Curriculum: Building and Programming the LEGO Boost Robot Using Programming Blocks

Age Group: 8-12 years

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

Learning Goals:

• Understand basic concepts of robotics and electronics.

• Assemble a robot using the LEGO Boost Kit.

• Program the robot using LEGO Boost’s programming blocks.

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

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and the LEGO Boost Kit

Objective: Introduce students to the components of the LEGO Boost Kit and the basics of robotics.
Materials: Projector, video clips of robots, LEGO Boost Kit, markers, drawing paper.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to Robotics (15 min):

   • Discuss what robotics is, where robots are used in the real world, and how robots are built and programmed.

2. Exploration of Components (20 min):

   • Unbox the LEGO Boost Kit and explain the various components (motors, sensors, LEGO pieces, and the Hub).

   • Have students explore each part of the kit and understand its function.

3. Creative Task (15 min):

   • Have students draw their own robot design and label the parts they would use from the LEGO Boost Kit.

   • Encourage them to think about what the robot could do (e.g., move, sense objects, etc.).

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how understanding the components helps in building and programming robots.

Key Takeaway: Knowing the components and their functions is essential before building and programming the robot.

Week 2: Introduction to LEGO Boost Programming Blocks

Objective: Teach students how to use LEGO Boost’s programming blocks for basic commands.
Materials: Tablets or computers with the LEGO Boost App installed, LEGO Boost Kit.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to the LEGO Boost App (10 min):

   • Show students how to navigate the LEGO Boost App, where to find the programming blocks, and the basic features.

2. First Program: Make the Robot Move (20 min):

   • Guide students through the process of creating their first program to make their robot move forward and backward using basic motion blocks.

   • Test the program on the robot.

3. Experimenting with Blocks (15 min):

   • Allow students to explore additional blocks (e.g., change speed, rotation) to modify their movement program.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how these basic commands serve as the foundation for more complex programming.

Key Takeaway: The LEGO Boost App simplifies programming with visual blocks that control robot actions.

Week 3: Assembling the First Robot

Objective: Assemble a simple robot using the LEGO Boost Kit.
Materials: LEGO Boost Kit, assembly instructions, tablet or computer.

Lesson Plan

1. Safety Briefing (5 min):

   • Discuss safety when handling LEGO pieces and building structures.

2. Assembly of the Robot (30 min):

   • Guide students through the step-by-step assembly of their first robot (e.g., the "M.T.R.4" model from the LEGO Boost Kit).

   • Ensure students follow instructions carefully and correctly place components.

3. Testing Basic Functionality (15 min):

   • Once assembled, students will power on their robots and test the movement (e.g., forward, backward).

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how correct assembly ensures that the robot can perform the programmed tasks.

Key Takeaway: Proper assembly ensures the robot is capable of performing programmed actions correctly.

Week 4: Adding Sensors and Programming Interaction

Objective: Integrate sensors into the robot and program interactions using the LEGO Boost blocks.
Materials: LEGO Boost Kit, sensors, tablets or computers with the LEGO Boost App.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to Sensors (10 min):

   • Explain the types of sensors included in the LEGO Boost Kit (color sensor, distance sensor).

   • Discuss how sensors help robots interact with their environment.

2. Programming with Sensors (20 min):

   • Guide students through programming the robot to use the color sensor to follow a line or detect color.

   • Alternatively, program the robot to use the distance sensor to avoid obstacles.

3. Hands-On Experimentation (15 min):

   • Allow students to test their sensor-based programs and encourage them to tweak and improve the behavior.

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how sensors improve the robot's ability to make decisions and interact with its surroundings.

Key Takeaway: Sensors allow the robot to respond to its environment, making it more autonomous.

Week 5: Advanced Programming: Adding Movement and Sound

Objective: Enhance the robot’s programming with complex movements and sound.
Materials: LEGO Boost Kit, tablets or computers with the LEGO Boost App.

Lesson Plan

1. Advanced Movements (15 min):

   • Introduce advanced programming concepts, such as turning, spinning, and using multiple motors to create coordinated movements.

2. Adding Sound (15 min):

   • Teach students how to use the sound blocks in LEGO Boost to add sound effects (e.g., make the robot beep when it performs a task).

3. Hands-On Programming (15 min):

   • Students will combine movement and sound to create their own unique robot behavior (e.g., make the robot move in a circle while playing a sound).

4. Wrap-Up (5 min):

   • Discuss how complex programming can make the robot perform more exciting and dynamic actions.

Key Takeaway: Combining movement and sound can create engaging and complex behaviors for the robot.

Week 6: Final Testing and Robot Presentation

Objective: Test the robot with a fun challenge and present it to the class.
Materials: Obstacle course materials (blocks, ramps, etc.), timer, certificates.

Lesson Plan

1. Obstacle Course Setup (10 min):

   • Set up a simple obstacle course or task for the robots to complete (e.g., navigate a maze, follow a line, or avoid obstacles).

2. Testing and Challenge (30 min):

   • Students will test their robots through the obstacle course, adjusting their programs if necessary to complete the challenge successfully.

3. Robot Presentation (10 min):

   • Each student or team will present their robot, explaining the design, sensors used, and how they programmed their robot to complete the challenge.

4. Wrap-Up and Awards (10 min):

   • Discuss the learning experience and what could be improved.

   • Hand out certificates for participation, creativity, and problem-solving.

Key Takeaway: Testing robots in real-world scenarios helps students understand the importance of programming and design.

Would you like any printable activity sheets or handouts to accompany these lessons?