Session 10: The Ultimate Bot Challenge – Final Project
Duration: 50-60 minutes
Equipment Required:
- M3D Robotics kit
- Laptops with Scratch pre-installed
- Black tape to create line paths for the line-following bots
- Small objects for collection (e.g., small balls, cubes)
- Obstacles for avoidance course (e.g., small boxes, cones)
- Bucket attachment for the robot
Learning Objectives:
- Apply all key concepts from previous sessions: loops, conditionals, sensor input, motor control, and text/emoji displays.
- Integrate multiple sensors and attachments to complete a complex task.
- Reinforce problem-solving skills by combining various coding blocks in Scratch.
- Demonstrate creativity and collaboration through a final challenge.
1. Introduction to the Final Project (5 minutes)
Activity:
Introduce the concept of this final challenge as a culmination of everything students have learned throughout their sessions. The goal is for students to design a program where their robot navigates an obstacle course, collects an object, and delivers it to a designated spot using the line-following sensor and bucket attachment.
Instructions:
- You can say:
“This is your final challenge! Today, we’ll be combining everything you’ve learned.
Ask them to recall which concepts they have learnt so far during the previous sessions. Then, you can build up on that as:
Your robots will need to avoid obstacles, pick up objects, and deliver them to the finish line using the line-following sensor. Let’s see if your bots are ready for this ultimate challenge!”
Teacher’s Role:
- Motivate students by emphasizing how far they’ve come in their robotics journey.
- Reinforce the importance of bringing all their knowledge together in a final task.
2. Planning the Challenge (10 minutes)
Activity:
Have students work in small teams to plan the steps their robot will need to take to complete the challenge. Emphasize that planning is key to successful execution.
Instructions:
- Guide students to write down or draw the sequence of actions their robot will need to perform:
- Navigating the obstacle course: Using the distance sensor to avoid obstacles.
- Collecting objects: Lowering the bucket using the motor control blocks to pick up objects.
- Following the line: Using the line-following sensor to reach the delivery point.
- Delivering objects: Using motor control blocks to dump the objects at the target location.
- Expressing robot actions: Planning where to use the “Show Text,” “Express,” and “Wait Seconds” blocks to create pauses and display robot emotions and messages like “On My Way” or “Let’s Go!”
Teacher’s Role:
- Encourage students to break the challenge into smaller tasks and write down the sequence.
- Help them identify which sensors and coding blocks will be needed for each part of the challenge.
3. Coding and Testing (25 minutes)
Activity:
Students will begin coding their robots to complete the final challenge. They will work in small teams to code and test each part of the project.
Instructions:
-
Guide students to start coding in stages. Lead them to the premade obstacle course with the start and end point defined and assist them to code their robot in each phase:
- Obstacle Avoidance: Program the robot to detect and avoid obstacles using the distance sensor.
- Object Collection: Code the robot to lower its bucket, collect an object, and raise the bucket.
- Line Following: Use the “Follow Line” block to make the robot follow a designated path.
- Object Delivery: Code the robot to deliver the object by lowering the bucket at the target location.
- Text and Emoji Expressions: Add the “Show Text” and “Express” blocks at key points to display messages and emotions, e.g., “On My Way,” “Obstacle Ahead!” and display a happy face when completing the task.
- Timed Pauses: Use the “Wait Seconds” block to create pauses between actions, allowing the robot to “think” or display its emotions.
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Remind students to test each part of the challenge separately before combining them into a final program.
Teacher’s Role:
- Provide guidance on coding and testing each part of the project.
- Encourage students to troubleshoot and adjust their code if the robot struggles with a particular task.
- Offer support and tips as they combine all elements into one cohesive program.
4. Final Project Run and Presentation (15 minutes)
Activity:
Each team will take turns demonstrating their robot completing the final challenge. Encourage creativity in how students present their robots’ actions and tasks.
Instructions:
- Allow the students to set up their robots at the final obstacle course with the line path, obstacles, and object collection/delivery points.
- Give each team time to showcase their robot completing the challenge.
- Allow students to explain their code and what they did to make the robot complete the tasks.
Teacher’s Role:
- Celebrate each team’s efforts and encourage positive feedback from other students.
- Highlight the creativity and problem-solving demonstrated by each team.
5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Activity:
End the session with a discussion about different sensors and coding tools e.g. movement blocks, loops, conditionals etc. combine to make the robot perform complex tasks.
Reflection Questions:
- “What was the most challenging part of today’s activity?”
- “Which part of your robot’s code are you most proud of?”
- “What would you do differently if you could try the challenge again?”
Teacher’s Role:
- Facilitate a discussion on the key takeaways from the entire course, encouraging students to reflect on their progress and accomplishments.
- Motivate students by emphasizing their journey from simple coding to completing complex tasks with robots.
Learning Outcome:
By the end of the session, students will have successfully integrated multiple sensors, used loops and conditionals, and collaborated as a team to complete a complex, real-world-inspired challenge. They will demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, and a comprehensive understanding of robotics through their final project. Students will have the opportunity to make their robots come alive with expressions and messages, reinforcing their coding skills and creativity.