What is a microproject?
Microprojects are a further development of the Robotikum concept with the aim of anchoring the project in the curriculum. While the classic robotics courses take place separately from everyday school life and lessons, microprojects are to be directly integrated into them. Each microproject is developed for a specific school type, grade level and subject area. The content and the competencies promoted are based on the Hessian core curriculum. This allows teachers to seamlessly integrate the microprojects into their everyday teaching.
The microprojects are designed in such a way that teachers do not need any specific training. The extensive accompanying materials as well as the corresponding YouTube tutorials are intended to make implementation possible even for teachers who are usually very busy. A microproject consists of a Choregraphe program, which is played on a NAO robot, as well as various worksheets and explanations for students and teachers.
Pupils (SuS) are introduced to working with robots in a playful and practical way through the microprojects. The interest in programming is awakened and logical and algorithmic thinking is promoted. The students work together in small groups, which teaches them teamwork and other social skills.
What are the different levels of microprojects?
The microprojects are offered in three different levels. The levels differ in their complexity, the time required and the competencies promoted. In this way, teachers can choose a project that best suits their lessons, the time available, and the students' previous experience and skills.
Level 1
At level one, the program is used as a ready-made tool for teaching. The students themselves are not or only slightly involved in the programming.
Level 2
In level two, the students program parts of the program themselves, but it is still used as a tool in a specific subject. In contrast to stage one, a microproject at stage two also includes a smaller programming task. For example, students have to add tasks to an existing quiz. In programming, the students work with aids such as worksheets, instructions, and sample programs.
Level 3
At the third level, the students have to design and implement a complex program themselves. For this purpose, the technical content and the idea for an application in class are prepared and planned with the support of the teachers. Subsequently, the program is programmed by the students during a 3-day robotics course with the help of the robotics course instructors.
What are the goals and benefits of microprojects?
In addition to reducing fears of technology, microprojects offer an exciting introduction to the topics of programming, robotics and digitization. The aim is to create an awareness of the role of digitization and the opportunities but also the limitations that come with it. Through microprojects, interdisciplinarity can be achieved in everyday school life and the interest of the pupils in STEM subjects can be awakened. Microprojects are strongly oriented towards problem-based learning (PBL) and follow a learning-by-doing approach. In doing so, competencies such as logical and algorithmic thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of programming logic are fostered through a hands-on approach. Group work also practices social skills such as teamwork, cooperative and collaborative work. In addition, microprojects are an opportunity for students to improve their computer skills.
Microprojects are also very valuable for teachers, as they make it easier for teachers to access digitization and can help add an interesting, innovative component to lessons. By targeting specific school branches, grades, and subject areas, microprojects can be easily integrated into regular lessons. This should make it easier for teachers to access work with robots. The accompanying materials for the microprojects, such as the worksheets and sample solutions, are intended to make implementation in the classroom possible even if the teacher's professional life is stressful.
Components of a Microproject
- Brief description of the project (Template)
- Choregraphe program for the students
o Complex dialogues are equipped with comments for understanding where needed
- Sample solution of the project
- Worksheets for the students
- Reference sheet for the teacher with a step-by-step instruction for programming
- Explenatory video (for a few projects)
- Guideline for dealing with robots
