This unit introduces robotics and specifically the Finch robot (BirdBrain Technologies).
Students will investigate the technologies that are used in robotics such as mechanical, optical and thermal technologies and apply them by creating programs that cause the robot to interact with its environment. The robot can be used as a simple meter to measure distance, temperature, light leves and orientation as well us respond programmatically with sound, light and motion.
Robotics provides a physical application of the programming and problem solving skills acquired in the previous units. Snap! uses the same drag and drop programming as Scratch which will and can be used in the browser online or offline. Robots are shared by several students which will emphasize the collaborative nature of computing. In order to program and run their robots, students will need to apply effective team practices and understand the different roles that are important for success.
Discussing the features of robots provides an opportunity to emphasize how computing has far-reaching effects on society and has led to significant innovation. Students can discuss such topics as:
The effects innovations in robotics have had on people.
The significance of processes that have been automated because of robots.
How innovations in robotics have spurred additional innovations.
The unit consists of three main sections:
The features of robots (Days 1-3)
Familiarization with the robot and the software (Days 4-22)
Robotics projects (Days 23-33)
Throughout the unit the similarities and differences between Scratch and the programming needed to move the robot can be highlighted.
Specific topics for each instructional day are listed in the overview chart.
The MSDE objectives met in this unit can be found here.