Bill Text: HI SB2010 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Robotics Education; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-20 - Referred to EDU/HEA, WAM. [SB2010 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2010-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2010
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO robotics education.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 111, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, established, among other things, a career and technical education program within the University of Hawaii system, including a robotics and problem-based, applied learning program which is administered by the University of Hawaii college of engineering.  The legislature further finds that since the enactment of Act 111, a "robotics revolution" has occurred, with the potential to reverse America's decline in manufacturing by encouraging the production of high-end, quality products, and the development of a smarter and more productive workforce will prevent jobs from migrating to low-cost countries.

     Robots and robotic technologies represent a practical application of physics, computer science, engineering, and mathematics and provide a very powerful and flexible approach to demonstrate a variety of engineering concepts.  In addition, robotics appeals to a broad range of interests and allows multiple points of access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for many types of learners.  As a result, robotics technology and robots are being used by an increasing number of educators at the college level to reinforce computer science and engineering theory and to teach basic software and mechanical engineering at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  Robots and robotic technology catalyze an interest in science and increase self-esteem, as well as teach basic life skills such as problem solving, decision making, goal setting and logical thinking.

     Hawaii can serve as a model of coordination of a full range of robotics education opportunities from elementary through high school and provide templates for initiating such efforts elsewhere.  The legislature further finds that in order to realize the potential of technology as a major economic driver in Hawaii, a skilled technical workforce is needed, requiring major improvements to science education.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a Hawaii project for robotics education under the University of Hawaii in collaboration with the department of education.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Hawaii project for robotics education.  (a)  In collaboration with the University of Hawaii, the department shall implement the Hawaii project for robotics education as provided in section 304A-  .

     (b)  The preferred teachers in the Hawaii project for robotics education shall be certified teachers with at least five years in the classroom or as a resource teacher with an emphasis in science, technology, or industrial arts; experience in organizing and directing programs or activities; or with experience participating in robotics education as a mentor, facilitator, or volunteer."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Hawaii project for robotics education.  (a)  In consultation with the department of education, the University of Hawaii shall implement the Hawaii project for robotics education.

     (b)  The purpose of the Hawaii project for robotics education shall be to:

     (1)  Stimulate robotics education; and

     (2)  Foster the creation of a technically capable computer engineering and computer science workforce in Hawaii.

     (c)  The Hawaii project for robotics education may collaborate with the robotics and problem-based, applied learning program under section 304A-1862 for purposes of subsection (b).

     (d)  The Hawaii project for robotics education shall, at minimum:

     (1)  Develop a template of the scholastic robotics education programs available, describing the products, activities, content and process skills required, outcomes, schedules, resources, and other requirements, with particular emphasis on the current and future use of emerging and state of the art technology in each program;

     (2)  Identify critical content and process skills required for professional development for educators, including programming language, wireless and other technology applications, materials processing, design and construction, teamwork and problem solving, and inquiry and project based learning;

     (3)  Design professional education workshop templates to address each of the content and skills components, including the use and potential use of wireless technology for each program;

     (4)  Plan and facilitate Hawaii regional and state robotic tournaments and challenges;

     (5)  Seek support from collaborators and supporters, including those from industry, higher education, foundations, and federal agencies for additional financial aid for teams and tournament infrastructure costs; and

     (6)  Establish a web site with relevant information about each of the programs, templates of activities, the appropriate standards, the use of wireless technology as part of the program activities, and links to appropriate curriculum, resources, and other products."

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for implementation of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for implementation of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that sections 4 and 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Robotics Education; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the Hawaii project for robotics education under the University of Hawaii and the department of education.  Makes appropriation for implementation expenses to the UH and the DOE.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.