Field Trips

• Develop and apply algorithms to program a robot to complete a series of tasks and navigate an obstacle course.
• Break complex problems into smaller steps and develop solutions using computational thinking.
• Test, debug, and refine code based on observations and performance.
• Apply mathematical concepts including measurement, distance, angles, timing, spatial reasoning, and data analysis.
• Apply the engineering design process by brainstorming, designing, building, testing, evaluating, and improving a solution.
• Analyze constraints and trade-offs when determining the most effective design and programming strategy.
• Collaborate effectively by assuming specialized roles, communicating ideas, sharing responsibilities, and solving problems as a team.
• Use creativity and design thinking to develop an engaging and functional futuristic baseball-themed environment.
• Connect STEM skills to real-world careers in engineering, computer science, mathematics, technology, and design.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Computer Science & Design Thinking:

• 8.1.5.AP.3 — Algorithms & Programming 
  • Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals to solve problems.
• 8.1.5.AP.4 — Algorithms & Programming 
  • Break down problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems to facilitate program development.
• 8.1.5.AP.6 — Algorithms & Programming - 
  • Develop programs using an iterative process involving testing, debugging, and refinement.
• 8.1.5.DA.1 — Data & Analysis
  • Collect and organize data to identify patterns and support problem-solving.
• 8.2.5.ED.2 — Engineering Design
  • Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and evaluate potential solutions.
• 8.2.5.ED.4 — Engineering Design
  • Explain factors that influence the development of a product or solution, including criteria, constraints, resources, and desired features.
• 8.2.5.ED.6 — Engineering Design
  • Evaluate and test alternative solutions based on relevant criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.
• 8.2.5.NT.3 — Nature of Technology
  • Redesign and modify technological solutions based on testing, feedback, and identified needs.

By the end of the experience, students will be able to:

• Explore the physics of baseball by examining how force, motion, speed, and trajectory influence athletic performance.
• Apply mathematical concepts to real-world sports scenarios, including measurement, averages, ratios, and quantitative reasoning.
• Calculate and interpret batting averages using baseball card statistics and understand how data can be used to evaluate performance.
• Investigate technology in sports by exploring how radar and laser systems measure and analyze athletic performance.
• Collect, compare, and interpret data to identify patterns and draw conclusions about players' performance.
• Connect science and mathematics to interactive experiences through the PITCH! video game installation and other hands-on activities.
• Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by making predictions, testing ideas, and analyzing results.
• Recognize real-world STEM applications in sports science, data analytics, engineering, technology, and athletic performance.

• Grade 5 — 5.NBT.B.7: Perform operations with decimals to hundredths, supporting calculations involving sports statistics and performance data.
• Grade 6 — 6.RP.A.3: Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world problems, including comparisons of athletic performance.
• Grade 6 — 6.SP.B.5: Summarize numerical data sets, including measures of center and variability, to interpret player statistics.
• Grade 7 — 7.RP.A.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships, including comparisons of sports statistics.

By the end of the experience, students will be able to:

• Apply computational thinking to design, code, test, and debug programs that control a Sphero robot.
• Use mathematics to measure and calculate distance, elapsed time, speed, and race performance.
• Explore physics concepts related to motion, acceleration, friction, and the factors that influence a robot's movement.
• Apply the engineering design process by developing a racing strategy, testing performance, and refining solutions.
• Collect and analyze data to compare race times, evaluate performance, identify patterns, and improve results.
• Collaborate effectively by sharing responsibilities, communicating ideas, and working toward a common goal.
• Demonstrate sportsmanship through fair competition, respect for teammates, and constructive responses to success and setbacks.
• Connect past and present technologies by exploring how robotics and coding relate to the history of automobile racing at Hinchliffe Stadium.

• Computer Science & Design Thinking — NJSLS 8.1 and 8.2
• 8.1.5.AP.3 — Algorithms & Programming: Create programs using sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
• 8.1.5.AP.4 — Algorithms & Programming: Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
• 8.1.5.AP.6 — Algorithms & Programming: Develop, test, debug, and refine programs through an iterative process.
• 8.1.5.DA.1 — Data & Analysis: Collect, organize, and display data to identify relationships and support problem-solving.
• 8.2.5.ED.2 — Engineering Design: Collaborate with peers to brainstorm, solve problems, and evaluate solutions.
• 8.2.5.ED.6 — Engineering Design: Test and evaluate alternative solutions using criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.
• Mathematics — NJSLS 5–12
• 5.MD.A.1 (Grade 5): Convert measurements within a given measurement system to solve real-world problems.
• 6.RP.A.3 (Grade 6): Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world problems, including calculating speed.
• 7.RP.A.2 (Grade 7): Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.
• 8.F.B.4 (Grade 8): Construct functions to model relationships between quantities, such as distance and time.
• HSF-IF.B.4 (High School): Interpret key features of functions in terms of quantities and their context, such as a robot's motion over time.
• Science & Engineering — NJSLS-S
• 3-PS2-1 (Elementary connection): Investigate how balanced and unbalanced forces affect an object's motion.
• MS-PS2-2 (Middle School): Investigate how forces and an object's mass affect changes in motion.
• MS-ETS1-3 (Middle School): Analyze test data to compare design solutions and identify improvements.
• HS-ETS1-3 (High School): Evaluate solutions to complex real-world problems using criteria and constraints.

By the end of the experience, students will be able to:

• Explore coding and computational thinking by creating instructions, identifying patterns, and solving challenges with interactive technology.
• Experiment with robotics and programming to understand how commands and algorithms control digital and physical actions.
• Apply creative problem-solving to investigate challenges, test ideas, and develop solutions using different technology tools.
• Engage in engineering design by experimenting, troubleshooting, and improving solutions through trial and error.
• Recognize connections between technology and learning by discussing how interactive tools can support creativity, collaboration, and understanding.
• Collaborate with peers by sharing ideas, communicating strategies, and working together to complete challenges.
• Develop digital literacy by exploring how hardware, software, sensors, and interactive interfaces work together.
• Reflect on technology's potential to enhance learning, accessibility, engagement, and real-world problem-solving.

• Computer Science & Design Thinking — NJSLS 8.1 and 8.2
• 8.1.5.AP.1 — Algorithms & Programming: Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is most appropriate.
• 8.1.5.AP.3 — Algorithms & Programming: Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
• 8.1.5.AP.4 — Algorithms & Programming: Break down problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems.
• 8.1.5.AP.6 — Algorithms & Programming: Develop programs through iterative testing, debugging, and refinement.
• 8.2.5.ED.2 — Engineering Design: Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and evaluate solutions.
• 8.2.5.ED.6 — Engineering Design: Evaluate and test alternative solutions using criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.
• Science & Engineering — NJSLS-S
• 3-5-ETS1-1 (Grades 3–5): Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want, including criteria for success and constraints.
• 3-5-ETS1-2 (Grades 3–5): Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each meets the criteria and constraints.
• MS-ETS1-2 (Grades 6–8): Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet criteria and constraints.
• HS-ETS1-3 (Grades 9–12): Evaluate solutions to complex real-world problems based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs.
• Mathematics — NJSLS-M
• Mathematical Practices MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Mathematical Practices MP3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Mathematical Practices MP4: Model with mathematics.
• Mathematical Practices MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

By the end of the experience, students will be able to:

• Apply computational thinking to develop algorithms and code robotic movements through a series of challenges.
• Break complex problems into manageable steps and use logical reasoning to develop effective solutions.
• Apply mathematics through measurement, distance, angles, timing, spatial reasoning, and performance analysis.
• Use the engineering design process to plan, construct, test, evaluate, and improve an obstacle course.
• Test, debug, and refine programs based on observations, feedback, and robot performance.
• Analyze design constraints and trade-offs to improve the robot's accuracy, efficiency, and ability to navigate obstacles.
• Collaborate in specialized team roles while communicating ideas, sharing responsibilities, and working toward a common goal.
• Demonstrate creativity and persistence by experimenting with alternative approaches and learning from unsuccessful attempts.
• Explore STEM career connections in computer science, robotics, engineering, mathematics, and digital design.

• Computer Science & Design Thinking — NJSLS 8.1 and 8.2
• 8.1.5.AP.3 — Algorithms & Programming: Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
• 8.1.5.AP.4 — Algorithms & Programming: Break down problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems.
• 8.1.5.AP.6 — Algorithms & Programming: Develop, test, debug, and refine programs through an iterative process.
• 8.1.5.DA.1 — Data & Analysis: Collect, organize, and display data to identify relationships and support problem-solving.
• 8.2.5.ED.2 — Engineering Design: Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and evaluate solutions.
• 8.2.5.ED.4 — Engineering Design: Consider criteria, constraints, resources, and desired features when developing solutions.
• 8.2.5.ED.6 — Engineering Design: Test and evaluate alternative solutions based on criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.
• Science & Engineering — NJSLS-S
• 3-5-ETS1-1 (Elementary connection): Define design problems with criteria for success and constraints.
• MS-ETS1-2 (Middle School): Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process.
• MS-ETS1-3 (Middle School): Analyze test data to compare design solutions and identify improvements.
• HS-ETS1-3 (High School): Evaluate solutions to complex real-world problems using prioritized criteria and trade-offs.
• Mathematics — NJSLS-M
• Mathematical Practices MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Mathematical Practices MP3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Mathematical Practices MP4: Model with mathematics.
• Mathematical Practices MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

By the end of the experience, students will be able to:

• Create digital media using graphic design tools to communicate ideas through visual content, layouts, and presentations.
• Apply visual design principles including color, typography, composition, and visual hierarchy to create engaging media.
• Plan and develop a podcast by identifying an audience, selecting a topic, organizing ideas, and writing a script.
• Practice audio storytelling by recording and editing content to inform, entertain, or inspire an audience.
• Communicate effectively by adapting messages for different audiences, purposes, and media formats.
• Use technology creatively and responsibly while considering copyright, attribution, accessibility, and appropriate use of digital assets.
• Apply critical thinking and revision skills by reviewing media products, incorporating feedback, and improving their work.
• Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ideas, share production responsibilities, and provide constructive feedback.
• Explore media-related careers in graphic design, podcasting, journalism, marketing, communications, and digital content creation.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts — Media Arts

• 1.2.5.Cr1a (Grade 5): Generate ideas for media artworks using a variety of tools, methods, and materials.
• 1.2.5.Cr2a (Grade 5): Develop plans for media artworks through exploration and experimentation.
• 1.2.8.Cr1a (Grade 8): Generate ideas, goals, and solutions for original media artworks using a variety of methods.
• 1.2.8.Cr3a (Grade 8): Implement production processes to refine and complete media artworks.
• 1.2.12.Cr3a (High School): Apply constructive feedback, revisions, and production processes to refine media artworks.
• New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts — NJSLS-ELA
• W.5.6 (Grade 5): Use technology to produce and publish writing and interact and collaborate with others.
• SL.5.5 (Grade 5): Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to enhance main ideas or themes.
• W.8.6 (Grade 8): Use technology to produce and publish writing and present relationships between information and ideas.
• SL.8.5 (Grade 8): Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information and emphasize key points.
• W.11-12.6 (High School): Use technology to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback.
• New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Computer Science & Design Thinking
• 8.1.5.IC.1 — Impacts of Computing: Identify computing technologies that have changed the world and express how those technologies influence, and are influenced by, cultural practices.
• 8.1.5.DA.1 — Data & Analysis: Collect, organize, and display data to highlight relationships and support problem-solving.