Making it easy to program the world: Project Sun SPOT -- a small wireless computer, based on Java technology from top to bottom.

Designed for embedded sensing and control, the versatile Sun SPOT platform gives students an innovative alternative to programming with a keyboard, mouse and screen. What can you do with a Sun SPOT? Monitor natural hazards or changes in fragile ecosystems, experiment with wireless routing protocols, build a new robotic "toy", the list is endless.

The Opportunity

Programming for embedded systems is no longer limited to low-level programming languages. The Sun SPOT Java Developer Kit, including the Squawk Java Virtual Machine and a unique set of programming tools, provides students an opportunity for hands-on experimentation and application development. Using Java, students can control a wireless transducer platform that can sense and affect the world around them.

Sun Labs would like to partner with educators and students to use Sun SPOT in building instructional materials for Java-based learning. Course work developed in this program will be shared with instructors and independent students worldwide.

Guidelines Classroom Curriculum Proposals Using Sun SPOTs

We are seeking curriculum development proposals for classes during this academic year (2007-2008).

Deadlines

We will consider proposals monthly through the end of the year. Proposals received by the 15th of the month will receive a reply by the 1st of the following month. *We have a limited number of kits, so it may be advantageous to submit your proposal earlier.

Grants

In most cases, grants will consist of Sun SPOT Development Kits. In limited cases, we may be able to fund auxiliary equipment or help offset other expenses incurred in developing the course.

Format

In creating your proposal please observe a limit of 4 pages and include at least the following information:

• Course title
• Syllabus outline
• Brief description of labs, modules, and/or assessment tools
• Timeline for delivering the above materials
• Short bios of key players
• Number of classroom kits required

Other Requirements

Recall we are interested in making the coursework publicly available. Our goal is to build up a base of Sun SPOT-based educational materials on the web, so other educators can use and extend these materials. We therefore require the successful applicants to agree to post such materials to a public website. Such materials might include for example laboratory instructions, student projects, or reading lists.

Contact Information

Please send proposals or questions to Michael Lonnon.