Summer SAVY 2019: Session 2, Day 5 – Programming and Robotics (Lauren W.) (Rising 3rd/4th)
We were in full programming mode on our last day! We started with review games about what we have learned this week. These programmers know how to use their new vocabulary, so not only can they walk the walk, but they can also talk the talk. We were introduced to the sprite lab, and no, it’s not a lab full of Coca-Cola Sprites. A sprite in programming is graphic character on the screen with properties that describe its location, movement, and look. The sprite lab was a light introduction to coordinate planes and the x and y axis. The sprite lab can be very difficult to maneuver and the blocks become much more advanced. I wanted to present it to give them an opportunity to see what is next in the world of code. Most of the programmers were working hard on mastering the ability to use functions within codes before they tried out the sprite lab on their own. They can log into code.org on a computer at home and continue this lesson if they did not finish.
The day continued with an official group meeting to develop rules for the battle bots competitions. This allowed us to debate what was fair to do to prepare and during the battles and to create rules together while still allowing engineers the freedom to be creative. These programmers independently adjusted their programs after failures and made design improvements after each round. The teamwork was the most impressive, especially when things were frustrating. I was amazed by the intuition, work ethic, motivation, and depth of thought that these programmers exhibited throughout the week. I hope they continue to enjoy programming and it inspires them to take the initiative to learn more on their own.
Tonight ask your programmers:
What did you program your Lego Boost to do that made it successful during a battle?
What did not work well for your robot during battle bots that you had to change?
What was your favorite thing about the week at programming and robotics?
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