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Robotics and Technology

CSTL strives to support STEM education through dynamic programs that support youth and educators through applied robotics and technology challenges. 

The robotics and technology program includes professional development for educators, events for youth, and development of partnerships.

Students participate in a First Lego League Robotics challenge

Robot for robotics challenge with CSTL

Current Activities:

The ROADS Challenges

Rover Observation And Drone Survey (ROADS) is science, engineering, and technology challenges for students in grades 3-12 designed to follow the objectives of current NASA missions. They include the use of robots, drones, and scientific investigation technologies.

ROADS on Asteroids (2020/2021) celebrates and follows the mission objectives of current and future NASA missions to asteroids. This STEAM challenge is designed to be completed by students at home and communicating with team members virtually: The grand prize is a trip to see an Asteroid mission launch (DART or Lucy) in the summer/ fall of 2021, pending the ability to safely travel at that time.

  • Dawn (mission to Vesta and Ceres)
  • Hayabusa 2 (mission to Ryugu)
  • OSIRIS Rex (mission to Bennu)
  • DART (mission to Didymos)

ROADS on Asteroids challenge registration

Free ROADS on Asteroids STEAM curriculum

One hour webinar introducing the challenge and curriculum

Free Professional Development Sessions

PD for educators, parents, and administrators interested in STEM Education, Robotics, Drones, or NASA. No experience needed. These workshops will include interactive learning in robotics and drone basics through exploration of the ROADS Challenges, as well as opportunities to develop the resources that new coaches will need to launch or better support successful programs. Please check out our news stories and events to see current and planned professional development opportunities.

View past professional development webinars:

  • Engage K12 in Coding during COVID and beyond
  • Opportunities in FIRST robotics for all grade levels
  • Funding your robotics program
  • Supporting your robotics community during challenging times
  • Coding Virtual Robots
  • First in Class & FIRST @Home Recording

FIRST® Robotics Events – Help grow the robotics ecosystem in Arizona

CSTL supports the growth of the FIRST® team ecosystem, including FLL Jr., FLL, FTC, and FRC. We are specifically providing professional development to rookie FRC teams through a pilot program in 2019-2020.

FIRST® Core Values: It’s way more than building robots. We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Cooperation through our core values:

  • Discovery
  • Innovation
  • Impact
  • Inclusion
  • Teamwork
  • Fun

If you are interested in starting a team, or are a FIRST® rookie team in need of support, then please contact Sean.Ryan@nau.edu.


Additional Robotics Resources

Center for Science Teaching and Learning
Location
Room 210 Building #20
Science Annex
525 S. Beaver St.
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 5697
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Email
cstl@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-7160
Fax
(928) 523-7953
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