We offer a comprehensive pathway that begins with an optional summer workshop for middle schoolers, introducing younger students to the fundamentals of robotics in a fun and engaging environment. For Choate students, we provide introductory and intermediate academic courses that build foundational skills and foster curiosity, while allowing students to progress at their own pace. For those with a deep passion and aptitude for robotics, the Advanced Robotics Concentration (ARC) signature program offers an intensive, hands-on experience focused on advanced concepts, innovation, and leadership in the field. By offering diverse entry points and pathways, we ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students—regardless of background or experience—can develop their skills, explore their interests, and grow into confident leaders and innovators in STEM.
CS300 – Intro to Robotics
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics using the VEX platform. Students learn to design and build robots, to program autonomous behaviors, and to use sensors to improve their robots’ abilities to interact with their environment. This course serves as an introduction to aspects of computer programming and covers such fundamental topics as program design and control, looping, and Boolean logic. Prior programming experience is not necessary. Open to all students.
CS310 – Robotics II
This course in robotics builds on the fundamentals introduced in CS300, but students are expected to complete more advanced projects with greater autonomy. The design development process is further explored, and students learn to use more complex programming structures. In addition to the VEX platform, students may also be introduced to other robotics systems. Open to students who have completed CS300 or have the permission of the department.
CS450HO – ROBOTICS DESIGN AND FABRICATION
This course teaches students how to manage a project and design mechanical, electrical and programmable systems. Rather than working in predefined robotic environments (such as VEX), students use a variety of materials and systems to create their own robots from the ground up. Programmable microcontrollers provide a flexible environment that can be applied to many robotics projects and will be the main source of control logic. Students are expected to design and fabricate custom components. Important skills practiced in this class include: soldering, testing circuitry, CAD design, wiring, electrical prototyping with a breadboard, fabrication with power tools, programming with appropriate languages, and project management. Open to students who are in ARC or, as space is available, to students who have completed CS310 or have the permission of the department.
CS560HO – COMPETITION ROBOTICS
This course includes all of the preparation ARC students complete to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Initially, students familiarize themselves with the typical components of a competition robot, while exploring how to best organize themselves into an effectively functioning team. Once the FRC game is revealed in January, the intensive build period begins. Students strategize how to approach the game and rapidly begin to prototype mechanisms for specific tasks. Testing and refining their designs, as well as adding and debugging appropriate programming, are continuously done until the end of the build period. Throughout the term, students, as a group, fully document their build and design process, and, individually, record their progress and reflections in their personal journals. Students practice communicating their ideas, in writing, drawings, or orally, throughout their work in the lab and at competitions. Open to students who have completed CS450HO and are in ARC.
CS570HO – AUTONOMOUS ROBOTICS
This course builds upon the work completed during the fall term course CS450. Students use a robot to explore autonomous tasks, including navigating, mapping, and solving mazes. Using sensors and encoders, students design automatic control and management systems which analyze and interpret feedback and provide programmed responses in robot behavior. A focus is placed on using organized and clear structure in programming as well as careful debugging of work. Open to students who are in ARC or, as space is available, to students who have completed CS450HO, CS550HO, or have the permission of the department.
CS575HO – ADV. ROBOTICS DESIGN AND FABRICATION
This course continues to build upon the work completed during the fall term course CS450. Students are expected to build advanced robotic mechanisms and programming to build fully functional robots. Open to students who have completed CS450HO or CS570HO.
Want to take a class?
Interested students should talk to their adviser/dean about adding a robotics elective to their schedule. Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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