Jorge Valenzuela 
Rev Up Robotics [EPUB ebook] 
Real-World Computational Thinking in the K–8 Classroom

Author Jorge Valenzuela lays out the foundational skills of computational thinking required for programming with robotics.
Unlike other robotics books and curriculum,
Rev Up Robotics takes a cross-curricular approach, showing educators how to begin incorporating robotics into their content area lessons and in conjunction with other subjects.
You’ll get an overview of standards-based skills that can be covered in English language arts, math, science, social studies and robotics electives. Teachers also get tips for selecting the robot that works for them and for students, and details on the functions of gears, motors and sensors. Also included is a deep dive into more advanced topics like the intersections of computer science, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering with robotics. Finally, you’ll find advice for getting students involved with competitive robotics, and case studies that offer empirical evidence for using robotics successfully in instruction.
The book:

• Shows how to help students recognize and apply the four elements of computational thinking to familiar situations.


• Provides a pathway from working with visual blocks to programming in C++.


• Discusses building and programming robots, with tips for adding your own code and troubleshooting.


• Demonstrates how to manipulate basic movement to better understand the functions of gears, motors and sensors.

With activities and examples for grade levels K-8, teachers come away with easy-to-implement cross-curricular ideas to engage students in computer science and engineering activities.
Audience: K-8 classroom educators

Mengenai Pengarang

Jorge Valenzuela is both a graduate teaching assistant and doctoral student at Old Dominion University, and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. He’s also a national faculty member for the Buck Institute for Education and a national teacher effectiveness coach for the Engineering by Design curriculum. His work helps educators and learners understand and implement computational thinking, computer science, STEM/STEAM and project-based learning. Valenzuela a recipient of ISTE’s Computer Science Excellence Award and ISTE’s STEM Excellence Award. He also earned the Lynn Barrier Engineering Leadership Award for his contributions to STEM education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.