2010-11 Connecting Mathematics to Other Subject Areas Grants (9-12) Recipient

Rigor, Relevance and Robots 

Research shows that some students need practical applications to help motivate them to learn abstract concepts. By relating mathematics to the fields of engineering and computer programming, students will learn how the mathematics they are learning will help them solve problems they may encounter in the future. Robotics usually hold an especially strong interest for high school students because it is related to gaming and computers, an increasingly popular pastime for most adolescents. Motivating the students will increase their curiosity and stamina in problem solving. The planning and programming aspect of the project will require knowledge in algebra, geometry and logic. Since artificial intelligence is becoming increasing lucrative and popular as a career opportunity, this project will benefit students in the workforce, as well as during their academic career.