Finch 2.0 by BirdBrain Technologies, is an educational robot that can be coded using block, JavaScript and Python languages, among many, and is rated for students 5 years and older. Make no mistake, though - the company does a fine job in marketing this bot for middle grades and up the ladder to college aged students as well - and with nice results, I might add.
Programming a Micro:bit in apps like Snap!, MakeCode, Swift, to name a few, has Finch accessible using Macs, PCs, Chromebooks, and tablets. Other cool features include Bluetooth, sensors, a 7-hour battery life (impressive) and more. This is a very impressive product.
In teams of two, my students have had their Finch:
- Code their way through mazes
- Define shapes
- Code their way through a scavenger hunt for information (space theme, civics ed theme, etc)
- Played a life-sized version of Battleship
- Worked their way through obstacle courses
- Drew figures, their names, you-name-it - a marker can be inserted into the bot easily.
I start by getting students used to the Micro:Bit - how it works, downloading their code, etc. In each program are tutorials, how-to’s, etc to help out on this part. Once you get past these logistics, the rest is relatively easy. Students will likely pick up other meaningful aspects of it on their own.
I’m a big fan!
