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Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

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

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News

Check out the latest blog posts & news articles from Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy here! We also feature some of our articles at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy page on Medium. 

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Want to know when we've released a new curriculum? What about when we are holding any special training or events? Signing up for the Bot-line Newsletter allows you to stay on track with our latest developments.

 

2024

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Replay System for Virtual Robots

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is thrilled to announce has updated our Virtual SPIKE Prime curriculum to include our new Replay system.
Monday, September 23, 2024

2025 Schedule for Onsite and Live Online Training

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is excited to announce the dates for our 2025 Onsite and Live Online Training! This year, we’ve added something new to all of our training courses—certification not only for the teacher but also for a number of their students. These certifications help teachers gain formal recognition of their skills and provide a structured way to get their students started with robotics.
Wednesday, September 04, 2024

New Anytime Professional Development with SPIKE Essential

We are excited to introduce a brand-new professional development course, specially designed for elementary educators who are passionate about robotics and STEM education. This course isn't just a collection of lessons—it's a thoughtfully crafted experience that will change the way you teach and engage your students with robotics.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024

CoDrone Curriculum

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA) is excited to announce the launch of our latest educational resource: Drone Operations with CoDrone. This curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly growing field of drone technology.
Monday, August 05, 2024

AI and Robotics Workshops at the Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy recently played a role in the Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy, a professional development program designed to immerse educators in the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Hazelwood City in the Streets Event

It was the second attempt at Hazelwood's City In the Streets celebration in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Just a week prior, a severe thunderstorm had postponed the event. Nevertheless, this second attempt was incredibly successful as the community, vendors, and a large assortment of city departments brought free food, fun activities for children, and lots of resources for the neighborhood.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

We have a new online store!

We are proud to announce that our brand new online store is up and running! CMRA has been working on this store for the past few months to create a more streamlined experience for our customers. Take a look!
Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Partners with the International School of Panama to Enhance STEM Education through International Providership

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the International School of Panama (ISP).
Monday, June 03, 2024

Professional Development for Mechanical Foundations with REV DUO Now Available!

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy is excited to unveil our latest professional development program, specifically tailored for educators in the classroom and FTC coaches. The Mechanical Foundations with REV DUO Professional Development, now accessible through Anytime Online Training, introduces participants to the robust and industry-aligned REV DUO building system.

2023

Thursday, February 01, 2024

CMRA runs SMART Robotics Technician program with local charter school

Since the start of the school year of 2023-24, CMRA has been offering the SMART Robotics Technician program at PACS to give students pathways toward a career in robotics. As part of a two year program, students gain experience, using tools, wiring, circuits, assembling a robot, troubleshooting, and many more project based activities.
Sunday, December 03, 2023

Celebrate CSEdWeek with Us!

CSEdWeek is the perfect opportunity to introduce K-12 students to computer science. One of the best ways to do so is through the Hour of Code, which includes activities focused on both coding and AI this year. In support of the CSEdWeek, The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy has contributed two new Hour of Code activities.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Robotics Teacher Training Schedule for 2024

A new year means a new training schedule! We are excited to share our comprehensive robotics teacher training schedule for 2024. We're offering a diverse range of training options, both onsite and online, to fit your learning preferences and needs. I hope that we have the opportunity to work with you and help support your goals in 2024!
Tuesday, October 31, 2023

City of Pittsburgh Proclaims October 31, 2023, “Carnegie Mellon Forging the Future Day”

In a proclamation sponsored by City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, the council declared Tuesday, October 31, 2023, to be "Carnegie Mellon Forging the Future Day" in the City of Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy joined fellow CMU community members to accompany President Farnam Jahanian to the City Council meeting on Tuesday October 31, 2023 to receive the proclamation.
Monday, October 16, 2023

CMRA with WCCC Receives Sub-award for Build Back Better for "AI Tech Training" program

We at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy are proud to announce that we've received a sub-award for Southwestern PA's Build Back Better grant. Through this grant, we are working with Westmoreland County Community College on a program (called "AI Tech Training").
Friday, September 22, 2023

LEGO SPIKE Essential or SPIKE Prime?

Stuck trying to decide if you should purchase LEGO SPIKE Essential or SPIKE Prime kits? Here is some information that might help you make a confident decision.
Friday, September 15, 2023

ACM Interactions - Designing Black Children in Video Games

Many U.S. gamers identify as people of color, but mainstream video games often lack avatar diversity. This lack means racial minority players might struggle to design resonant characters. The choices sometimes only touch on basic aspects of minority groups and can perpetuate stereotypes related to attire and hair. Cultural tools are essential for an inclusive gaming atmosphere. This article explores authentic avatar creation for Black children, emphasizing their multifaceted identities.
Friday, September 01, 2023

Pennsylvania Intermediate Units Visit the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Over 30 Executive Directors and leaders from Pennsylvania's Intermediate Units visited the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy at the National Robotics Engineering Center for an insightful look into the world of robotics and its educational implications.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Virtual Robot Curriculum Updates

In response to your feedback, we've made some big updates to our Virtual Robot Curriculum this summer!
Monday, August 21, 2023

Summer Robotics Training: Empowering the Next Wave of Educators

This summer, the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA) welcomed a diverse group of educators, hailing from various corners of the globe, with a singular aim: to integrate the magic of robotics into their classrooms.
Tuesday, August 01, 2023

Future Ready Academy as an Official Education Partner

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Authorizes Future Ready Academy as an Official Education Partner in Singapore and Indonesia
Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Kids program robots at the Hazelwood Green's Summer Concert Series

Every summer, Hazelwood Local puts together community events at the Hazelwood Green. This past Sunday was the first of several Summer Concert Series events that included live music, activities/games for kids, food trucks, and local vendors selling goods or sharing information or resources.
Monday, June 05, 2023

Explore the Power of Data with SPIKE Prime

Discover the engaging world of data collection and analysis with the SPIKE Prime robotics system, equipping students with valuable skills for interpreting data and solving real-world challenges.
Monday, May 08, 2023

Remake Learning Days 2023 Cobot Coding Games

For the 2023 Remake Learning Days, we presented two of our Cobot Coding Games developed as part of the Player-Programmed-Partner Games Project: Super Slime Battle and Acceleration City
Thursday, May 04, 2023

New Resources for REV Robotics Classrooms and FTC Teams

Classrooms, clubs and robotics teams that use the impressive REV DUO system can now leverage their robotics kits to complete the Mechanical Foundations curriculum, part of our SMART Robotics Technician Program. Students who participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) can also now upload evidence of their experience to earn other credentials from Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy's SMART Robotics Technician Program.
Sunday, April 24, 2022

Digital purchasing for Virtual Licenses, Premium Access, and Certificates available!

Purchasing virtual robot course licenses is now available again! For several months, there was an issue with the connection between CS2N.org and the digital store. That has been restored, and we have also enabled the ability to purchase certificate exam seats through the digital store as well! Purchases will reflect on your CS-STEM Network accounts immediately.
Sunday, March 26, 2023

Our Region's Business: CMRA and Pittsburgh Technical College featured on segment

Dr. Harvey-Smith, President/CEO of Pittsburgh Technical College, and Vu Nguyen, Co-Director of Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA), talked about PTC and CMRA's partnership on Bill Flanagan's Our Region's Business. Take a look at the segment!
Tuesday, March 21, 2023

CMRA, PTC, and Aurora present at the Future Ready Conference in McMurray

Aurora, Pittsburgh Technical College, and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy team up to present the available pathway toward a Robotics Technician career.
Wednesday, March 01, 2023

Renewed for 2023! CMRA Training Referral Program

Do you know any fellow educators who would benefit from one of our certified robotics training courses? Refer them and you will receive $100 credit for use in our Virtual Robot Curriculum or Certifications.
Monday, January 30, 2023

LEGO Education SPIKE App Updates

The new year has brought a lot of changes in the world of SPIKE Prime!
Monday, April 10, 2023

Join Us for an Unforgettable Robotics Training Experience in Pittsburgh this Summer!

Learn from world experts in robotics education in a supportive community how to implement LEGO SPIKE Prime, VEX IQ, VEX V5, or Arduino with Parallax Shieldbot in your classrooms and clubs. Enjoy a bit of your summer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the robotics capital of the world.