Saturday SAVY, Week 2, Coding and Robotics (5th-6th)
Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: Session Two SAVY-Robotics and Coding
Welcome back to our exciting journey through the world of robotics! During Session 2, students experienced a deeper understanding of the possibilities of innovation and critical thinking with coding and Lego Spike Prime Robotics.
The day began with reintroductions and students sharing their interests and future goals from the “All About Me” assignment. We had a recap of last Saturday’s session by reviewing the basic components of robots. To apply what was learned about the components of a robot, students built “Bristle Bots”. To complete the first mini-challenge, each table group created mazes for the Bristle Bots to navigate. From this activity, we discussed which components of Bristle Bots are similar to larger prototypes of robots.
To phase into the next part of our day, we refreshed our knowledge of the Spike Prime kit, its components, and the coding interface provided by Lego Education software. Students continued the spirit of competition by designing “Hopper Bots”. These robots mimic the structure of grasshoppers. The challenge was to redesign an innovative Hopper Bot that moved without wheels. I was excited to see such unique and creative designs! To continue the spirit of competition, students participated in the Hopper Bot Race Competition. Students were elated to see how their coding made the Hopper Robot speed across the competition track. After a bracket was made, students competed to see which Hopper Bot could travel 6 feet the fastest! At the end of the competition, we celebrated all the students for their perseverance and recognized the Hopper Bot champions.
During the process, campers were quick to realize that Spike Prime is not just about assembling pre-designed models but also about customizing and personalizing their creations. They discovered the beauty of combining LEGO building blocks, motors, sensors, and the coding capabilities of Spike Prime to bring their unique ideas to life. Throughout the day, they were reminded of how robotics engineers apply the engineering design process when coding and building robots. With each challenge, students’ confidence and problem-solving skills flourished.
We finished the day with our sneak peek of how NASA’s designs of innovative robots are used to explore space. Students watched a short live clip of the Mars Rover “Perseverance” that NASA used to explore the landscape of Mars. With a partner, students communicated and collaborated to create sketches of rover bots they will build to complete the final challenge during our third session. I look forward to our next session where we will bring all the lessons together as students compete on our Mars Rover obstacle course.
To get a head start on building the most effective rover to transport “moon rocks” and astronauts, your junior robotics engineer can explore the Lego Spike Prime Education Units (Competition Ready). They are encouraged to explore and research different examples of robotic arms and attachments that may be used to transport and retrieve materials just like NASA robots’ function in outer space. Session two of coding and robotics with LEGO Spike Prime was an absolute blast! The young robotic engineers took more steps towards becoming true roboticists, embracing challenges, collaborating with peers, thinking critically, and problem-solving.
-Ms. Young