The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Coordinate Planes with LEGO Spike Prime

Coordinate Planes with LEGO Spike Prime

A 5th grade Math lesson

Author: Gianne Carlo Cruz

Date: 7/3/2023

Notes for teachers

• Context: This lesson takes place in a classroom for one or more hours
• Students may work individually or in small groups of 2-4.

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List of Materials

• Lego Spike Prime Educational Set
• Laptop or Chromebook
• Spike Prime App
• meter stick or ruler
• protractor
• Large print of 10 by 10 grid (size of each box or unit is 4 inches by 4 inches)

Dimensions of AZ Science Standards

AZ Mathematics Standards

AZ Computer Science Standards

Core Idea

U2: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to create products

5.G.A Graph points on the coordinate plane to solve mathematical problems as well as problems

Science and Engineering Practices

• ask questions and define problems

● develop and use models

● plan and carry out investigations

● analyze and interpret data

● use mathematics and computational thinking

● construct explanations and design solutions

● engage in argument from evidence

● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

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5.AP.PD.3 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.

Objective(s):

Today we will build a codable LEGO robot and successfully plot points on a coordinate plane.

Agenda (60 to 120 minutes)

• What is coordinate plane?
• How do we read ordered pairs?

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Coordinate Graph

From Study .com

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A coordinate graph is a graph with two axes which are placed perpendicular to each other. These two axes are called x-axis and y-axis. The vertical line is the y-axis and the horizontal line is the x-axis. It is also called a coordinate plane, a Cartesian plane, and a Cartesian coordinate system.

The coordinate plane can be used to plot points and graph lines. This system allows us to describe algebraic relationships in a visual sense, and also helps us create and interpret algebraic concepts.

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The coordinate plane can also be applied to our daily lives, for example giving directions to a certain place or reading a map.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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Coordinate Plane

Learning about the coordinate plane/plotting coordinates can be very enjoyable. Some kids may be familiar with the games Battleship or Treasure hunt, unknowingly playing games like this is connected to this standard.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Can be done individually or in small groups.
• Gather all the materials needed.
• LEGO Spike Prime set
• LEGO prime app (download)
• Chromebook/Laptop
• Ruler/ Meter Stick
• Protractor
• Large print of 10 by 10 grid (size of each box or unit is 4 inches by 4 inches)

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Instructions:

1. Challenge the students to build a machine that looks like a car.
2. Students should have prior knowledge in basic coding.
3. Make a treasure map that the students can follow.
4. Students should work with their group to identify the coordinates of a piece of treasure
5. Students will program their robot to move to that location

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Assessment

• Prepare short exit ticket asking what specific ordered pair you would use to go to a certain place on the map.

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Differentiation

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students who are having trouble with coding can play a battleship game using coordinate planes

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

For those who were able to complete the challenge: Teacher can ask students to build an advanced machine that can move things or carry things to a certain ordered pair.

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