what the computer program looks like on the computer screen.

Students will be able to build their robot however they would like to complete challenges, such as this robot capturing and returning the ball.