Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Use educational affordances of robotics to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners

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LEGO SPIKE Prime Anytime Online Training

Enjoy the convenience of taking Robotics Academy courses from anywhere in the world and at your own pace, with support and guidance from our highly qualified instructors. Anytime Online classes feature a hybrid learning model where participants receive just-in-time instructional videos as they work through course content in our learning management system. 

In this training, you will learn how to teach fundamental coding concepts using the LEGO SPIKE Prime Set. Tuition includes online access to the CS-STEM Network and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy training materials. To follow along with this course, you will need access to a LEGO SPIKE Prime Set and some inexpensive classroom materials (not included with tuition). 

The LEGO SPIKE Prime Anytime Online Training equips teachers with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement the Fundamentals of Coding with SPIKE Prime curriculum in their classrooms. This training prepares educators to introduce elementary students to coding and STEM concepts through engaging activities using the LEGO SPIKE Prime kit. Teachers will learn how to guide students in building and programming robots, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of real-world coding applications. The training also emphasizes the integration of coding exercises with unplugged activities, ensuring students develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities through playful exploration.

Supported Competitions and Programs

Teachers and coaches who support students in robotics competitions, such as FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and World Robot Olympiad (WRO), will find the course invaluable for gaining knowledge, techniques, and community. The course offers a practical approach to learning, with a focus on hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises that will help educators better understand the concepts and develop effective teaching strategies.

Alignment with Standards

Our courses are aligned to:

  • CSTA LogoComputer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Standards
  • National Research Council Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
  • Common Core Mathematics Standards (CCSS)
  • College Board Computer Science Principles (CSP) Framework
  • Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCELA)
  • International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards
  • International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Standards

By taking this course, teachers can gain a range of benefits, including customizable learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to earn professional development credits and a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certification. Most importantly, the course empowers teachers to effectively teach robotics and CS-STEM concepts, helping their students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.

Syllabus

Session 1: Introduction

– Pedagogy
– Course Logistics
– LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime
– Programming Software
– Downloading and Running Code
– Programming the Hub
– Moving Forward

Session 2: Moving & Mathematics

LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime Programs
– Robot Math: Proportionality and Movement
– Movement and Turning
– Arm Control
– Movement Challenges

Session 3: Robot Sensors

– What is a robot?
– Sensors: Distance, Color, and Force
– Program Flow
– Robot Decision Making: “Wait for…” Behaviors
– Sensor Challenges

Session 4: Decision Making

– Loops
– If-Else/Decisions
– Repeated Decisions: Discrete
– Repeated Decisions: Continuous
– Obstacle Detection and Line Following

Session 5: Planning and Troubleshooting

– Troubleshooting for Student Understanding
– Planning, Pseudocode, and Process
– Search and Rescue Challenge
– Using CS2N for our Classrooms

1. Eligibility

  • Courses are open to individuals 18 years of age or older who are educators, coaches, or professionals.

  • International enrollment is subject to applicable U.S. export control laws and may be restricted where prohibited.

  • CMRA reserves the right to verify eligibility and decline enrollment or remove participants who provide false information or violate these policies.


2. Registration & Payment

  • Each registration is valid for one participant only.

  • Course materials, recordings, and login credentials are non-transferable. Other educators from the same school or organization must register separately to gain access.

  • Registrants must provide accurate, current information during registration.

  • Payment may be made via credit card or institutional purchase order. Contact cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu for purchase order arrangements.

  • Payments processed through the CMRA online store are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee, deducted from any applicable refund.


3. Refund Policy

  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu .

  • Requests made at least 14 calendar days prior to the class start date will receive a refund, minus the 3% processing fee.

  • No refunds will be issued once:

    • A class is full, or

    • The request is made within 14 calendar days of the class start date.


4. Course Cancellation or Changes

  • CMRA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to low enrollment, instructor availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • If a course is canceled, registrants will be offered:

    • A full refund (minus applicable processing fees), or

    • The option to transfer to a future session. Participants who choose to transfer to a future session waive their right to request a refund for that registration.

  • Instructors, schedules, and course content are subject to change.


5. Health Policy for In-Person Trainings

  • Participants should not attend onsite training if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.

  • CMRA will make every effort to provide:

    • Substitute online access to training materials, or

    • Placement in a future training cohort (if available) at no additional cost, provided advance notice is given where possible.


6. Technology Requirements (Online Courses)

  • Participants are responsible for having:

    • A reliable computer and stable internet connection,

    • A modern web browser, and

    • Any required hardware and software specified in the course description.

  • Internet access and bandwidth costs are the responsibility of the participant. CMRA is not liable for disruptions caused by a participant’s technical limitations or network issues.


7. Course Materials & Copyright

  • All course materials are the intellectual property of CMRAUnauthorized sharing, duplication, or redistribution of course materials is prohibited.

  • Materials are provided for personal, non-commercial use only by the registered participant.

  • Printing or downloading materials is allowed solely for participation in the course or for approved instructional use as outlined by CMRA.

  • Recordings and course presentations are hosted for up to one year after course completion. Participants are responsible for downloading any materials they wish to keep long-term.


8. Code of Conduct

  • Participants must treat instructors and peers with professionalism and respect.

  • Harassment, discriminatory behavior, or academic dishonesty will result in immediate removal from the course without refund.

  • Unauthorized access or distribution of course materials is grounds for removal and potential denial of future registration.


9. Accessibility and Accommodations

  • CMRA is committed to providing inclusive learning opportunities.

  • Requests for accommodations must be submitted in writing to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu at least one month before the course begins.

  • Services may be modified or withdrawn if participants fail to engage or participate as required for delivery of accommodations.


10. Privacy and Data Use

  • Personal information (such as name, mailing address, or email) provided during registration is used only to administer courses, respond to inquiries, and provide CMRA updates.

  • In online chat areas, participants should be aware that their username or email may be visible to others.

  • CMRA will not share personal data with third parties except as required by law or legal process.


11. Coursework Use

  • CMRA may use coursework produced by students to advance its educational mission or for research purposes.

  • When this occurs, participants will be given the option to have their name credited to the material.


12. Certification and Completion

  • Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of all course requirements, including:

    • Completion of all required assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor, and

    • Passing the certification exam, where applicable.

  • Certificates are issued digitally and are not equivalent to CMU academic credit, unless explicitly stated.


13. Indemnification

  • Participants agree to indemnify and hold CMRA harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from their participation in the course, including infringement of third-party rights.


14. Limitation of Liability

  • All services and materials are provided “as is.”

  • CMRA is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to course participation.


15. Policy Revisions

  • Policies are subject to change.

  • The most current version will always be made available on the CMRA registration site or learning platform.


Contact

For questions or clarification, please email cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu.