Re: [school-discuss] Arduino in public high schools: requests, questions, comments, criticism

["Mr. Klock" <math@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Michael,

I'm a high school math and science teacher (mostly math, as it turns out), and I've just started getting into Arduino, after playing with it a bit in a grad class back in November/December.  I'm eager to start finding applications for Arduino in my math classes (I'm currently teaching Advanced Algebra, from a modeling perspective: so, as much as possible we start with data collection through experimentation, and then develop mathematical methods for modeling, describing, interpreting and making predictions from that data).  

To a significant degree, I'm interested in using Arduino as low-cost, versatile, flexible sensor-ware (substituting for things like Vernier or Pasco sensor-ware).  Very few of my students have any background in programming, so I'd like to have some experimental data-collection options that are as easy to use as possible-- things that students can assemble, plug in, load pre-written software onto, and get right down to working (I imaging some set of sensors, with a matching set of programs: plug in the temperature and humidity sensors, then load the "Temp-Humid" lab software, then start collecting data on temperature and humidity...)

I'd also like to start developing a course that would use Arduino as an introduction to programming, within the context of a mathematics course-- particularly looking at coding functions and algorithms as course outcomes.  I haven't completely wrapped my head around this one-- it might something like coding a "quadratic formula calculator" (a specialized device, using a 10-digit keypad input to compute the roots of a quadratic function, using an algorithm that replicates the quadratic formula, as coded by the student), as one example.  

Equipment-wise, I think that once we've got some ideas in play, my school will want to purchase the tools we'll be using...  

A mix of prepared, "off-the-shelf" modules and ideas for teachers and students to explore and modify would be good.  

Summer is generally good for training, though evenings and weekends are possible.

Drop me an email, if you want to collaborate more individually.

 James Klock
 Chicago Public Schools

On Jan 28, 2013, at 12:15 PM, Michael Shiloh wrote:

> Figured I should make this a separate post:
> 
> I have a part time job working for Arduino (arduino.cc), preparing educational  materials.
> 
> I'm working on a curriculum for high schools. I'd love any thoughts you have, such as:
> 
> Have you heard about Arduino?
> 
> Why would you want to, or not want to, use Arduino in your classroom?
> 
> What would you like to see in such a course?
> 
> Would you prefer to write your own course or have one prepared? Perhaps you would take the prepared one and modify to suit your needs?
> 
> What equipment would you need?
> 
> Would you want training? What works best, evenings? Weekends? Summer or winter break intensives?
> 
> Anything else come to mind?
> 
> Michael
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