Session10 : Robot Olympics – Skill Challenge
Duration: 50-60 minutes
Equipment Required:
- M3D Robotics kit (including M3D Go, its attachments: pen, dumper, and forklift).
- Laptops with Scratch pre-installed.
- Paper and pencils for students to document their discoveries and scores.
- Small objects for obstacle courses and item pick-up challenges.
- Markers or objects for marking designated areas or targets.
- Items for robots to detect and interact with (e.g., small blocks, pens).
Learning Objectives:
- Apply coding concepts like movement, turning, loops, and If-Then logic to complete different challenges.
- Use the robot’s attachments (pen, dumper, forklift) to solve tasks.
- Use object detection for decision-making and interaction.
- Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills through fun, competitive activities.
Resources:
Scratch Code File:
Grade 2 Session 10.sb3 (3.4 MB)
1. Introduction to the Robot Olympics (10 minutes)
Activity:
Introduce the Robot Olympics event, where students will guide their robots through fun challenges using movement, turning, object detection, and attachments like the pen, dumper, and forklift.
Instructions:
You can introduce the Olympics by saying:
“Today, we’re hosting the Robot Olympics! Your robots are ready for a series of exciting challenges. You’ll use what you’ve learned—movement, turning, making decisions with If-Then logic, and using your robot’s attachments like the dumper and forklift. Let’s see which robot can complete the tasks the best!”
Briefly explain the three challenges students will participate in:
- Watch Your Step: Robots must navigate through a course with obstacles and detect objects to decide when to turn or stop.
- Cargo Craze: Robots will pick up objects using the forklift or dumper and transport them to a designated location.
- Sketch Circuit Robots will draw shapes or patterns on paper using the pen attachment, following pre-programmed paths.
Teacher’s Role:
- Set up the challenges and explain the rules.
- Keep the energy high and emphasize the fun, competitive aspect of the event.
2. Programming for the Olympics (15 minutes)
Activity:
Students will work in pairs or small groups to program their robots for each challenge. They will apply the coding concepts they’ve learned to complete the tasks, focusing on using the robot’s attachments and object detection.
Instructions:
Guide students to program their robots for each challenge:
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Watch your step Use movement blocks, turns, and If-Then logic for object detection. The robot must detect obstacles and make decisions, such as stopping or turning.
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Dumper Dash Program the robot to use the forklift or dumper to pick up an object, transport it, and drop it at the designated location.
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Sketch Circuit Use movement blocks and loops to program the robot to draw shapes or patterns with the pen attachment.
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Encourage students to test their code and adjust it for accuracy before starting the challenges.
Teacher’s Role:
- Guide students through the programming process, reminding them to use loops, If-Then logic, and attachments.
- Offer support and troubleshooting tips, ensuring that students understand how to apply each concept.
3. Robot Olympics: Competition Time! (20 minutes)
Activity:
Students will compete in the three challenges, testing their robot’s ability to complete tasks using object detection, attachments, and precise movements.
Instructions:
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Watch your Step:
- Set up a course with obstacles and objects for the robots to detect.
- Robots must navigate the course and use object detection to decide when to stop or turn.
- Scoring: Robots earn points for detecting obstacles, avoiding them, and reaching the end of the course without hitting anything.
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Dumper Dash:
- Place small items for the robots to pick up using the forklift or dumper.
- Robots must transport the items to a designated location and drop them off.
- Scoring: Points are awarded for successfully picking up, transporting, and delivering the items to the target. You may deduct points if the item is dropped midway to make it fun and competitive.
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Sketch Circuit:
- Attach a marker to each robot and provide paper for the robots to draw on.
- Students will program the robot to draw shapes (e.g., a square or circle) or patterns.
- Scoring: Points are awarded based on the accuracy of the shapes drawn and speed.
Teacher’s Role:
- Facilitate each challenge, keeping the energy fun and supportive.
- Keep track of scores and ensure that all students have an opportunity to participate.
4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)
Activity:
After the Robot Olympics, students will reflect on how their robots performed and discuss what they learned. They will also talk about what they could improve for future challenges.
Reflection Questions:
- “Which challenge did your robot do best in, and why?”
- “What was the hardest part of programming for the competition?”
- “What would you change about your robot’s code to make it better?”
Teacher’s Role:
- Lead the reflection discussion, encouraging students to think critically about their robot’s performance and what they could improve in the future.
- Provide constructive feedback and help students connect the challenges to real-world problem-solving.
5. Conclusion and Wrap-Up (5-10 minutes)
Activity:
Summarize the session and celebrate the students’ achievements throughout the Robot Olympics and the entire Robotics Lab. Reinforce the concepts they’ve applied during the year and recognize how much they’ve grown as programmers.
Wrap-Up Summary:
- Congratulate students on their hard work and creativity in the Robot Olympics and throughout the Robotics Lab.
- Emphasize the importance of the coding skills they’ve learned, such as loops, If-Then logic, object detection, and the use of attachments, and how these skills are the building blocks for more advanced programming.
- End the session with a special note:
“You’ve completed your journey in the Robotics Lab for 2nd grade! Look how far you’ve come—from learning to control your robots with simple movements to making them solve fun, challenging tasks with code. You are now ready to take on even bigger and more exciting challenges in the future. The adventures of programming are just beginning!”
Special Ending:
You may create a fun Robotics Lab Completion Certificate for each student, acknowledging their hard work and participation throughout the lab. You could also take a moment to celebrate the group as they officially complete their 2nd-grade Robotics journey.
Teacher’s Role:
- Lead the celebration and make each student feel proud of their achievements.
- Distribute certificates (optional) or offer a small celebratory gesture to mark the end of the Robotics Lab for Grade 2.
Learning Outcome:
By the end of the session, students will have successfully completed the Grade 2 Robotics Lab, applying coding skills like movement, turning, object detection, and the use of attachments in a fun and competitive format. They will leave the course with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for future programming challenges.