STEM

Explorations in Robotics

Discover robotics with hands-on projects. Learn sensors, motors, programming, and ethics in this online robotics course.

0.5 CreditsGrades 6–8100% OnlineSelf-Paced9 ModulesMiddle School

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

01Module

Introduction to Robotics

What is a robot? Sense–Think–Act & robot history

02Module

Robot Components & Systems

Robot parts: sensors, processors, motors, power

03Module

Robot Movement & Locomotion

How robots move: wheels, legs, and more

04Module

Robot Sensing

Using sensors to see, hear, and feel

05Module

Programming Robots

Writing robot programs with blocks

06Module

Engineering Design Process

Steps to design and build your robot

07Module

Algorithms & Sensor Programming

Programming robots to make smart choices

08Module

Robot Ethics & Society

Making robots safe, fair, and helpful

09Module

Future of Robotics & Reflection

What’s next in robotics & your personal growth

Earn your 0.5 credit in Explorations in Robotics

Accredited. Self-paced. Built for Texas students.

Start this semester

Earn credit. On your schedule.

Excel High School Texas is fully accredited, self-paced, and built for Texas students who want a college-ready diploma without compromise.