Robotics: Level B

Description: Ready to take your 6th - 8th grade students' electronics and programming skills to the next level? Level B is the second level in the Introduction to Robotics series. This course is designed to build on the electronics and programming skills learned in Introduction to Robotics: Level A. Students will expand their knowledge of coding to control electrical components including projects involving integrated circuits, switches, and sensors. Students will be introduced to electrical engineering concepts such as Ohm’s Law, voltage and current regulation, inductance principles and will learn to recognize basic component symbols on circuit diagrams. This class follows Introduction to Robotics: Level A, and it is a great way to prepare students for high school STEM and Technology classes.

*Prerequisite: Robotics: Level A

LEVEL B SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Work administratively with files, folders, and directories.
Continue to expand coding knowledge to include functions, advanced list commands, logical operators, while
true loops, advanced string techniques, try/except/finally, and multithreaded operations.
Understand pulse width modulation.
Learn to work with new types of switches, a matrix-style keypad, potentiometers, phototransistors,
infrared sensors, RFID readers, temperature sensors, an I2C display, and ultrasonic range sensors.
Learn to use Github and adjust for various versions of Python.
Work with an analog-to-digital converter integrated circuit.
Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electrical circuits and computer programs.
Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle projects found online.

REQUIREMENTS

Supplies Needed:
Level B Classroom Component Kit from 42 Electronics ($59):*This is a supplement to the Level A kit – students will need Level B kit AND Level A kit
Toolbox/Carrier for component parts
2 AA Batteries
Some additional parts/supplies may be needed over the course of the class (such as batteries)
Copy/Supply fee: $30.00 (due to coordinating instructor, Phil Snipes or John Wolfgang, at Orientation or at the first class)
Annual tuition: $400.00 ($40.00/month for 10 months, August- May, or $45/month if prorated or on a 9-month payment plan)
(2024-2025)

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Phil Snipes & John Wolfgang

Phil Snipes
B.A. Computer Science - Database Technologies
B.A. Electrical Engineering

Phil Snipes is excited to join Bridge Academy to teach our students Robotics: Level B and Robotics: Level C. He has a background in electrical, computer, and software engineering, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science – database technologies from Strayer University. He is currently working in the Information Technology sphere as a Senior Data Engineer for Chesterfield County Government and possess over 25 years of programming and database experience. During his time in the US Navy, he attained an associates degree in Electrical Engineering and worked on varied electronic equipment such as LF, HF, UHF, and EHF transceivers, RADAR and Satellite communications equipment as well as computer Mainframe, desktop and server repair.

Phil is a technology enthusiast and all-around geek. He enjoys spending time with family and sharing Bible-based Christian Apologetics subject matter with whoever will listen. He also enjoys outdoor exploration and is currently am serving as the Troop Master for Trail Life Troop VA-1782 which meets at Second Branch Baptist Church on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM. (Yes, that was a shameless plug and an invitation for all young men to join them!) Phil's wife and two sons are also part of the Bridge family. You may know his wife, Chef Snipes as she teaches several of our cooking classes and is famous among the students and staff for her amazing rolls and many other treats she helps her students create. Both of his sons, Caleb and Eli attend Bridge Academy and have for several years. He is thrilled to be a part of Bridge Academy’s mission to produce competent young minds that are not only well educated but are also grounded in the transcendent truths of the Christian faith.

John Wolfgang
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
BS in Electrical Engineering
BS in Computer Engineering

John Wolfgang has a background in electrical, computer, and software engineering, with a masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently serves as a Lead Pastor at Cross Pointe Church in North Chesterfield, where he enjoys preaching, teaching, and leading worship every week alongside his amazing wife, Jennifer. John and his wife (who generously wrote this bio for him) began homeschooling their 6 children 15 years ago and have graduated their two oldest. John enjoys spending time with family, woodworking, sharing Bible-based personal finance teaching with anyone who will listen, and avoiding most white-colored foods. His favorite color is orange, his favorite drink is unflavored sparkling water, and he grew up in Hershey, PA (and yes, it really used to smell like chocolate there before they moved the chocolate factory).