Each semester, educator Andrew Osterhaus’s students combine mechanical, electronics, and computer science education in his “Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering” course. The projects are demonstrated at the year-end student symposium along with a slide show for the parents. Congratulations to Mr. Osterhaus and his motivated students!
In California, his course is a University of California-approved laboratory science. Every project uses the Propeller Activity Board WX. Motors, sensors, artwork, video production, success and failure, and presentation are incorporated into the program.
Having worked with microcontrollers in education for over 25 years and earning my own [preliminary] California Career Technology Education (CTE) credential, I view Andrew’s class being a model for success that can be used in other high school programs.
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
P.S. If you are interested in what a successful university mechatronics program looks like, take a look at how Gavin Garner runs his course at University of Virginia.
