Curriculum: Building and Programming a Robot with the KS0397 EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit Using Mixly

Age Group: 8-12 years

Duration: 6 weeks (1 session per week, 1.5 hours per session)

Learning Goals:

• Understand the basics of electronics and robotics.

• Assemble a robot using the EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit.

• Program the robot using Mixly.

• Develop problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills.

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and the EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit

Objective: Familiarize students with robotics and the components of the EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit.
Materials: Projector, video clips of robots in action, EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit, markers, drawing paper.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to Robotics (15 min):

   • Discuss what robotics is and how robots are used in the real world.

   • Show examples of robots built using the EASY PLUG kit.

2. Exploration (20 min):

   • Unbox the EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit and explain each component (motors, sensors, wires, plugs, etc.).

3. Creative Task (15 min):

   • Draw a robot design using the components from the kit. Label the parts and share with the class.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss the importance of each part and its function in building the robot.

Key Takeaway: Understanding the basic components is essential before building and programming the robot.

Week 2: Introduction to Mixly and Programming Basics

Objective: Introduce Mixly software and teach basic programming concepts.
Materials: Computers with Mixly installed, USB cables, Micro:bit or compatible board.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to Mixly (10 min):

   • Explain the Mixly interface, the blocks, and the basics of programming with Mixly.

2. First Program (20 min):

   • Guide students to create a simple program to blink an LED using Mixly.

3. Experimentation (15 min):

   • Let students experiment with different Mixly blocks to create custom LED patterns.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how Mixly makes programming simpler for beginners.

Key Takeaway: Mixly uses visual blocks to make programming easy and intuitive.

Week 3: Assembling the Basic Robot

Objective: Assemble the basic robot using the EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit components.
Materials: EASY PLUG Super Starter Kit, screwdrivers, motors, wheels, sensors, battery pack.

Lesson Plan

1. Safety Briefing (5 min):

   • Discuss safety when handling electronic components and tools.

2. Assembly Process (40 min):

   • Step-by-step assembly of the robot’s chassis.

   • Attach motors and wheels.

   • Connect all parts properly for the robot to function.

3. Testing (15 min):

   • Test the basic function of the assembled robot (ensure it turns on and motors work).

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss common assembly mistakes and troubleshooting.

Key Takeaway: A properly assembled robot is key to its successful operation.

Week 4: Wiring and Connecting the Components

Objective: Wire the motors and sensors to the robot and connect them to the controller.
Materials: EASY PLUG kit, jumper wires, sensors, battery pack.

Lesson Plan

1. Wiring Overview (10 min):

   • Explain the wiring process and importance of connecting motors and sensors to the robot’s controller.

2. Hands-On Wiring (30 min):

   • Students will wire the motors and sensors according to the instructions.

   • Ensure that all parts are connected securely.

3. Power Test (10 min):

   • Power on the robot to check that all components are working correctly.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Review any issues encountered during wiring and how to solve them.

Key Takeaway: Proper wiring is essential to ensure the robot can be controlled correctly.

Week 5: Programming Movement and Behavior

Objective: Program the robot to move forward, backward, and respond to sensor input using Mixly.
Materials: Computers with Mixly installed, robot with motors and sensors, USB cables.

Lesson Plan

1. Programming Movement (10 min):

   • Introduce basic movement commands (forward, backward, left, right) in Mixly.

2. Movement Program (20 min):

   • Guide students to create a program to move the robot in different directions (forward, backward, turn left, and turn right).

3. Sensor Integration (15 min):

   • Teach students to program the robot to use sensors for actions like obstacle detection.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how sensors enhance a robot's ability to interact with its environment.

Key Takeaway: Programming the robot’s movement and sensor responses makes it more autonomous.

Week 6: Obstacle Course Challenge and Presentation

Objective: Test the robot by navigating it through an obstacle course and present it to peers.
Materials: Obstacle course materials (blocks, ramps, etc.), timer, certificates.

Lesson Plan

1. Challenge Setup (10 min):

   • Explain the obstacle course and the challenge to navigate through it.

2. Obstacle Course Navigation (30 min):

   • Students will navigate their robots through the obstacle course. They will time each robot’s performance.

3. Robot Presentation (15 min):

   • Each team presents their robot, explaining its design and programming.

4. Reflection and Awards (10 min):

   • Discuss the lessons learned and what could be improved for next time.

   • Hand out certificates to each student for participation and achievements.

Key Takeaway: Real-world testing of robots helps students understand and improve their designs.