- Joined
- Jul 16, 2016
- Messages
- 455
Yeah I wasn't suggesting a robotics program either. It tends to be expensive to start with. But the one I proposed and was involved in for quite some time is run by a non profit foundation (SAE Foundation) with grants from the National Science Foundation and of course lots of automotive companies.
Yep agreed, that's why I like the AWIM program enough to have been a volunteer for a number of years. They do request, when possible that there is an industry volunteer to help out the teacher. On the alignment with the curriculum, the AWIM programs are aligned with the US national curriculum and many of the states'. They also have a chart somewhere, specifying which part of the curriculum and specific topic is covered. Plus it is encouraged that the teacher work with the volunteer to align the activities with the specific classrooms.
What I really like is that each of the AWIM program is modular. Meaning that it's not about sitting down and making something in one sitting. But there are a number of steps the kids have to take in order to get there. It could be a classroom activity (doable in 30 minutes) on friction, then something about propulsion, then something about force, etc. As a matter of fact, the teacher can choose not to do the final product but just use the various activities included as part of their classroom teaching.
The classroom materials are typically non consumables and if they are they're not expensive or common items that the teachers can purchase themselves from many different sources. The initial cost is to get the curriculum materials and 1 set of classroom kit. You can actually get just the curriculum materials (once you have it, you can just use it forever by making copies, etc). You can go here to look at the prices: http://awim.sae.org/teachers/apply/
For commercial programs, you're right. I've seen many curriculum programs that cost thousands of dollars. And even this program won't be able to make systematic changes. It all depends on the teachers and parents and the community. But I really do think that this is a great program for most schools. They're not making any money off the kits. If you go to the link above for the prices, and go to the most expensive kit (pinball one) at $2120, it comes with enough classroom kits to be used by 24 teams. The same curriculum, in the basic edition comes with enough classroom kits for 4 teams at $440 cost. At about $110 per student team, and let's say 4 students per team, that's less than $30 per student.
You're right, they're soliciting donations. Because they continue to come up with new curriculums and programs and they have a whole office working on taking orders, attending conferences and putting on teacher's workshops, etc.
Now, granted I may be biased because I've been involved in this program even at the national level for at least 10 years. But I don't think they're that bad, are they?
