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TETRIX ROBOTICS
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A robotics kit that allows students to create modular, preconfigured designs or design their own.

Options to control robots via radio control or create

autonomous robots using the brain from a Lego robotics
kit.

Tetrix are durable and made from aircraft grade aluminum.

Robotics kits are capable of simulating real-life robotics

applications such as:
Search and rescue
Interplanetary exploration
Mining and excavation

Technical support and troubleshooting provided through

Pitsco.

Teachers guides and builders guides for classroom

troubleshooting.

ROBOTICS KITS
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Includes powerful drive motors for robot control.

Parts are interchangeable for kit expansion.

Servos and grippers in addition to motors allow robots to

interact with their environments.

Tetrix robots include lesson plan ideas and competitions

through the manufacturer.

Basic parts can be cut or drilled for further customization.

TETRIX WITH R/C CONTOLLERS

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Class kit is equipped with a basic electronics set-up of:

Two basic motors for driving wheels
Two motors for gripper
Connected through a y-connector

Robots are flexible to connect differently based on designs

and needs.

Electronics connect flexible with hook and look panels.

Electronics connect to one another using basic wiring.

TETRIX WITH LEGO CONTROLLERS

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Tetrix allows for use with Lego NXT or EV3 computer

controllers bricks.

Lego controllers use the same software with Tetrix as with

regular Lego kits.

Tetrix kit allows use of all Lego motors and sensors.

Creates a doubling of the uses for each robotics kit (Tetrix

and Lego).

Students can build with Tetrix and program with Lego.

BENEFITS OF TETRIX ROBOTICS

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Students are allowed the freedom to innovate in robot

designs.

Robots are built with tools, so students obtain experience

using tools.

Tetrix robots rely on a more standard chasis and body

system than other systems. This allows students to become
familiar with such systems.

Tetrix offers builders and teachers guides for

troubleshooting and lesson planning.

Simple enough for use by sixth grade, but scalable to use

with seventh or eighth.

Provides engagement and motivation for underperforming

students.

TETRIX IN SCHOOLS
Science

Math

Technology

Other

Force and
motion
Simple
machines
Newtons laws

Geometric
modeling
Circumference
Gear ratios
Data
compilation
and analysis

Systems
Design and
problem
solving
Mechanical
advantage

Teamwork
Communicatio
n skills
Collaboration
Consensus
building

TETRIX AND ISTE STANDARDS

Tetrix robotics allow students to reach the following ISTE
standards:
Creativity and innovation through innovative robotics designs.
Communication and collaboration through working in teams to
complete challenges and solve problems.
Research and information fluency through learning about the kits and
troubleshooting.
Critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making through
completion of challenges and competitions and self-directed learning
about the kits.
Technology operations and concepts through learning about robotic
and electrical systems.

LEARNING GOALS AND TETRIX

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Tetrix allows students to become self-directed learners by working in

teams to build robots, customize them for particular tasks and use
them to solve problems or complete challenges.

Students use higher order thinking skills from the upper levels of
Blooms taxonomy and depth of knowledge levels three and four in
assessing the needs to solve a problem, planning a robot for that
task, creating that robot, and controlling it through solving the
problem.

Students practice their teamwork and collaboration skills by working

in teams to find the consensus solution for a problem and enact that
solution.

Challenges and problems posed and solved using Tetrix robots

provide a natural problem-based learning environment.

COST OF TETRIX ROBOTICS

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Tetrix class pack - $2,850

Include enough parts and supplies for five robots
and a class or 30 students.
Four class packs would provide one for each computer
lab and one to be checked out independently.
TOTAL $11,400
Possible sources of funding:
Local, state or federal grants for Technology or STEM
PTA/PTSA/PTO support
Private donors
SPLOST funds
School budget (Science or Technology)

IMPLEMENTING TETRIX
1. Assess and
research the
Tetrix products.

2. Acquire
funding and
purchase Tetrix
kits.

6. Teachers evaluate
success of Tetrix
products and
lessons and proceed
back to step 3 or 4
as needed.
5. Train students on
the use of Tetrix kits
and implement
lessons in science,
math and
technology classes.

4. Science, math
and technology
teachers work
together to plan
lessons integrating
Tetrix.

3. Train science,
math and
technology
teachers on the
use of the Tetrix
kits.

ROBOTICS IN THE LITERATURE

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Eguchi found that using robotics in class increased students

acquisition of 21st century citizenship skills such as
collaboration and teamwork, communication skills, creative
thinking, and critical thinking.

Altin and Pedaste concluded that the use of robotics assesses

the problem-solving and critical thinking skills of students.
Robotics in the classroom also offer interesting real-life
challenges that motivate and engage students.

Altin and Pedaste found that the use of robotics in science

education encouraged students of both genders to take a
further interest in science.

Eguchi found that the use of robotics engaged and motivated

students with disabilities and ELL students to work in groups
and solve problems.

REFLECTION
Through my research on the Tetrix robotics system, I have become
convinced that it offers an ideal balance of ease of use and
flexibility for creativity. My school already has several Lego EV3
robotics kits, and the fact that the Tetrix kits would be able to work
together with the Lego kits offers a great deal of flexibility. While the
cost of the classroom starter kits is relatively high, students working
in groups would allow for one classroom pack to serve an entire
class while also improving their teamwork and collaboration skills.
During the research and evaluation process, I was able to weigh the
benefits of the technology product, in this case the Tetrix kits, with
the costs of the kits while considering possible sources of funding
for the initial cost of purchase. I also learned of other considerations
of which I had not initially been aware such as technical support and
troubleshooting. Overall, I think that I gained valuable skills in
identifying, assessing, and evaluating new technologies for use in
schools.

RESOURCES
Altin, H. & Pedaste, M. (2013). Learning approaches to applying robotics
in science education. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 12(3), 365377. ISSN: 1648-3898
Eguchi, A. (2014). Educational robotics for promoting 21st century skills.
Journal of Automation, Mobile Robotics & Intelligent Systems, 8 (1), 511. Doi: 10.14313/jamris;_1-2014/1
http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/
http://
www.pitsco.com/Robotics/TETRIX/Multi-Student_Packs/TETRIX_Class_P
ack
http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-students