Robotics

Physical computing means creating or using devices that interact with the world around them. A physical computer senses its environment, processes that information, and then performs some action. This “sense – think – act” cycle can also be used to define a robot. Our 5th graders all learn how to program FINCH robots. We use the terms “physical computing” and “robotics” interchangeably.

Creating a robot involves engineering or making. Then you also need to write a computer program to make the robot do something interesting! Robots don’t always look like the ones shown in movies. Some are humanoids or robotic cars, but you can also make robotic pets or gardens. The sky’s the limit! Robots provide students with a way to see their code working in the world.

Read the full article: Physical Computing is Heading to Education. What you need to know.

Getting started with MakeCode:

1. connect your EV3 brick to your computer using the PC port to USB cable.

2. go to makecode.mindstorms.com

3. start with the Brick Tutorials, such as Wake Up, Make an Animation, What Animal am I? etc. click the Download button on makecode

Links:

- Lego Robotics at JQES