Curriculum: Building and Programming a Mini Tank Robot V3 Using Kidsblock
Age Group: 8-12 years
Duration: 6 weeks (1 session per week, 1.5 hours per session)
Learning Goals:
Understand robotics basics and tank-style movement.
Assemble and wire a Mini Tank Robot V3.
Program the robot using Kidsblock.
Develop problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and Tank Robots
Objective: Understand basic robotics and tank-style movement.
Materials: Projector, tank robot video clips, Mini Tank Robot kit parts (tracks, wheels), markers, drawing paper.
Lesson Plan
Discussion (15 min):
What are robots? Explore their uses.
Show videos of tracked robots in challenging terrains.
Hands-on (20 min):
Examine tank tracks and wheels.
Discuss how tank robots navigate rough terrains.
Creative Task (20 min):
Draw a tank robot and label its key parts.
Wrap-Up (5 min):
Share designs and discuss ideas.
Key Takeaway: Tank tracks provide better traction for navigating rough terrain.
Week 2: Introduction to Micro:bit, Motor Drivers, and Kidsblock
Objective: Familiarize students with Micro:bit, motor drivers, and Kidsblock software.
Materials: Micro:bit, laptops/tablets, motor driver, LEDs, USB cables.
Lesson Plan
Introduction (15 min):
Show the Micro:bit and explain its parts.
Explain what a motor driver does.
Kidsblock Setup (20 min):
Install and open Kidsblock.
Guide students to create a simple program to turn on LEDs.
Exploration (20 min):
Experiment with different LED patterns in Kidsblock.
Wrap-Up (5 min):
Discuss how coding controls devices.
Key Takeaway: Kidsblock simplifies coding for hardware like the Micro:bit.
Week 3: Assembling the Mini Tank Robot V3
Objective: Assemble the tank robot chassis and attach motors and tracks.
Materials: Mini Tank Robot kits, screwdrivers, screws, motors, tracks.
Lesson Plan
Safety Briefing (5 min):
Discuss tool safety and handling.
Assembly (40 min):
Step-by-step chassis building.
Attach motors and tracks.
Team Check (15 min):
Pair up to check each other’s assemblies.
Wrap-Up (5 min):
Review assembly and importance of alignment.
Key Takeaway: Proper assembly ensures smooth movement.
Week 4: Wiring and Powering the Tank Robot
Objective: Wire motors to the motor driver and connect the Micro:bit.
Materials: Motor driver, jumper wires, battery pack, Micro:bit, tank chassis.
Lesson Plan
Wiring Basics (10 min):
Explain how to connect motors to the motor driver.
Hands-On Wiring (30 min):
Connect the motors and power supply.
Attach the Micro:bit to the driver.
Power Test (15 min):
Power up the robot and check connections.
Wrap-Up (5 min):
Discuss troubleshooting wiring issues.
Key Takeaway: Correct wiring is essential for robot control.
Week 5: Programming Movement in Kidsblock
Objective: Program the tank robot to move in different directions using Kidsblock.
Materials: Laptops/tablets, Kidsblock software, Micro:bit, robot.
Lesson Plan
Code Review (10 min):
Review motor control blocks in Kidsblock.
Programming Session (30 min):
Program forward, backward, left, and right movements.
Testing and Debugging (20 min):
Run programs and troubleshoot issues.
Wrap-Up (5 min):
Reflect on coding challenges.
Key Takeaway: Programming defines how the robot behaves.
Week 6: Obstacle Course Challenge and Presentation
Objective: Navigate a simple obstacle course and present robots.
Materials: Obstacles, timer, certificates.
Lesson Plan
Challenge Briefing (10 min):
Explain the rules and objectives.
Course Navigation (30 min):
Teams navigate their robots through the course.
Showcase (20 min):
Present robots and coding strategies.
Reflection and Awards (10 min):
Discuss lessons learned.
Award certificates.
Key Takeaway: Teamwork and creativity enhance problem-solving in robotics.
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