Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 1, “Programming and Robotics” (5th-6th)
It was a fun first day in Programming & Robotics! We started our day learning about the rules and procedures of our classroom. We have motions to go with each rule so we can learn them more efficiently. Our rules are ‘be respectful,’ ‘be safe,’ ‘be kind,’ ‘always do your best,’ and ‘leave a place cleaner than you found it.’ See if your kiddo remembers the motions for our rules. When students do a great job with our rules and show how they are making connections to their learning, they will earn House Points. Our 4 houses are named after famous robots: Roomba, Rozzum, R2D2, and Wall-E. On Friday, houses will receive rewards for their work and point collections.
We next asked the question, ‘What is a robot?’ We read an article about the purpose of robots. Robots are used for the 3 Ds of industry: jobs that are dirty, dull, and/or dangerous. We also learned together about the engineering that is involved in designing and developing robots. Using the article and the video, we developed a concept map about robotics. Students created their own definition of robots/robotics, examples of robots, non-examples of robots, and an illustration of what robotics means to them.
Next, students were able to get familiar with our LEGO Spike Prime robots. Students brainstormed with their team about a job that they would like their robot to help with, specifically something that would make their morning better. Students then designed and built their robots using LEGO pieces. They then used block code to write a program for the robot to carry out its task. Some students completed this task and were able to move on to building a break-dance robot.
Finally, we finished our day with Coding Stations. Our stations include using Spike to build a robotic surgery hand and playing the game Operation, recording the algorithm for solving a Rubik’s cube, developing visual coding skills through the game Uzzle, and free build. Today, students just experimented with our station materials and will carry out the station tasks tomorrow. Students enjoyed our station time today!
We had a great first day in Programming and Robotics! Tomorrow, we will explore how robotics is used in the natural world and the healthcare industry.
Mrs. Lewis and Ms. Snader
