Detailed Lesson Plans for the 6-Week 4WD Mecanum Robot Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and Mecanum Wheels

Objective: Understand robotics basics and the concept of Mecanum wheels.
Materials: Projector, video clips of robots, Mecanum wheels, markers, drawing paper.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (15 min):

   • Discuss what robots are and their role in daily life (use videos of robots in action).

   • Highlight the types of robots (wheeled, legged, flying, humanoid).

2. Activity (10 min):

   • Pass around Mecanum wheels and let students explore their structure.

   • Explain how the angled rollers allow sideways movement.

3. Creative Task (20 min):

   • Students draw and design their own robots, labeling key parts.

4. Discussion (10 min):

   • Share designs and discuss what their robots would do.

Key Takeaway: Mecanum wheels allow movement in all directions without turning the robot.

Week 2: Introduction to Micro:bit and Electronics Basics

Objective: Familiarize students with the Micro:bit and basic circuit concepts.
Materials: Micro:bit boards, laptops/tablets, USB cables, LEDs, wires.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (10 min):

   • Show the Micro:bit, explaining buttons, LEDs, and sensors.

   • Introduce MakeCode, an easy drag-and-drop coding platform.

2. Activity (25 min):

   • Guide students to create a simple program to blink the LEDs.

   • Connect LEDs to the Micro:bit using alligator clips.

3. Hands-On Exploration (15 min):

   • Let students change LED patterns and test them.

4. Wrap-Up (10 min):

   • Discuss inputs and outputs, and how the Micro:bit controls devices.

Key Takeaway: The Micro:bit can control devices using simple programs.

Week 3: Assembling the 4WD Mecanum Robot

Objective: Assemble the robot chassis, attach motors, and install wheels.
Materials: Mecanum robot kits, screwdrivers, screws, safety goggles.

Lesson Plan

1. Safety Briefing (5 min):

   • Explain safety precautions while handling tools and batteries.

2. Step-by-Step Assembly (30 min):

   • Assemble the chassis.

   • Attach the motors and Mecanum wheels to the chassis.

3. Team Activity (15 min):

   • Work in pairs to check each other’s assembly and troubleshoot issues.

4. Recap (10 min):

   • Discuss how each part contributes to the robot’s movement.

Key Takeaway: Assembling a robot requires precision and teamwork.

Week 4: Wiring and Motor Control

Objective: Wire the motors to the motor driver and connect the Micro:bit.
Materials: Motor drivers, jumper wires, batteries, Micro:bit boards.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (10 min):

   • Explain the purpose of a motor driver and how it connects to the Micro:bit.

2. Wiring Activity (30 min):

   • Guide students in connecting the motors to the motor driver.

   • Connect the driver to the Micro:bit and power supply.

3. Testing (15 min):

   • Run a simple program to make the motors move forward and backward.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss common wiring issues and solutions.

Key Takeaway: Correct wiring is essential for robot functionality.

Week 5: Programming Movement and Direction Control

Objective: Program the robot for directional control.
Materials: Laptops/tablets, Micro:bit boards, robot kits.

Lesson Plan

1. Review (5 min):

   • Recap motor control and how to set directions in code.

2. Coding Session (30 min):

   • Program the robot for forward, backward, left, right, and rotational movement using MakeCode.

3. Debugging and Testing (20 min):

   • Test programs on the robot and troubleshoot issues.

4. Discussion (5 min):

   • Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve the code.

Key Takeaway: Programming gives the robot its behavior.

Week 6: Creative Challenge and Showcase

Objective: Apply skills in a creative challenge and present robots.
Materials: Obstacles, timer, certificates.

Lesson Plan

1. Challenge Briefing (10 min):

   • Explain the obstacle course and rules for navigation.

2. Creative Application (30 min):

   • Teams program their robots to complete the course.

3. Showcase (20 min):

   • Each team presents their robot, explaining the design and code.

4. Reflection and Awards (10 min):

   • Discuss what students learned.

   • Distribute certificates or small prizes.

Key Takeaway: Robotics combines creativity and problem-solving.

Additional Resources:

• Websites: Micro:bit’s official MakeCode platform.

• Videos: Tutorials on robot assembly and programming.

• Books: Beginner-friendly guides on robotics for kids.

Would you like printable lesson handouts or activity sheets?