1. We Like to Move It!
After wrapping up our programming with Scratch Jr. ,we are moving right on to another type of programming with the Lego Mindstorms NXT components. I can't tell you how excited the kids were to see and work with the robots! In this unit the STEMmers will learn how to move the robot forward, backward, straight, and to make it turn left or right, and to make complete turns. They will learn to program all of this in preparation for a class challenge!
Today, the 3rd graders learned how to write the program to make their robot move 1-2 rotations, then how to download the program onto the brick, and finally to make the robot carry out the commands.
Today, the 3rd graders learned how to write the program to make their robot move 1-2 rotations, then how to download the program onto the brick, and finally to make the robot carry out the commands.
2. The Box Challenge
After learning how to program their robots to make basic movements, I presented BOX CHALLENGE to the 3rd graders with. Working in teams, the STEMmers needed to program their robots to travel the entire perimeter of the "box". This challenge took a lot a trial and error and required a TON of problem solving and teamwork. Out of 7 teams, 3 of them met the challenge, and the others are really close! It was really cool to see the 3rd graders figuring out the need for decimals at times, recognizing patterns within their programming, and using division to calculate the number of rotations to program to make their robots travel. I was also really proud of how the teams encouraged other. There was not one ounce of competition. As a matter of fact, some teams served as "consultants" to other teams who needed a little help programming their robots to make their turns.