4-H Robotics Training Guide
The 4-H Robotics professional development modules will assist you in training 4-H professionals, volunteers and teen leaders interested in your 4-H Robotics Program. Each module includes hands-on activities, handouts, PowerPoint slides and tips for facilitators. With these flexible learning tools, staff and volunteers gain new skills and knowledge that will enhance your robotics program.
Getting Started Guide
This guide will assist you in planning, preparing and leading the 4-H Robotics training modules. Sample agendas, assessments and lists of materials needed are included.
- Section One: Planning Your Training
From setting your objectives to assessment and evaluation, this section is designed to assist you in the planning stage of your training.
- Section Two: Preparing for Your Training
This section provides guidance for preparing for your training and includes everything from selecting a location to gathering the necessary supplies.
- Section Three: Leading Your Training
This section offers tips and ideas for leading your 4-H Robotics training.
Download the Getting Started Guide
Training Modules
The 4-H Robotics Year-Round Training Guide modules will assist you in providing training for 4-H educators, volunteers and teen leaders who are interested in your 4-H Robotics Program. They are designed to be flexible to meet the variable needs of different programs.
Each module includes two to three hours of hands-on, interactive training activities, handouts, PowerPoint slides and tips for facilitators. The trainings are designed to allow facilitators to capitalize on the expertise and resources of their audience. By participating in these modules, staff and volunteers will gain new skills and knowledge that will enhance their role in your robotics program.
Click on the titles below to view the contents of each module.
- MODULE 1: Comprehensive Robotics Overview (2 hours)
Participants are introduced to the 4-H Robotics Programs and the opportunities they offer to youth.
- MODULE 2: Recruitment and Partnerships (2 hours)
Participants learn about the resources needed to build a robotics program and begin to develop an action plan for their program. This includes strategies for recruiting volunteers.
- MODULE 3: Community Resource Cultivation (2 hours)
Participants develop strategies for building community support and continue to develop the action plan started in Module 2. This includes strategies for recruiting, funding and marketing a robotics program.
- MODULE 4: LEGO® WeDo™ Construction Set Introduction (3 hours)
Participants will be introduced to the LEGO® WeDo™ Construction Set by LEGO® and how it can be used in a 4-H Robotics program. Participants will experience building and programming their own robot.
- MODULE 5: Using Technology to Deliver a Robotics Program (1.5 hours)
Participants are familiarized with the Virtual Robotics Component of 4-H Robotics: Engineering for Today and Tomorrow. They will develop strategies for facilitating the 4-H Robotics Curriculum with youth and utilizing technology in youth development.
- MODULE 6: Experiencing Engineering Design (2.5 hours)
Participants are introduced to the Junk Drawer Robotics Component of 4-H Robotics: Engineering for Today and Tomorrow. They will learn the Engineering Design Process and experience how the 4-H Robotics Curriculum incorporates science, engineering design and building. This includes strategies for incorporating engineering in youth development.
- MODULE 7: An Experiential Model of Building Robots (3 hours)
Participants will become familiar with the Robotics Platforms Component of 4-H Robotics: Engineering for Today and Tomorrow and the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Robotics Kit and Programming Software. They are introduced to the Engineering Design Process and the Experiential Learning Model and learn how these can be used as tools for positive youth development.
- MODULE 8: Scientific Inquiry and Programming Robots (2.5 hours)
Participants will increase their familiarity with Science Inquiry and the Robotics Platforms Component of 4-H Robotics: Engineering for Today and Tomorrow. They will also develop more advanced skills in programming using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Software. Using the Experiential Learning Model participants will evaluate and develop questions to enhance positive youth development.
- MODULE 9: Expansion, Enrichment, Endurance (2 hours)
Participants explore strategies to strengthen and expand a new robotics program. Earlier modules focused on the initial recruitment of youth and volunteers and building community support. This module focuses on how to retain youth and volunteers and help a new program continue to grow.