Robotics POD 5-6

What is Robotics?

Robotics is a subject that teaches essential Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) topics through the operation of Robots.

A robot is a programmable machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.

Robotics is increasingly taught in schools as an engaging way of developing key programming and coding skills that will help children succeed in a technology-driven world.

VEX IQ

VEX IQ is based on plastic, snap-together pieces specifically designed to build highly functional robots. This system doesn’t require any prior knowledge in robotics. Students can easily build their first robot, and the wide variety of additional parts means that they can build anything they imagine as they continue to learn.

VEX IQ Robot Builds

VEX IQ STEM Labs has a huge amount of Teacher Resources for you to use. From activities to resources to Guides on how to teach with VEX IQ robots.

Click here to go VEX IQ Stem Labs.

Lesson Ideas

Base Bot Tug of War

After building the VEX IQ Gen 1 Base Bot complete the Tug Of War unit Here DT is combined with Science with a focus on Forces.

Robot Builds

There are a number of robot builds that can be constructed with the VEX IQ kit. Check them out HERE

The Basebot is an easy to build robot which learners can learn to code using VEX Code IQ. There are tutorials on how to code.

Click here for instructions on how to build the BaseBot

Spheros

Sphero BOLT is a coding robot that lets kids learn coding through hands-on play and STEAM activities.

Sphero Edu is your hub to create, contribute, and learn with Sphero robots. Go beyond code by incorporating unique STEAM lessons to complete with your bot. Designed for learner progression, Sphero Edu beginners can give robots commands by drawing a path in the app for their robot to follow.

Sphero EDU is downloaded on to our School Chromebooks and iPads for our learners to use. You can download a version for your Macbook here.

Here is an example of simple coding project in the Sphero Edu App

Sphero Lesson Ideas

Click the images below to see some awesome Sphero lessons!

Edison Robots

Edison is a programmable robot designed to be a complete STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students from 8 to 16 years of age.

Meet Edison

There are 4 different ways to code the Edison Robot.

Barcodes
EdBlocks
EdScratch
EdPy

Coding Edison

Troubleshooting the Edison Robot

The best solution is usually ON/OFF button, followed closely by batteries and the volume button the controller.

Here is list of different problems and solutions - Edison Troubleshooting

Edison Robot Lesson Ideas

Edison Experience

This Introduction to Edison allows the learners to explore how the Edison works and try out EdBlocks coding.

Edison Pen Maths

This activity combines coding and maths. Learners will learn to code numbers using the Edison Pen.

Edison Lego Bowling

Edison Lesson Ideas

These lessons are created by Edison Robotics and range in difficulty. Teaching coding, computational thinking and STEAM projects with Edison robots is easy using our free teaching resources.

Edison Hour of Code

Edison has a range of activities featured in the Hour of Code’s ‘Robotics and Circuits’ lessons. The ‘Hour of Code™’ is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming.

These activities will help you make a tangible Hour of Code for students of any age and skill level using Edison robots!

Counting to 9

This activity presents programming challenges that build on some of the skills developed by the students, including an understanding of the input-process-output cycle. Includes a bonus challenge activity.

Edison Lesson Plans

VEX GO

VEX GO is a construction system that teaches the fundamentals of STEM through fun, hands-on activities that help young students perceive coding and engineering in a fun and positive way! VEX GO involves the learners building the robot, coding the robot and debugging.