Trust me on this one.....ROBOTICS works!

Yesterday was a surreal day for me.

This is a picture of me in my car, fully loaded with robotic equipment, heading to my first of the season VEX IQ Robotics Middle School Qualifier…. just like I’ve done for the last eight seasons.

Along with my 8 teams, there were 14 other teams who, by coincidence or not, had a teammate that had either been on a past team of mine or had attended one of the camps I held at school. All the members of one 'homegrown' team had teammates from several years of past teams – and – their coach was from one of the first teams I coached.

I kept thinking, “This is like seeing my life flash before my very eyes”. I hugged at least 15 other team’s kids yesterday – and – their parents.

Every one of them did so well, including my 8 new teams. I could not be happier or prouder.

Folks – if you have kids, especially ones that are not very good at sports or music, you must get them into robotics! It will change their life!

Trust me on this one...

Computer Science -- why? Or, maybe, why not.

• Computer Science is so much more than learning to code. It's about blending computers and other brands of technology with computational and critical thinking. In Computer Science, we're teaching students to think about how to solve problems.

  This is done by decomposing a problem - or, breaking it down into small chunks. Recognizing patterns, similarities or trends. Adding in an amount of abstraction, where we weed out the information we need versus the unnecessary 'stuff' that we don't need. Then, putting it all together to determine the steps or rules - the algorithm.

  Just about every industry on the planet requires applicants to have some form of background in Computer Science.

  For example:

  In Agriculture - farmers look to Computer Science to make their farms more efficient with watering systems, robotic equipment that will harvest fruits and vegetables that take them from plant to table in short periods of time.

  In the shipping industry, Computer Science is seen in programmed robots that sort, scan, package, label and eventually move to ship out the item in record speeds. Think about just how fast it takes to order, then receive the purchased item. Some arrive the same day or overnight. Rarely does it take longer than that. 

  In Architecture, civil engineers are needed to construct computer programs to design bridges, buildings or other infrastructures.

  In businesses from every industry, Computer Science is used in the form of developing tools, designing webpages and software to make organizations more efficient and, in most cases, more profitable.

  In Medicine, Computer Science is used to design medical devices and surgical instruments, and, to even perform surgical procedures with pin-point accuracy that no human can replicate. 

  Biologists use drones and software to track and analyze the migration of animals, food and water supplies and the preservation of rainforests.

  This is all Computer Science. In education, it is intertwined into each and every one of our content areas. We are molding students to fill these jobs. 

  And....Computer Science is an integral part of that process. 

  So, why the study of Computer Science in our classrooms? It might be best to ask - why not.

Finch 2.0 - Coding & Robotics

 

At first glance this looks like a really strange little kid’s toy. In fact, my middle schoolers were looking at me and wondering why we were going to use this thing in class. They were certain I had lost my mind. But as we dug deeper into the coding aspect of it, we all realized just how much this little robot can “kick a punch”.

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!

https://store.birdbraintechnologies.com/products/finch2

Small Town Robotic Challenge

In Tech, K-2nd grade friends are blending their knowledge of maps, robotics and coding to meet today's "Small Town Robotic Challenge". On our map are replicas of our school, the fire station, police station, hospital, general store, play ground and more. Everything that can be found in a small town is added to our experience - including familiar street names.

Each team of two is given a card that gives a small storyline challenge that the team will need to code their robot to complete. The teams look at the map, determine their path, measure the length of a rotation on their robot, code the robot and away they go. If there are issues, they debug and try again.

This lesson includes: mapping, coding, debugging, algorithms, civic ed, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, math, digital storytelling and so much more.

Gift and Goal - Team-style!

In our Robotics Teams, there are several main traits team members bring to the table - they may be strong at coding, an expert at building the robot, persistent troubleshooter, strong at manipulating the remote control, and 'grace under pressure' at competition. There may be other traits, but these are the main ones we highlight. At the first meeting, I will have all members introduce themself and state which of these they feel they are strongest at and the one trait that might be most difficult for them.

The trait they are strongest at will be their 'gift' to the team - meaning: they will help other members of the team with tips and strategies and help them become better at that trait. They become the team's expert in that trait.




The trait they might find most difficult becomes their 'goal' - meaning: they will work on that trait and seek the team's expert for tips to become better at that trait. They don't necessarily have to become experts, but they should make it a goal to improve.

I have found this system to help not only share strengths, but also to goal-set and invariably with everyone working together with their 'gifts' and 'goals', become a stronger team all the way around.

This is a great idea!

Being A VEX IQ Robotics Coach

This year, I take on a new challenge - VEX IQ Robotics Coach! Exciting times ahead for the team and for me.

The first team meeting for introductions, we decided there were six strengths that members would have. Yes, there would be others, but these were the main six: coder/programmer, remote control driver, STEM project designer, troubleshooter/problem solver, critical thinker, assembly/build the robot.  Students were tasked with determining the skill that they were strongest in and the skill that they were least strong in, or weakest at. During introductions, they disclosed their choices. It's interesting what students think of themselves versus what I think about them from my weekly interactions with them - I guess we will learn more about each other as time goes.

Strengths are what the team member will share with the team and the weakest strength will be their goal to build during our time together.

"Hi! I'm Mrs. Moore. My strength is coding and I'm not very good at the remote control."


Second team session - they are separated into pairs and must work within the 60-second time frame to garner the most points. During each session, they reset the field. To hear them chat about what went right and what to do to become better was thrilling. They listened to each other's ideas and built on those ideas...those strategies. I like how their minds work. I like how they've built a collaborative spirit. I like that they 'fit' and that their being on team is a natural 'fit'.


Robotics brings about critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, teamwork and fun...lots of fun!

Ed Tech Tools for our Younger Coding Friends

During our Month of Code, we used a couple of fairly new Ed Tech tools to help with basic programming for our K-2 friends.  They enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning and really got the hang of it all rather quickly.

Learning Resources hits the mark with this programmable Robot Mouse.  Essentially, by depressing the directional and sound buttons on top of the mouse, it will move a rotation in that direction.  The box comes with one purple mouse and a set of directional coding cards. Use the coding cards as a way to challenge the group to move their robot in whichever direction you choose. I've also created large floor grids for Students that have them code the mouse to get from start to finish and decide how to move forward the amount of rotations that are needed. I like how easy this device is to use and requires little instruction. Once Students tinker a little, they're all set for whatever challenge might come their way.

Fisher Price's Code-a-Pillar is another hit with our Students. It too is very easy to learn to operate and does an excellent job of demonstrating basic coding principles. It's cute and has fun sounds which also add to the appeal. Fisher Price rates this for Pre-K, but we've found it works quite well with our K-1st STEM friends. The body separates into directional and sound pieces that are easy to re-attach by little hands. More pieces can be purchased, but the initial set comes with 8 pieces. 

Aside from a coding experiences, both of these devices are perfect for Centers, Genius Hour, Robotics, free time and more.

Trends in the Ed Tech World - My Take...

There's a lot of chatter about ideas surrounding the Ed Tech Community regarding trends...where are we going & what catchy idea will be the next big deal. There are a few concepts that I think should be added to the list, or further defined, as I think they play an important role when we think of these trends in Ed Tech and our role of nurturing digitally literate citizens. 

So...here's my take:

Curation & Reflection & Peer Review - This is where Digital Portfolios or ePortfolios comes into play. I have Students create a slide or post about each completed tech project. These posts then become a time for them to reflect about the activity itself and talk about it in length; what was the activity, what did they find to be their strengths & what were some take-aways for areas of improvement.  I also like the notion of Peer Review and have Students couple-up and review each other's portfolios with constructive comments, suggestions, questions and (my personal favorite) connections.  This helps them 'own the project', become better listeners and become constructive evaluators. Nice combination.

Robotics is another amazing area that I really love exploring with Students. Include the "build" component and you've got a winner of an activity.  I posted a few weeks ago about the Meccanoid Robot that I put together.  Building that Robot was one of the more exciting activities I've done in quite awhile.  It gave me a  true 'connection' that I would not have gotten had I just grabbed a robot out of the box and put batteries in it and away we go. I was able to see how things fit and work together. Cool experience!

Maker Movement has become quite something these days. I'd like to see more of a 'reuse' feature in the program rather than the acquisition of new toys. I think sometimes we get carried away with the "latest and greatest", that it loses it's appeal for me. "Making" something from used parts is really a challenge in itself.  One big plus for me, I like seeing the 'thinking-process' in action....very meaningful part of the experience.

VR / AR - yet another huge concept. Very exciting experiences as well as an attractive venue for learning.

And, Digital Citizenship!  I read recently that nearly 300k statuses are updated ever minute on Facebook and over 2.5 million searches are done in Google at that same rate!  That just screams our need to keep the conversation about Digital Citizenship going with Students. Add in an accountability component for their online presence and the care of equipment!  I don't see this element going away anytime soon.

We've got a lot of work to do to create Digitally Literate Students and these trends inspire ways to move them in the right direction!

Meccanoid G15 Personal Robot

Probably the coolest Robot I've seen in a long time, the Meccanoid G15 Personal Robot comes to us from Meccano.(http://www.meccano.com/meccanoid-about).  There are actually two Robots of similar features, but one is 4' tall & this one of ours is 2' tall; it moves, waves, blinks and speaks!  It comes requiring assembly....which, for me, was one of the best parts of the experience.  Easy to read instructions takes you step by step connecting the some 600 pieces together.  It took a few hours to assemble, but well worth it as it gave me a real connection, a real personal connection with the robot.

A few notes: 1) the arms are the trickiest to assemble. It took me a of couple of times to get the joints to face the correct direction. This meant taking them all apart and putting them all together again...this was a lot of steps each time. 2) the robot requires 4-C batteries that run out pretty quickly.  In fact, it won't function when the battery life is limited.  You'll want to put these batteries on your shopping list. 3) once assembled, it's a good idea to plug it in and check for updates to the firmware. We missed this step, up front and once discovered, everything else worked.

Here are "How-to" videos that go step by step through everything our little friend can do: http://www.meccano.com/videos?filter=.how_to  I recommend watching them to get the full benefit of all it's amazing features!

It has become a wonderful robotic experience! I give it a two thumbs up and a handbump!

Ozobot - Small, but Mighty!

Using the Ozobots with Students this past week, for Robotics Week, was simply amazing! This was the first experience using our tiniest robots for many of the Students, so I started off describing how it operates just like any other robot, by following the commands or codes given to it. We could have grabbed iPads and used the Blockly style apps for coding, but I think it's helpful to have Students begin manually coding them to get a good look at how the process works. Ozobot has a lengthy and well rounded part of their site, full of great lesson plans, so I selected several of the basic level plans along with the fun challenges.  And...away we went! Here's a look at the Challenges we selected.  Students worked in pairs and were encouraged to talk out the challenge before putting ink to paper.  This was a great exercise in planning and designing!

                                   

Other challenges were to put 4 of the US Presidents in order...given Presidents Day was recently celebrated, it added an element of fun.  Bowling Pin Challenge also gave the partners a bit of a time. These challenges were perfect for 3rd thru 5th Graders, but I can see our 2nd Graders managing nicely as well. 

Excellent Lab time exploring our little robot friends!

Robotics Week includes newest addition: "Dot & Dash"

Robotics Week is our chance to explore and discover new ways to use all the robots we have available to us. This week, we take a crack at our newest addition, Wonder Workshop's "Dot & Dash" (https://www.makewonder.com/) These are two really cute robots that come ready to use right out of the box!  There is no assembly needed.  They come with several free apps and connecting the iPad with either via Bluetooth is a snap. Dot & Dash and their apps are rated for age 4 and above. While this is true, we have found these to be perfect for 1st & 2nd Graders.

Here's a look at the apps:

"Go" - allows Dash to freely roam with a swipe of the finger.  This app is perfect for those fun mazes, running races and creating shapes.  When you add the 'scoop' attachment, Dash can move items all around.  Our friends used the 'scoop' to sort items and do math games where they moved the answer into the right space.

"Xylo" - add the xylophone attachment to Dash and it plays a tune!  We assigned letters of the alphabet to the colored tiles, then Students spelled out their name and could hear their 'name-song'!  Very special for us all!

"Path" - draw a path and add sounds, then Dash will run the route and follow the commands. Dot will make the sounds, creating a neat exercise in sequencing.  This is a perfect start to Coding as they must follow a sequence to level up to the next.

"Blockly" - yet another perfect practice in programming.  What I just realized is this tool is created by Google....no wonder it's a great tool!  Students snap together blocks of code in the program and have the robots run the code!  Challenging, yet fun!  I rate this more for the older Student (2nd Grade)

Realistically, groups of 2 to 3 Students working the applications and setting the Robot on it's course is a good number.  The practice of sharing and taking turns is a real plus.

Obstacle Courses for Every Robot!

Before we go into any full blown PBL activity using any of our Robots, we first set our sights at learning the mechanics.  To do this, we construct obstacle courses full of tricky twists and turns. Throw in some wooden houses, caution & stop signs and a few detours to make it interesting.  

A New Tech Toy for the Toy Box......an OZOBOT!

I absolutely love techy toys! Especially ones that have a nice design, are fully functioning and deliver outstanding results.  That's what you get with Ozobot!   Ozobot (http://www.ozobot.com/) is a robot....a very small robot, that can be programmed either by using an iPad app (Free download) or by drawing thick lined tracks using a color scheme on a white piece of paper.  The color schemes can be printed from the webpage, as well as other pre-planned challenges to get started. Presently, the robots are $49.99 for one or $89.99 for a pair through Amazon.  Teams of 2 to 3 Students can work together to code a robot and play the game.

The iPad app allows the user to free draw, program the robot to 'dance', or create a path using a variety of directional blocks.  Each 'game' is challenging, requires strategic planning and is a lot of fun. I specifically like the music and the design of each program....very eye appealing, catchy and adds to the overall experience.

The Drawing option connects robot & creativity, interactively.  With black, red, blue & green thick-edged markers & the Ozobot's color scheme codes (found on their webpage), the user draws 'tracks' using the codes & the Ozobot moves in all directions, spins, changes colors, changes speed & more. Also challenging and a ton of fun, but adds that creative side to the robot experience that I like very much.

Ideally, this would be best rated for the older Students in 3rd through 5th Grades.  I was quickly impressed with this little gem and think it would be a perfect addition to the Robotics Unit in the Tech Lab, during Clubs, Centers or Free Play.


Robotic fun,
Elana Moore

Robotics - This Is How We Roll!

At School, I'm fortunate to be able to take Students on a Robotics journey.  This journey begins when they come into the Tech Lab during Encore or for smaller groups when we have our monthly Club meetings. We use Lego Mindstorm NXT's for this journey! (Our model is retired. Currently the Lego Mindstorm EV3's are sold. They offer a few more whistles & bells, but carry the same type of programming. Click on the link for information & buyer's details)   I like Robotics because we can strengthen critical thinking skills, programming/coding skills (they do have to get the robot to travel from one point to the next, right?), multifaceted problem solving, storytelling and so much more. The Robots are a perfect device to accomplish all of this!

First things first....they have to learn how the device operates.  So, to solve this problem, I create several types of grids.  These can be line-grids, 'X-marks-the-spot' grids and more.  The grids are designed so that they learn how to get the robot to move forward & backwards within the appropriate amount of rotations, and to turn in all degrees and directions, necessary to complete the grid.  If things don't go as planned, then they have to come up with solutions to correct their problem.  Space is always an issue in a burgeoning School environment, but we try and find the right place that would be available for a few weeks to accomplish this goal.  I don't always like picking up grids, only to have to put them back down for the next group of Students.

Once, they've mastered these types of skills, I then open up the some fun PBL challenges.  One PBL is "Our Town", where problems happen within the town's limits and they have to get from one point the next, while avoiding all the obstacles.  For instance, they are at home and they have to get to School to pick up their children.  The School is across town, and there normal route is riddled with all sorts of traffic hazards on one street and fire & rescue trucks coming the opposite way on another.  How will they get to School in time?  It's trickier than it sounds.

Another PBL is "Space Invaders"  This is mapped out similarly to "Our Town", but using the Planets in the Solar System.  They answer a trivial question about the planet, then they have to determine how to get to that planet from their starting place....again, so many challenges along the way!


So how does Storytelling play into all of this?  One way is by using the "Our Town" grid. Students will create a story, full of their own imaginative twists and turns. They will create as much detail as they can...make it interesting and fun.  Once finished, they will pass their story onto the next team, who will try it out.  This is not only a great time for creativity, but it is also a great opportunity for feedback.  What went well, what needs tweaking, what didn't work and why.  There might even be some suggestions as to how to fix or make the story better.

Robots can also be programmed to make sounds, pick up and set down items, etc.

Ok...some logistics:  I like groups of 2 and no more than 3 Students to a team.  Each member must be engaged and help....no bossy-buddies, here!   Once everyone has completed a task or a story, I like for everyone to show off their work, to see what the total group is capable of.  We always cheer each other on.

Above all else, Students are encouraged to have fun and be creative!

This is a good idea,

Elana Moore