Robotics Race - Measuring Distance, Conversion and Coding – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects *
Computer Programming, Mathematics
Age Ranges *
8-11,
Fab Tools *
Computers,
Author
Alicia Knight

Author

Alicia Knight
K-12 teacher
Greetings! My name is Alicia Knight and I am an early childhood educator in the state of Massachusetts.  I’m new to digital fabrication work but not new to the classroom.  I’ve taught kindergarten (age 5-6) through fourth grade (age 9-10)… Read More

Summary

Students will demonstrate an understanding of measuring distance (using and converting EU and/or US measurement systems) while also writing a code that will effectively move their robot.

 

This lesson includes 6 steps:

  1. Pre-test – check student’s understanding of measurement terms
  2. Covering measurement – different units and conversion
  3. Build a robot and learn the basics of coding
  4. Write a code, check it, change it, repeat at least 3 times
  5. Race robots and measure distance
  6. Discuss and exchange codes, learning and possible new codes

 

What You'll Need

Materials:

  • Robotics – a robot for each student or for small groups of students
  • Cards with measurement words
  • Worksheet and pencil  
  • Tape measure and masking tape

 

Lesson Materials

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of units of measurement related to short distances/length.

Create an algorithm that moves your robotic.

Practice transversal skills such as planning, self-regulating, cooperation and self-reflection.

 

 

Reflection

  • Be sure wifi is working properly.
  • Provide students with enough time to build and practice programming prior to the lesson.
  • Sharing learning and codes is critical – make the time.
  • Keep the pre and post assessments brief and engaging – e.g. using flash cards to sort measurement terms at the start is quick and visual – using smaller units makes the length sound really big!

 

The Instructions

Pre-lesson Learning

-Units of measurement - Robotics - building and programming

Introduce concepts of measurement – weight/length/capacity and practice converting units of like measurement.

 

Introduce robotics – allow students the opportunity to follow directions to build the robot and the basics of coding to make the robot move.

Pre-assessement of measurement terms

What do students know about measurement - terms and units? Check for understanding.

  • Write measurement words on flashcards. Consider the languages spoken and read by your cohort. ie. length, width, height, distance, weight.
  • Ask students (individually or in pairs) to chose the card(s) that best represent they type of measurement we will be doing in our robot races.
  • Share your thinking and discuss as a group.

 

Build a Robot

Build a robotic and learn the basics of programming it to move.

  • Decide upon a robot model and follow the instructions to build the one you choose.
  • Learn the basic programming features for the robotic.
  • Explore some programming features.

 

Write the Code

Write - Test - Rewrite

  • Using the worksheet to record your code and how it changes over time.
  • Write a code to make your robot move.
  • Test the code.
  • Adjust your code – test, rewrite and repeat.
  • Determine the best code for your race.

 

 

Race and Measure

Race Robotics and Measure Distance

  • Use masking tape and measuring tape (designed to match your units of measurement) and to mark the start and end of your race. Additionally, use the measuring tape to measure distance your robot moves.
  • Place robots on the start line – count down and RACE!
  • Ask – Which robots moved straight, crossed the finish line, made it the furthest?

 

 

Share - Reflect - Convert

What worked? What changes would you make next time? Measurement conversion...

  • Share the code that worked best for your robot.
  • Discuss possible changes to your code to improve the outcome.
  • Share different ways of stating the distance – convert the measurement to sound bigger but actually, it’s the same distance.

 

Extention Activity

Build upon prior learning

Add more conversion opportunities – different types of measurement.

Add time – time the race to see which robot is fastest!

Lesson Feedback

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