In this experience, students delve into the world of robotics and critical thinking as they construct mazes using Keva planks for coding the Code and Go Mice. As they design pathways, students are challenged to consider spatial relationships, problem-solving, and the sequential nature of coding.

To reinforce the concept of counting backward from 10 to 1, students strategically place obstacles and twists in their mazes, requiring the robot mice to navigate in reverse order. This hands-on approach not only solidifies numerical concepts but also cultivates perseverance and resilience as students iterate and adjust their designs.

Furthermore, the activity cultivates our Henrico Learner Profile skills, particularly Critical Thinking, as students explore various maze configurations and anticipate potential outcomes. They are encouraged to evaluate their designs critically, considering factors such as efficiency and effectiveness in guiding the robot mice through the maze.

As students engage in constructing and coding their mazes, they actively reflect on their growth as learners. Through collaborative discussions and self-assessment, they identify challenges they encountered, strategies they employed, and insights gained throughout the process. This reflective practice encourages metacognition and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey, building confidence and a growth mindset along the way.