Session Length: 50 minutes
Learning Style: Project-based, exploration, collaborative problem-solving
Key Learnings (Sessions 1-10):
- Session 1-2: Advanced Scratch coding introduction, focusing on loops and conditionals.
- Session 3-4: Using sensors to navigate terrain autonomously; obstacle detection.
- Session 5-6: Line-following challenges combined with decision-making (e.g., turning based on sensor input).
- Session 7-8: Introduction to interacting bots (two bots collaborating to achieve a task).
- Session 9-10: Project-based challenge: design a solution to move objects using the bot’s dumping bucket or actuators.
Equipment Needed: M3D Go Robotics kit with multiple sensors, M3D Scratch, line-following tracks, small objects for dumping, multiple bots.
Course Breakdown
1. Intro to Scratch & Robot
This session introduces students to Scratch, focusing on basic movement commands. Using the on-screen gamepad, students manually control the robot through basic tasks (move forward, backward, turn left, and right). They will explore how to issue commands via Scratch’s drag-and-drop interface.
2. Build Your First Code
Students will write their first simple Scratch program. The instructor will introduce basic motion blocks like “move forward by X steps” and “turn by Y degrees.” Students will program the robot to move in a square or triangle by dragging and snapping blocks. They can test their program on the bot to see how the commands are executed in the real world.
3. Loops: Keep Moving
Students will be introduced to the concept of loops to make the robot repeat movements without manually repeating the same blocks. The task will be to make the robot move in a continuous square pattern by using “repeat” loops.
4. Line Follower Fun
Students will use the line-following sensor for the first time. The instructor will show how to program the robot to follow a black line drawn on the floor or table. This introduces the idea of conditional logic, where the robot will react differently based on sensor input (e.g., stay on the line).
5. Dumping Bot: Carry and Drop
Students will use the servo motor and dumping bucket in this session. The robot will be programmed to move to a location, pick up a small object using the bucket, and then drop it at a designated area. This introduces simple conditionals (“if-then” logic) to execute tasks based on timing or sensor input.
6. Collision Detector
Students will integrate the distance sensor and program the robot to avoid obstacles. The bot will move forward and stop when it detects an obstacle within a certain distance. This reinforces the idea of conditionals and introduces sensor data to control the robot’s behavior.
7. Follow the Leader
In pairs, students will program one bot to follow another using the distance sensor. The lead bot will move in a pre-programmed pattern, while the second bot uses its sensor to maintain a set distance. This is a gentle introduction to multi-bot interaction.
8. LIDAR Explorer
Students will program the bot to use its distance sensor to scan its surroundings and map objects or obstacles. The robot will rotate and display distance data on both the Scratch screen and the robot’s display, simulating a simplified LiDAR mapping system.
9. Bot Relay Race
In teams, students will program two robots to collaborate in a relay-style race. One bot will navigate through an obstacle course using line-following or distance sensors, then hand off a small object to the second bot, which will complete the course. This solidifies the concepts of collaboration, sensor integration, and conditionals.
10. Final Challenge: Rescue Mission
In this culminating activity, students will bring together all their learning. Their bot will map out a small area, avoid obstacles, collect objects with its bucket, and deliver them to a target location. This task will involve loops, conditionals, sensor input, and mapping, testing everything they’ve learned throughout the sessions.