Introduction To Robotics & Block-Based Coding
Big Idea: Students will design, build, and program their own robot.
Students will:
- Learn how things work and gain the skills to create their own solutions
- Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Develop empathy, curiosity, grit, and creativity
- Build and design their own robots with screwdrivers, nuts, and bolts
Course Overview: Introduction to Robotics and Block-Based Coding
This course will inspire excitement for learning about robotics and computer-based programming. Your kid will learn to work through problems with the support of social-emotional learning and a focus on grit. They will be able to build and program their own robotic design by the end of the course.
Your kids will learn about the engineering design process, infrared technology, motors electricity, logic, algorithms, sequential thinking, loops, conditional statements, and will practice different social-emotional skills such as empathy, grit, and creativity.
The course includes RoboRobo Kit Core Set
These robotic sets are educational, engaging, and offer lots of flexibility for your kids to create and program their own designs.
- Sets include CPU, LEDs, DC Motors, Infrared Sensors, a Buzzer, Contact Sensors, and free coding software.
- Includes a workbook with step-by-step building guides for 10 builds.
- The open build and open coding platform allow your kids to learn the technology and coding terminology in an incremental way and then take their knowledge to the next level by designing, building, and coding their own creation – including a battle bot, a problem-based learning solution, and more!
Standards (K–12 Computer Science Framework)
1A-CS-02 – Use appropriate terminology in identifying and describing the function of common physical components of computing systems (hardware).
1A-CS-03 – Describe basic hardware and software problems using accurate terminology.
1A-AP-08 – Model daily processes by creating and following algorithms (sets of step-by-step instructions) to complete tasks.
1A-AP-10 – Develop programs with sequences and simple loops, to express ideas or address a problem.
1A-AP-11 – Decompose (break down) the steps needed to solve a problem into a precise sequence of instructions.
1A-AP-12 – Develop plans that describe a program’s sequence of events, goals, and expected outcomes.
1A-AP-14 – Debug (identify and fix) errors in an algorithm or program that includes sequences and simple loops.
1A-AP-15 – Using correct terminology, describe steps taken and choices made during the iterative process of program development.
1A-IC-16 – Compare how people live and work before and after the implementation or adoption of new computing technology.
Curriculum Outline
Social-Emotional Learning
- Self-Control lessons provide students with skills to minimize distraction and develop a greater sense of focus and awareness.
- Kindness lessons allow students to show their understanding of kindness through speaking, writing, and/or visual representations.
- Creativity lessons introduce students to creativity and problem-solving skills.
Grit lessons identify how developing grit can change a students’ approach to life. - Purpose lesson looks at how students can be the change they want to see in the world and allow them to see that you can find your personal purpose no matter how old you are.
Computer Science Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to class, an overview of robotics, check out set materials, and discussion on social-emotional learning topics (Self-Control, Kindness, Creativity, Grit, and Purpose)
Students will learn about robots, computer science, and social-emotional learning topics that will be covered.
Lesson 2: LEDs and Buzzers with robot build (electricity, current, vibration)
Students will be introduced to electricity and circuits while working with LEDs and CPUs.
Lesson 3: Introduction to block-based computer coding (Rogic, chips)
Students will begin programming using block-based computer coding.
Lesson 4: DC Motors with robot build (torque, mechanical energy, direct versus alternating current)
Students will see the use of torque and mechanical energy to build and program a robot.
Lesson 5: Programming DC Motors (speed, direction)
Students will continue to apply their knowledge of DC Motors.