STEM
Explorations in Robotics
Discover robotics with hands-on projects. Learn sensors, motors, programming, and ethics in this online robotics course.
About the course
Course Overview
Explorations in Robotics introduces students to the exciting world of machines that sense, think, and act. This online, self-paced course is designed for learners with no prior robotics experience who want to understand how robots work and why they matter. Students will explore the essential components of robots, including sensors, processors, motors, and power systems, while also gaining practical skills in programming and design.
Through nine engaging modules, students will examine how robots move, how they gather information through sensors, and how they make decisions through programmed instructions. The course emphasizes hands-on learning by guiding students to design, test, and refine simple robotic models. Alongside technical exploration, students also reflect on the role of robotics in society, considering ethical questions about safety, fairness, and the future of automation.
By the end of the course, students will have developed both conceptual knowledge and practical experience in robotics. This foundation supports further study in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence, while sparking curiosity about real-world applications of robotics in industry, healthcare, and everyday life. As an asynchronous online course, students can work at their own pace while building valuable 21st-century problem-solving and design skills.
By the end of the course
Learning Objectives
- Describe what a robot is and how robots have changed over time using the sense–think–act model.
- Choose the best robot parts—like sensors, motors, and batteries—for different jobs.
- Explain why some robots have wheels, legs, or other ways to move, and how these choices affect what they can do.
- Create and test simple programs that use sensors to help robots make decisions.
- Use the engineering design process to build and improve robots, making sure they are helpful, safe, and fair
Course contents
What You'll Study
Introduction to Robotics
What is a robot? Sense–Think–Act & robot history
Robot Components & Systems
Robot parts: sensors, processors, motors, power
Robot Movement & Locomotion
How robots move: wheels, legs, and more
Robot Sensing
Using sensors to see, hear, and feel
Programming Robots
Writing robot programs with blocks
Engineering Design Process
Steps to design and build your robot
Algorithms & Sensor Programming
Programming robots to make smart choices
Robot Ethics & Society
Making robots safe, fair, and helpful
Future of Robotics & Reflection
What’s next in robotics & your personal growth
Earn your 0.5 credit in Explorations in Robotics
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Excel High School Texas is fully accredited, self-paced, and built for Texas students who want a college-ready diploma without compromise.
