Summer Robotics 1

Teaching robotics is incredibly fun and because the kids are so engaged it's easy to guide them to explore all the things a new robot can do.  Camp started with everyone drawing what they would create if they were building a robot.  Then we shared our creations with the whole group.  Next we talked about what we knew about robots, what we wanted to learn about robots, and then did actual learning about the robots.

 I introduced our amazing Edison Bots from MeetEdison.com and showed the kids a picture of all the parts and controls before giving out robots.  We learned to unbox them safely (don't drop it!) and then explored all the buttons.

 Next we learned about coding the Edison Bot.  For this class we're using pre-planned code that is in barcode form.  We learned how Edison can scan the barcode and how we have to push play/go/start to make him perform the code.  Our first code was to have Edison respond to sound.  One clap and Edison would turn a quarter turn, two claps and Edison would drive forward a short distance.  This became super fun when we set up races against each other.  The second code that we programmed Edison to do was to avoid obstacles.  We put our hands and even our arms around Edison and found that he was trapped.  He'd get close to a "wall" and then back up and turn around to try a different direction.

 Even awesome roboticists need a big PE recess break.  After having snacks and climbing around in the backyard we were back at it again with the avoid obstacles code.  We used Legos to build walls and barriers for our robots.  Toward the end of our day each child was able to make an origami paper robot.  That was the quietest moment of our whole three hours together :). 

The last program that we taught Edison was to follow a flashlight.  We talked about where the sensors are and how the program works before setting kids free in the dark with flashlights and their Edison bots.  I think everyone had a fantastic time and I can't wait until Thursday!