DTEACh Teacher Training - Summer Institutes
Robotics Institutes
The DTEACh Robotics Summer Institute is a cutting-edge training program that teaches engineering design using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology. Over the past nine years more than 400 Central Texas educators have completed the Robotics and Automation Summer Institute and gone on to integrate engineering design principles into lessons ranging from science and math to literature.
- NXT Teacher Training Materials: View the 2007 training materials, including NXT building and programming instructions.
- RCX Teacher Training Materials: Download the 2006 (RCX) DTEACh training binder, with RCX building and programming instructions.
Engineering Fundamentals Institutes
Prior to 2000, DTEACh focused on engineering fundamentals. During the academic year, teachers attended eight Saturday sessions to learn about a range of engineering fundamentals, including engineering design methodology, mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, vectors, introductory trigonometry), materials science (e.g., types of materials, properties of materials, material selection), statics (e.g., free-body diagrams, forces and moments, equilibrium), solid mechanics (e.g., elasticity, tension, compression), and mechanisms and machine components (e.g., linkages, cams, gears). During the following summer, participants then attended nine sessions over three weeks to learn about work and energy (e.g., elastic potential energy, gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, friction), fluid mechanics (e.g., properties of fluids, hydrostatics, buoyancy, pumps and valves, Bernoulli's equation), and electricity (e.g., resistive circuits, Ohm's law, switches and relays).
