Bee-Bot / Blue-Bot
Description
The Bee-Bot is a programmable robot-like device that looks like a bee and is designed especially for the preschool age group. Bee-Bot promotes directional language, programming skills, and mapping skills. Use it on the floor to travel through student-built courses or on prepared mats to reach specific destinations.
The Bee-Bot has six directional keys.
You can enter up to 40 commands at a time, making Bee-Bot able to go from point A to point B based on student commands.
Blue-Bot is similar to the Bee-Bot but it has Bluetooth technology making it also programmable from an iPad that has the Blue-Bot application.
Targeted audience: Elementary cycle 1, Cycle 2 (grade 3)
Material: Tablet, Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot, plastic mat with images, iPad app
Tips
If the Blue-bot doesn't connect in the app:
In the tablet, access the settings.
Scroll down to find the Blue-Bot app.
Activate the bluetooth connection by opening it in the settings.
Use this web page in any browser to practise without the robot.
Instructions
Preparation
Pair up.
Choose a Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot according to the activity and what you have access to.
Turn on the robot with the button under its belly.
Bee-Bot Online
Practise online before using the Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot.
Turn on/off
Turn on the robot from under its belly.
Command buttons
Don't forget to clear the memory of the code with the X before starting a new line of code.
Challenge 1 (Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot, on the floor)
For this challenge, use the buttons on the Bee-bot or Blue-Bot.
Use the plastic mat with the coloured shapes placed according to the image on the right.
Complete the Challenge 1 sheet.
Use the erasable markers to write down the code on the sheet.
Challenge 2 (Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot, on the floor)
Place the food images randomly under the plastic mat.
Take The Very Hungry Caterpillar book or watch the video.
Program the Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot to spin or stop on each scene in order of appearance in the book.
Plan the program by using a template to write down your code before testing it.
OR
Press on the buttons directly on the robot. (trial and error)
Challenge 3 (Blue-Bot, in the app)
If you need help: watch this tutorial to get you started on the app.
Take a tablet and open the Blue-Bot app.
With your partner, choose who will be the one giving instructions.
Select a grid (background)
Go in Explore Mode and enter the Step By Step option
Drag the Blue-Bot robot on the grid and use the direction buttons on the right to move the Blue-Bot.
Notice that the code is shown on the left side.
Choose other challenges to complete.
Get from A to B
Obstacles
Fewer Buttons
Random Instructions
To go further: Try to use a loop in a sequence.
The Bee-Bot app is a simpler version of the Blue-Bot app and gives basic challenges to help understand the step-by-step idea of giving instructions.
Ideas for the ESL Classroom
With a mat representing various objects:
students program the robot to go to the answer (numbers, colours, alphabet, other vocabulary)
students spell a word by programming each letter and others guess the answer
students listen to the instructions given by a peer and program the robot
With objects scattered around the classroom:
students must calculate the distance and bring the robot to the object
students direct the robot to the different elements to reenact a story in order
With the app:
students explore the suggested challenges