K’NEX Education is featuring its TechnoK-NEX Computer Control System at this week’s 22nd annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in San Antonio, TX. The system is curriculum supported classroom sets designed to help students in grades 1-9 master robotics and computer control.
Using TechnoK’NEX, students can explore how the use of robotics is essential to the operation of modern machines. Young programmers can write procedures on how to direct a robot to pick up and carry objects on a simulated space station; a crane to clear a construction site; a drawbridge to open and close (according to traffic patterns); and more.
With everything in one box, teachers in grades 1-9 can experiment with robots that have up to four different articulated movements. Whatever logical behaviors the students program into the computer, the robotic models they build can perform with precision and ease, according to K’NEX Education.
The 3D, open design of the robotic models gives students a clear view of the models’ internal workings, they said. And the sets include an interdisciplinary curriculum that links the robotic creations to technology, math, science, language arts and other subject areas through activities based on real world situations. Every set includes educator guides, building instructions, student activity cards, reference cards, software manual and resource guide.
TechnoK’NEX provides an interactive environment using computer control technology, Mac compatible software and flexible construction materials. It’s compatible with the traditional Mac operating system back to Mac OS 7.5; however, it hasn’t been Carbonized for Mac OS X. The system includes a radio-frequency computer interface, four levels of icon-based control software, K’NEX parts and motors, lights and sensors and color-coded building instructions for large, motorized educational models. The curriculum for the sets include open-ended programming activities for all models and software levels, reference cards, correlating educator guides and a software manual.
TechnoK’NEX sets are available through a variety of educational catalogers and retailers. Prices may vary among them. Go to the K’NEX Education Web site for details.