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Lesson:

Robot Writing Challenge

Art,

Coding,

Math

Experience Level

Grades 1-3

Grades 3-5

Duration

15-30 minutes

Group Size

Individual

Compatible Robots

Root SimBot

Root rt0 Coding Robot

Root rt1 Coding Robot

Details

In this coding challenge, students will alternate between coding with the iRobot Coding simulator and a physical Root Robot to write the first letter of their name.

Downloads & Resources

Robot Writing Challenge Lesson Plan

With the Class

  1. Establish a rotation with your students that allows them to take turns coding at the Robot Station and at their desk.
  2. Challenge students to create a coding project with the iRobot Coding simulator to draw the first letter of their first name.
  3. As the students code their letters, they may take turns using the Robot Station to watch the physical robot run their code.
    1. NOTE: Wipe down and sanitize the entire robot station, including robot, marker, dry-erase cloth and whiteboard grid before and after every student's turn.
  4. Continue until each student has had the opportunity to run a successful letter program at the Robot Station. If other students finish early, challenge them to create another project that writes: Both their first and last initials
    1. The word “Hi” or “Hello”
    2. Their full first name
    3. Their full first AND last name (wow!)
Educational Standards

CSTA K-12 CS Standards

1A-AP-08

Model daily processes by creating and following algorithms (sets of step-by-step instructions) to complete tasks.

1A-AP-09

Model the way programs store and manipulate data by using numbers or other symbols to represent information.

1A-AP-10

Develop programs with sequences and simple loops, to express ideas or address a problem.

1A-AP-11

Decompose (break down) the steps needed to solve a problem into a precise sequence of instructions.

1A-AP-14

Debug (identify and fix) errors in an algorithm or program that includes sequences and simple loops.

1B-AP-10

Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.

1B-AP-11

Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.

1B-AP-15

Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.

Next Generation Science Standards

K-2-ETS1-1

Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

3-5--ETS1-1

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5--ETS1-2

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-1

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-2

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.