RoboAchiever STEM Learning Systems
Presented By: Don Bertrand Founder & Managing Director RoboAchievement Co LLC 250 West Main Street, Suite 222 Branford, CT 06405 Tel: 203 430-3141 Website: http://roboachiever.com
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Table of Contents Executive Summary......................................................................................................................... 3 Program Overview .......................................................................................................................... 5 Products and Services ..................................................................................................................... 6 Youth Curriculum ............................................................................................................................ 7 Adult Curriculum ............................................................................................................................. 9 Pricing ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Management Team ...................................................................................................................... 11 Instructors .................................................................................................................................... 13 Aims and Inspiration ..................................................................................................................... 14 STEM Talk Presentations............................................................................................................... 15 Robotics Nights ............................................................................................................................. 16 Mini-Mods Projects ...................................................................................................................... 17 Education Kits ............................................................................................................................... 18 Clients Served by The RoboAchievement Company..................................................................... 19
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Executive Summary We all now know the importance and benefits of STEM learning for our youth to advance and today's workers retain pace with new job demands. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. We hear it's important, but where do we begin? Isn't it simply too costly, too hard, totally boring and just plain not worth the effort. Well fret no more! At last, a fun, new, fresh approach to the STEM tech learning we now all seek to engage. RoboAchiever!
The goal of our 4 sequenced RoboAchiever program modules is to create an exciting, fun learning environment, in which students, teachers, parents, and jobseekers in pursuit of retraining can collaboratively engage, that instills confidence, and inspires additional learning and self-development in the STEM areas of math, computer science, engineering and technology. We champion such educational studies as reveal promise for enhanced math, science and tech learning when undertaken in a multi-disciplinary fashion, implemented on a project-based learning approach. The freedom associated with hands-on trial and error engagement, coupled with team student interaction and common assistance, enhanced by physical, real-world interaction can increase likely student understanding and retention of such math challenges and science concepts as are confronted in our learning sessions.
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Our business motto as revealed on our website is "Learning Discovered, Not Delivered", in keeping with our belief in a hands-on, project-based learning approach. From Basic Math to 3D Printing, we go beyond the traditional Robotics programs with a sequenced learning curriculum that pursues a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. With a program fine-tuned over 4 years of onsite study, customer feedback and implementation, you receive the benefit of tested field refinement. The RoboAchievement Co LLC infrastructure is geared to undertake the most demanding of program implementation environments and our primary concern is on providing an economical and methodological approach to the process. The following are key beneficial aspects of our approach: Solution1: Instant turnkey STEM learning setup at your facility Solution2: Accessible and affordable entry-level introduction to STEM learning without presumption of prior tech knowledge or achievement level Solution3: Flexible course delivery schedule to meet your onsite program delivery needs We look forward to working with you to build a strong partnership in advancing your STEM learning development goals for the population you serve. In addition to the above-described course modules, we offer additional STEM-related products and services to suit your varied needs, as further discussed in this Guide: 3-Session Mini-Mods (mini modules) based on Thames & Kosmos educational project learning kits; perfect for Summer Camps or small afterschool programs (12 participants) $450 (includes instructor fee) Robotics Nights – a day or evening event of 5 science and robotics-themed game challenge events for youth, parents or caretakers (60 participants) $800 STEM Talks – "Robotics: Robotics – A Gateway Entry to Student STEM Learning $300 Beyond Robotics – The Emergence of Mechatronics Multiskilled Learning $300 * All prices subject to change post-publication without notice.
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Program Overview The Company was founded in 2010 by Attorney Don Bertrand, upon his retirement from the practice of law, to engage in a lifelong side interest in technology and devotion to community development and student advancement. The retirement came at a time when society was desparately seeking solutions to the STEM educational learning gap that put the Country's students and workers at a now well documented educational achievement gap as compared to other leading economies of the world. In canvassing the tools available to learners, parents, educators and workers to advance this learning a need was found to complement the more traditional book, classroom and video online learning approach, with a project-based, hands-on approach that encourages selfdiscovery and inspires continued later advanced study. Today, the most popular Robotics programs also realize the benefits of this approach to learning. However, they often focus on the select students as already possess advanced math learning and study skills. Robotics is seen primarily as an enrichment extension of knowledge or abilities already well demonstrated. We support such endeavors, but our mission and focus is different. We seek to popularize hands-on activities, including robotics, to build learner awareness, excitement, and confidence, and thus widen the pool of those attracted to continued STEM learning. Training sessions are conducted by our staff or provided free of charge to such qualified team on your staff you wish to engage. We continue to refine the skills and technical knowledge of our instructors and staff trainers to provide you and those in your charge a most productive and rewarding experience. The motto of our Company "learning Discovered, Not Delivered" well reveals the value we place on our hands-on approach to self-learning discovery that we wish to share with your organization.
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Products and Services The Company delivers 8 – 12 wk STEM learning programs at your site. Whether a school, youth enrichment program or workforce training center, one of our 4 program modules is likely well tailored to your needs. All involve fun excitement and learning through hands-on activity engagement. Each includes a focused math component, as critically important to future tech learning. Many jobs today provide some form of on-the-job training. Our learning enrichment platform establishes foundational knowledge and skills that well equip learners for success in such future undertakings. We seek also to inspire confidence in self-learning abilities, and commitment to continued lifelong learning and self-development. Our sequenced learning modules stem from a robotic adventure focused on Basic Math as students seek to free the Dahrtok civilization from the mutant invaders ("RoboAchiever") to RoboDigital , RoboCrafts and RoboMachines, additionally focused on robotics, computer programming, digital electronics, CAD, CNC, 3D printing and aeronautics . All include 25% focus on a significantly related math learning component. See the following sections for details. Programs are provided onsite at your facility for 2 or 3-day weekly sessions of 8 or 12 week duration. Each session lasts 1-1/2 hours. We provide the instructors at a cost of $30/hr or we will freely train your staff in three 1-1/2 hr sessions and ongoing follow-up support.
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Youth Curriculum ROBOACHIEVER The RoboAchiever program is designed to support and reinforce the learning that takes place during the school day. It supports the development of numeracy skills through activities where students apply math concepts they are learning in class. It is primarily geared toward elementary grades 3 – 6. Through 4 game levels, it provides online study in the areas of Basic Math addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; all in a fun hands-on, game adventure learning environment. The game is played on a physical designed 42" x 48" floor game mat by teams of 4 students involved in the defeat of mutant invaders that have conquered an ancient world civilization that our student gamers are tasked to revive and save. The program is intended for 1-3 teams of 4 students with each having their own game mat and challenge sequence game adventure. Thus, 12 students can be handled during a game session. The same materials can similarly be reused by other like teams of 4 or less students each on alternate days. In addition to reinforcement of basic math skills development, the program has an environmental learning component, requiring students to learn of and build water and waste treatment constructs as part of game play, and to satisfy leaned environment fact challenges to move on. A hands-on environmental project, as selected by the student teams, is optionally available utilizing the materials provided in the Thames and Kosmos Earth Lab kit. During game play students also learn problem solving when addressing the various challenge situations. They also learn care in documenting and recording steps undertaken during the adventure, team play and collaborative communication in rotating through 4 distinct game play roles: Scribe, Resource Materials Management, Robot Control and Equipment Technician. The RoboAchievement Company operates on the belief that achievement begins with inspiration. Through the robotic and creative game adventure’s and bonus point challenges in freeing the Dahrtok Villagers from the mutant invaders and restoring knowledge to their civilization, the game seeks to excite and help the gamer to view learning as challenging, fun work with payoff at the end. Participants learn that effort leads to practical results and reward. The game design includes support components for the shared involvement of mentor or parent volunteers, teachers and guides to facilitate collaboration on the game mission as it develops and evolves. 7
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RoboDigital RoboDigital is an accessible, fun gateway to student STEM learning. LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX ARDUINO DAGU MINIBOT RobotC Programming Electronic Circuit Design Robot Construction Our RoboDigital learning system provides a beginner’s program to the fundamentals of computer programming, electronics, and robotic design and construction. The goal is to advance the learner's skill level and foster their confidence and enthusiasm for continued learning and discovery. Computer Programming Starting with an online graphic introduction to programming available through Code.org, the student is introduced to the Lego Mindstorms RCX programming environment and project building kit. Students are challenged to design computer code that best fits game board goals and tasks. Circuit Design The provided ARDX Experimenters Developers Kit from Adafruit is used to provide an introduction to circuit design, based on the Arduino UNO 3 micro-processing platform. This segment culminates in the construction of a computer-directed Water Conductivity Tester that can measure the relative purity of water as free of contaminant particles. Robot Construction The learning system concludes with the hands-on mechanical construction of Dagu Minibot, a small robot with servos, motors, blinking lights and sound; all driven by computer-directed control. Math Measurements All learning sessions are infused with a complement of math measurement and locational reference game challenges. Richard Fisher's "PreAlgebra" workbook is provided for challenge study and guidance. Robot Construction The learning system concludes with the hands-on mechanical construction of Dagu Minibot, a small robot with servos, motors, blinking lights and sound; all driven by computer-directed control.
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Adult Curriculum RoboCrafts RoboCrafts consists of study of 3 segments: Helicopters – Mechanical Assembly – Hydroponics. HELICOPTERS In the first segment students are introduced to the basic physics of flight, and the corresponding functions of the various helicopter and airplane components. Computerized Real Flight Simulator program is utilized to implement simulated R/C helicopter flight navigation, followed by actual R/C helicopter test flights made available to students upon conclusion of this segment. MECHANICS In this segment students build a variety of R/C vehicles and structures using Thames and Kosmos "Remote Control Machines" construction kit. HYDROPONICS The students plant seeds in water-based nutrient environment that they manage. They learn of a plant’s basic nutrient and growth needs, as well the environmental hazards harmful to growth. MATH COMPONENT The RoboCrafts program includes a foundational math enrichment component with focus on Trigonometry.
RoboMachines The goal of this program is to introduce learners to the fields of mechanical systems and control systems, the two additional knowledge areas beyond computer programming and electronics covered in RoboDigital. From design to construction, here, in RoboMachines, we will begin with computer-assisted parts and tool design and end with an introduction to parts construction through 3D printing. The topics covered include CAD (computer-aided design) using Google Sketchup, Blueprint Reading, CNC (computerized numeric controls), and 3D printing. The lessons are to be conducted with four learners per PC computer workstation, supplied by the host facility. This course serves as an accessible gateway portal to both additive manufacturing and the emerging multi-disciplinary engineering field known as Mechatronics. It provides foundational 9
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knowledge in the additional core components that complement computer programming and electronics; namely, mechanical and control systems leading from parts and tool design to 3D construction. The course is not intended to make students expert in CAD, CNC, or mechanical and control systems, but to provide exposure and insight into these fields and some basic foundational knowledge. Our company offices are located directly across the road from the Branford campus of the nationally renowned Porter and Chester Training Academy. We have studied their curriculum and, through study of the various training course demands, have attempted to well prepare our students to succeed in such succeeding learning environment should they so choose. As with all RoboAchievement Company offerings, this module also includes a focused math component throughout. Here it's Geometry – a study of perimeter, area and volume dimensions of various shapes and common analytic tools RoboMachines is undertaken in teams of 4 learners attached to 3 PC workstations, arranged by the host facility. Internet access with privileges of software downloads is required. An accessible printing capability is also recommended, as well as inter-session PC learner access for independent practice and study during off-session hours. No more than 12 students are recommended for each 3-month enrollment period.
Pricing * Program costs can roughly be calculated on a per-hour basis averaging $120 - $150/hr ($180 $225/session) which includes 3 workstation setups, laptop use with internet access, all kits and materials returnable on course completion, and instructor. NOTE: Courses consist of 1-1/2 hr sessions and serve up to 12 learner participants for recommended 2-3 sessions per week. Reduced cost implementation available if you take advantage of our Free Professional Development training for your staff or volunteers to serve as course guides in lieu of our instructors. Custom-tailored, mix-and-match module component offerings also available at like affordable prices.
* Post-publication fees subject to change without notice.
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
DONALD E. BERTRAND Hamden, CT Telephone 203 430-3141 email: founder@roboachiever.com
PRIMARY WORK ENGAGEMENT Founder and CEO of the RoboAchiever STEM educational learning and training systems BUSINESS INTERESTS • Educational product development • Software development • Vocational training • Robotics engineering PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE PRIVATE PRACTICE, Hamden, CT 06516 Solo Attorney, 2002-2011. Law office providing entertainment, intellectual property, building contractor, nonprofits and general business development law support services. THE PHOENIX COMPANIES, One American Row, Hartford, CT 06115 Vice President and Insurance & Investment Products Counsel, 1973 - June 2002 retirement. Staged advancement after starting as Company Attorney, culminated in appointment as lead insurance counsel. SOFTBYTE COMPUTING Founder and Owner, Computer program development company. Developed and marketed graphics, astronomy and stock chart software for Radio Shack computer. 3rd Place Winner, Texas Instruments Author Incentive Program Award. NEW HAVEN OIC VOCATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL Interim Director, 1976. Managed and directed program operation during interim administrative transition.
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NEW HAVEN CITIES DEMONSTRATION AGENCY, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT Deputy Director, 1970 - 1972. Managed program development, day-to-day administration and programmatic support for this 1.6 million dollar social service support agency funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. NEW HAVEN LEGAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 1968 - 1969 Part-time Law Clerk, 1968 - 1969. Interviewed clients, prepared research memoranda, represented clients in social welfare hearings. EDUCATION AND TRAINING YALE LAW SCHOOL, JD 1973 AMHERST COLLEGE, BA 1967 Cum Laude CONNECTICUT TRIAL ADVOCACY INSTITUTE (2002) SELF-TAUGHT, Computer Programming PUBLISHED WORKS "The Producer's Survival Kit -- Ways to Avoid Legal Problems in the Solicitation and Marketing of Life Insurance," Copyright 1993 Phoenix Home Life. "Policy Illustrations: Ending the Guessing Game," July 1990 Best's Review. Author of several Newsletter articles on items of historic interest, including the “Ansonia Cuban Giants Negro Leagues Baseball Team”, “God’s Little Acre African American Cemetery in Newport, RI”, “The Polly - a New England Slave Ship”, “A Review of Neo Soul by Lindsey Williams” Research contributor to the Yale Law School “Avalon Project”, a website devoted to the archival collection of historic government, political and legal documents. COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS (past and present) Mentor, Daniels School 2013 Science Fair Project Organizer, Farnam Neighborhood House RoboAchiever Learning Program Board Director, Greater New Haven Business and Professional Association Board Director and Co-Founder, Greater New Haven African American Historical Society Contributor, Yale Law School “Avalon Project” website devoted to publication of legal history documents Director, Yale Club & Scholarship Foundation of Hartford (Chair of the Jackson Fund Scholarship Committee) Founder of the Hartford Housing Authority's "A/B Club" for high school students Director of the New Haven OIC Vocational School Director, Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Foundation of Hartford Member, Arts Council of Greater New Haven Member, West Haven Council on the Arts Counsel: VetsLink veterans affairs organization Counsel: Hill Museum instruction and training (graphic arts and design)
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Advisors Carolyn Kinder, Ph.D in Education, UCONN Anthony DeCusati, A.S. Electronics Engineering, Waterbury State Technical College Ken Loemer, BA Mathematics, Cornell University Terry Orlowski, M.S. Education, SCSU
Instructors Sarah Alyasiri, Engineering Masters Degree, University of New Haven
Matt Kling, CAD Intern, North Haven, HS graduate Debbi Erbeck, Inventory and Data Manager
Melvin Campbell, Math Tutor
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Founder's Aims & Inspiration As a child, I always looked forward to uncle taking my cousin and I to fly model airplanes at flying fields in New York. We built our own planes out of balsa wood plans and glue. One of us held the plane while the other, who was to fly the plane with the handle and control lines, filled the little engine with fuel. Then we connected our small external battery to the engine’s spark plug, and flipped the propeller to start it, trying again and again until it started. The flyer then ran about 60 feet away while the other held the plane high in launch position directly ahead. Okay, let go! The flyer then directed it up, then down, then flipped loops - then steeper dives and climbs. It was all great fun, with the sun in your face, the “Ooo’s” and “Ah’s” as others looked on to enjoy your flying sport skill. The onlookers wanted to build a plane just like yours – No, better than yours, and be out there themselves next week to see for themselves, and show you, what they could do. When it stopped in say 3 minutes, we did the same all over again but this time with the other at the controls, unless, of course, a crash caused us to try another backup plane, or end the day to head home for repairs before next week’s fun. During the intervening days before next week’s run, aside from our daily weekday homework and house chores as well as some school chum sports fun and girls too, much time was spent repairing crashed planes or builder a bigger, faster or prettier one. This was great, life was good. There was no spare time. Each day was filled. Well, what does all this have to do with this RoboAchiever product? In a single word, it’s “inspiration.” By this single extracurricular focus, building and flying model airplanes I, and I believe my cousin too, had our days filled with expectation, self-absorbed and creative hobbytime work, but aimed at perfecting the product to fly, and yes “compete” on the flying field. And guess what? I would have read any instruction manual, tried any study trick, read through any builder’s manual – and did – to help me find, learn and build the next plane. I was INSPIRED by this hobby to learn and do more. So, in my adult life, I have continued to find such inspiration in the various work projects I choose. By this product, I hope to provide you and your youngin’s a source of inspirational pleasure -- a hobby-time project that will engage you in many hours of dedication and pleasure. Persistent effort that will build confidence, pride and inspire attention to increased learning activity to improve your product development skills. ‘' 'Nuf said. Now let’s get on to the building and learning fun. 14
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STEM Talk Presentations Don Bertrand serves as a speaker on the importance of STEM learning and gateway-entry programs. He has been a consistent workshop presenter at the Bridgeport Annual STEM Conference.
TV Host Reverend Al Sharpton was Keynote Speaker at the Kick-off event of this 2014 STEM Conference, with Don Bertrand and the RoboAchiever team hosting Technology Night the following evening, followed by Don's "Beyond Robotics" workshop included as part of the week's closing sessions.
Hosted by the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bridgeport, CT *****
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Don's available presentation topics include: Robotics – A Gateway Entry to Student STEM Learning $300 Beyond Robotics – The Emergence of Mechatronics Multiskilled Learning $300
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Hosted STEM Game Challenge Events
Hosted by RoboAchiever at your site, serves up to 90 parents and students organized in 10 competitive teams to navigate 5 STEM-related game contest challenge events. Great Learning! Great Fun! 2-1/2 hr session $800.
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Mini-Mods (5 session mini modules) Packaged learning modules delivered at your site as 5-session programs at reduced cost and size, called by us "Mini-Mods." Presently featured projects (exhibited on our website store) include a choice of either: Remote-Control Machines Solar Mechanics Alternate program projects may be selected from among a large array of fun, hands-on project learning kits shown on our website as an authorized Dealer of Thames&Kosmos educational products company. Sample project subjects focus on physics, chemistry, botany, biology, earth lab, electronics, etc. All are assured to provide great learning fun.
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Education Kits We are proud to serve as an accredited Dealer of the Thames & Kosmos product line of hands-on educational learning kits. Please visit our online store at http://roboachiever.teamr.com to view presently featured products as may be of special learning development interest to you. Also, please contact us for such volume purchase discounts as may be available to your organization.
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Clients Served by RoboAchievement Co LLC Farnam Neighborhood House, New Haven New Haven Job Corps, New Haven Love Christian Academy, Bridgeport Riverside Education Academy Magnet HS, New Haven GET ADDED TO THE LIST!
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