SAVY 2019: Session 4, Day 3 – Intro to Coding and Robotics (Rising 1st/2nd)
Today we hit the ground running! It started with a review game of the skills we have learned so far this week. We were introduced to new vocabulary and new blocks to use while coding. We can now identify repeating patterns with multiple steps and apply loops within our programs. But we didn’t stop here! These programmers shortened the algorithm for a dance we did in the classroom using loops. A loop is the action of doing something over and over again, so we came to the conclusion that using these blocks make giving instructions easier.
Problem solving skills were very important today as we completed coding puzzles on code.org. Programmers had to identify what character would do according to a code that was provided and then shorten that code with loops to make it smaller. It took a lot of critical thinking and trial and error to complete but I was proud of their perseverance.
Continuing out investigation of AI and robots completing human tasks, we were introduced to a new robot. We watched a video of a robot in Japan that picks up an ice cream cone, pours a perfect cone of ice cream, and places it on a tray for pickup. To study this robot system, we completed a systems chart and found the inputs, boundaries, elements, interactions, and outputs. The best part of the discussion was when we answered the question, “How could you improve this robot?” These programmers brought lots of excitement and critical thinking to what mishaps could occur and how “AI” could possibly solve them.
The day concluded with the groups continuing to build their Lego Boost robots. The programmers will build the belt and the arms on the robot before they program it to move.
Tonight ask your programmers:
Why do you need to know angle measurements to code characters to turn?
What is a loop and how does it help you while programming?
What sensors do you think were included in the ice cream robot?
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