Robots & Physical COmputing
Program Bee Bots using the seven buttons on the top of its body; navigate the Bee Bot as it traces letters and numbers, moves across a mat to complete a challenge, or navigates a student-created maze!
- Grade Level: K-3
- Language(s): none needed
- Devices: 1 Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot for each group of 2-4 students
- Length of Activity: 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Use the Challenge Cards to reinforce computer science concepts - such as sequence, loops, events, and conditionals - with fun, creative activities using either Dash or Dot!
- Grade Level: K-5
- Language(s): block-based coding in the Wonder Workshop Blockly app
- Devices: iPads/Android/Amazon tablet with the free Wonder Workshop Blockly app (requires installation) + one robot per group
- Length of Activity: 30 minutes to 3+ hours!
Create a dance party, play a game of soccer, attach a marker to the back to draw shapes, and more, all using simple block-based coding with the Finch robot!
- Grade Level: 3-12
- Language(s): block-based coding in Snap or Scratch; both can be translated into numerous languages
- Devices: Computers / Chromebooks with the Google Chrome browser and Finch Connection app (requires installation) + one Finch robot per group
- Length of Activity: 30 minutes to 3+ hours!
Makey Makey Invention kits can control your computer using anything that conducts electricity. Use this choice board to learn about how a Makey Makey works, then explore a wide variety of activities to try!
- Grade Level: 3-12
- Language(s): N/A
- Devices: Computers or Chromebooks (no software required) + one Makey Makey Invention Kit per group
- Length of Activity: 30 minutes to 3+ hours!
Explore creative programming with a rolling robot ball that lets you control its motion, speed, rotation, sounds, and lights!
- Grade Level: 3-12
- Language(s): block-based coding in the Sphero EDU app
- Devices: iPads/Android/Amazon tablets or Chromebooks with the free Sphero EDU app (requires installation) + one robot per group
- Length of Activity: 30 minutes to 3+ hours!
Build a rock/paper/scissors game, soil moisture tracker, coin flipper, magic 8 ball, digital pet, or other creative projects by programming small electronic circuit boards with many built-in components.
- Grade Level: 6-12
- Language(s): blocks- or text-based programming in Javascript, Python, Scratch, and more
- Devices: Computers or Chromebooks (no software required) + one micro:bit and micro-USB cable per group
- Length of Activity: 45 minutes to 3+ hours!
Create beautiful lighting effects, make sounds, detect touch or color, and sense the environment like temperature, sound, and motion using small electronic circuit boards with many built-in components.
- Grade Level: 8-12
- Language(s): blocks- or text-based programming using the Arduino language (similar to C++)
- Devices: Computers (requires installation) + one Circuit Playground and micro-USB cable per group
- Length of Activity: 2 to 5+ hours!