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Randy Stadham

Computer Science and Robotics Teacher

He has degrees in Child Development and Education and curriculum instruction and a master's in technology in the classroom. He has taught for many years, teaching in every grade from first grade to grade twelve, teaching different topics in technology. His roles in MSA include teaching programming, ie Python, C++, Scratch, Web Development, robotics, and STEAM education. He specializes in finding the outstanding curriculum that best suits the students in his classes.

Mr. Stadham is passionate about teaching robotics classes and creating various robots to do real-world tasks. He enjoys teaching learners with no knowledge of making and building robots to confident learners making the final robot in a class competition. His favorite Robotics project is to make a sumo robot that behaves like a real sumo wrestler and tries to push the other sumo robot out of the ring. He loves to see learners creating their very own websites and putting them up on the Web for all the world to read. He has a passion for building things and enjoys helping out in the MSA Makerspace his maker philosophy is to “make not buy” whenever he can. He loves to teach learners how to use the many tools in the maker space to create their passion projects.

Mr. Stadham spends his research time looking for ways to teach coding in new and interesting ways. He hopes all learners can learn how to code. He feels that learning how to code can teach us how to break down complex problems into manageable parts, analyze issues, and systematically work through them. Having skills like this is valuable not just in programming, but in everyday life and other areas of work or study. He also believes that writing code encourages you to think logically, as you need to follow a structured approach to complete tasks and solve problems. It can help improve our reasoning and critical thinking abilities, making it easier to approach challenges methodically. He hopes that all learners can learn to code.

Projects2

Build and Compete with Sumo Robots in the Class

In this fantastic and fun final project, students will design, build, and program their own Sumo robots to compete in a class-wide tournament. The project begins with students learning the fundamentals of robot design, focusing on creating a robot with an optimal shape for pushing or flipping opponents. Students will sketch their designs and fabricate their robot parts using available tools and materials, ensuring the pieces fit together securely. Emphasis will be placed on selecting a shape that provides stability, maneuverability, and the ability to effectively overpower or outmaneuver other robots. Next, students will select motors for their robots, weighing factors like speed and torque to achieve the best combination for offensive and defensive strategies. Additional wheels may be added for balance and to ensure consistent performance. Infrared sensors will be integrated to detect the edge of the ring, preventing the robot from driving out of bounds, while long-range sensors will allow the robot to detect and track the opponent. Component placement within the robot will be determined by the students, balancing functionality and strategic considerations. The core of the project involves programming an Arduino to control the robot. Students will write code to process sensor inputs, keep the robot inside the ring, and make it capable of targeting and engaging the opponent effectively. Iterative testing and debugging will be a critical part of this process, allowing students to refine their designs and code. The project culminates in a class-wide Sumo robot competition. Each robot will face off in the ring, showcasing its ability to stay within bounds, detect opponents, and use force or strategy to push or flip other robots out of the ring. This final exposition challenges students to apply their creativity, engineering skills, and programming knowledge to determine who has built the ultimate Sumo robot.

AI-Controlled Tabletop Greenhouse

Disciplines/Subjects:  Computer Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Robotics Key Themes:  Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, Model Design, Sustainable Technology In this innovative final project, students will design and build an AI-controlled tabletop greenhouse that integrates modern technology with sustainable agriculture. The project begins with students brainstorming and sketching potential designs, considering functionality, aesthetics, and structural integrity. Using CAD software, they will create precise digital blueprints of their greenhouse. These designs will then be brought to life using a laser cutter to fabricate the structure’s components. Once cut, students will assemble the pieces, ensuring the greenhouse is sturdy and waterproof, which may involve sealing edges with silicon or other waterproofing materials. The interior of the greenhouse will be filled with soil and planted with real vegetation. The heart of the project lies in integrating an AI-controlled environment to optimize plant growth. Students will install a series of sensors, including a soil moisture sensor to monitor water content. If the soil becomes too dry, a microcontroller, such as a Micro: bit, will automatically activate a watering system. To ensure plants receive adequate light, LED grow lights will be programmed to turn on and off based on a preset schedule or environmental feedback. To maintain an optimal temperature, the greenhouse will include fans for cooling and windows that can be opened automatically based on temperature readings. Students will program these systems using the Micro: bit, combining coding with hardware integration. Throughout the project, students will test, refine, and troubleshoot their prototypes to achieve an efficient, self-sustaining system. This project combines design, engineering, and environmental science while fostering skills in CAD, laser cutting, circuitry, coding, and problem-solving. By the end of the project, students will have a functional tabletop greenhouse and a deeper understanding of how AI and technology can contribute to sustainable agriculture. This hands-on experience will prepare them for real-world applications of STEM disciplines.

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