Mr.+Neece

=__Wikispaces__=

I use __Wikispaces__ for a Web presence. Wikispaces is free and easy to use. I have kept all my lessons and files on Wikispaces for the last seven years. I don't keep my stuff on the district's servers, so I have control of it and no one complains about how much server space I use. At the very least, Wikispaces can be used as free cloud storage. I recommend you make a main page and then make a page for each course you teach off this main page. You should be able to copy and paste material between your wiki pages and material from other webpages to your pages.

http://help.wikispaces.com/faq+teacher+wiki

Here is an example of how I put a course on Wikispaces. http://lifescitpjhs.wikispaces.com/03+Quarter+Asignment+List+2013

=__LEGO Mindstorm NXT__=

The LEGO NXT robot is a good place to start.

Robotics: This link contains the first four lessons from "Robotics Engineering I" put online so people would buy the rest of the lessons. http://robotstpjhs.wikispaces.com/LEGO+Robotic-G+software

[|Additional robots] that can be build with the NXT 2.0 set and maybe the educational set. http://robotsquare.com/2012/03/03/tutorial-official-bonus-models/

http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_base_set/2095 http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_software_2_1/2240 http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/previews/nxt_products/robotics_eng_vol_1/robo_eng_1_preview.htm http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/previews/nxt_products/robotics_eng_vol_2/robo_eng_2_print_preview.htm

I haven't used this, but it could be good: http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/nxt_video_trainer_2_0/1762

I like the improvements of the new LEGO robotics system better than the NXT, but using it would take a bit of adaption. http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/characteristics/ProductLine~LEGO%20MINDSTORMS%20Education%20EV3

=__Arduino Micro-controller__=

Arduino micro-controllers are used to make gadgets. (Remote sensors, robots, 3D printers, drones, etc.) http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.

This kit looks like a way to get started and understand the Arduino micro-controller http://www.adafruit.com/products/170 "Interested in making neat stuff with an Arduino but not sure where to start? This kit includes all the pieces needed to complete 11 different circuits, along with a experimenter's guide booklet & breadboard layout sheets. Basically everything you need to be playing within minutes of its arrival. **No soldering required!"**

This year in my afterschool program I hope to have my students working with Arduino micro-controllers using some book similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Workshop-Hands-On-Introduction-Projects/product-reviews/1593274483/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

This books shows how to have Arduinos working with the LEGO NXT. http://www.amazon.com/Make-extending-MINDSTORMS-open-source-electronics/dp/1449321062/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374512964&sr=1-1&keywords=lego+arduino

=__Raspberry Pi Micro-computer__= Interesting gadgets could also be made using Raspberry Pi Micro-computers. http://mguhlin.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/setting-up-raspberry-pi-officedepot/ http://www.geek.com/chips/raspberry-pi-turned-into-a-portable-workstation-1504031/ http://raspberrypitpjhs.wikispaces.com/home

=__3D Printing__= My students and I are starting to use a Printrbot. http://printrbot.com/shop/plus/

=__Programming__= (I have students program animations and games as filler.) This page has lessons that teach how to program animations and games. http://scratch.mit.edu/help/ Here are some lessons I have collected to get students started. Scratch Programming http://sciactivitiespage.wikispaces.com/Scratch+Programming

Random Wikispaces where I keep stuff. I find things with the search box. http://robotstpjhs.wikispaces.com/ http://lifescitpjhs.wikispaces.com/ http://scratch-tpjhs.wikispaces.com/ http://raspberrypitpjhs.wikispaces.com/ http://arduinotpjhs.wikispaces.com/ http://3dprintingtpjhs.wikispaces.com/

I have some of my ideas on using robots at this link: http://stem-tpjhs.wikispaces.com/