The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Robotics In Action

Robotics in Action

A 4th Grade STEM Lesson

Phyllis Lussier

July 2023

Notes for Teachers

Context:

• This lesson is a minimum of 1 hour but can be extended longer depending on the depth of the challenge.
• Students should be in groups of 2-3 students.
• Students should be grouped no smaller than 2 to allow for collaboration and problem solving.
• The emphasis of this lesson is block programing, sequencing events and measurement.

​

• This lesson is geared for Edison Robots. Any programmable robot will work.
• Click here for the lesson Powerpoint.
• The focus of the lesson is for students to get familiar with block coding and programming their robot to complete various sequences.

Materials

• Edison Robots or any programmable robot
• Mat with grid lines (see pic in slides)
• Programming cord for Edison
• Sequence of directions or path you want the students to program the robot to do
• Computer (since coding requires either a program or web based)
• Edison is web-based and uses

EdScratch.

You’ll also need:

• Pinecone pics or any pic of an object
• You could get creative and tie into a theme and have the objects relate to the theme.
• Here is a powerpoint for lesson roll out.

Standards

Computer Science

​

4.AP.C.1- Create programs that include events, sequencing, loops, and/or conditionals.

​

Ed Technology

​

3-5.5.d. Students understand and explore basic concepts related to automation, patterns, and algorithmic thinking.

​

​

• ​
• ​

Math

4.MD.C.6 - Measure angles in whole number degrees.

Objective(s):

• Students will be able to use EdScratch to block code an Edison Robot to travel through a sequence of programmed events.
• Student will use their knowledge of angles to accurately have Edison turn the correct degree for him to reach a determined location on the grid mat.
• Students will use their knowledge measurement and units of measurement.
• Students will work collaboratively to determine the route and sequence of events Edison will perform.
• Student will work collaboratively to problem solve when Edison is not successful in reaching to destination.

Agenda (1 hour)

Click here for the slides for the lesson and introduction of Edison and it’s parts.

Overview:

Introduce Edison and the basic parts of the robot

Have students open EdScratch. Follow the slides to have students practice pulling blocks over to create a program for Edison.

Challenge: Have students set the pinecone pictures onto the Grid mat and program Edison to get to each pinecone.

Then add more pinecones and rearrange for a more challenging course.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

​

​

Use Slide 2 on the lesson Powerpoint.

Ask students what they imagine when they think of a robot? The slide has a 30 second timer embedded. Use Kagan Structure “Timed Pair Share” directions on the slide. Each partner takes a 30 second turn to share their answer.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

​

• Keep students in groups of 2 or 3.
• Use the lesson slide to introduce them to Ed Scratch.
• Once they have success in the simple task of pulling a block and programming Edison, discuss the challenge of getting Edison to the 3 pinecones on the grid. A2, C4 and E 6. Edison starts at E7.
• Discuss angles, Ed Scratch has Edison “spin” right or left but you have to put in the degree. This is an opportunity to review 90, 180 and 45 degree angles.

​

​

​

• Note: grids can be made with simple chart paper or butcher paper.

​

​

Hands-on Activity Instructions

​

Have students test and revise. EdScratch defaults to cm for unit of measure. Student will need to get as close as they can to each pinecone. Have students revise their code as they test to ensure accuracy.

Part 2 of the Challenge

Once students have success with the initial challenge, give them more pinecones and have them place them on the grid where they choose.

​

They then need to program Edison to get to all of the pincones on the grid.

​

Note: good opportunity to discuss 45 degree angles as well as changing the unit of measure to inches from cm.

Assessment

Have students rate themselves on the following:

• Accuracy of reaching each pinecone
• Sharing the responsibilities of coding with the group

Ask:

• What was the biggest challenge in programming?
• What was the part you found most interesting?

Differentiation

Some students will need support in determining the sequence of steps to get Edison to each pinecone.

​

Work with the students in having them “hand” move Edison with each programing block selected. This will ensure they do not miss a step.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

There are many functions on EdScratch beyond the basic blocks. Have students explore with sound, loops and the other unit of measure “seconds”.

Remember accuracy of the task is important. This isn’t about just making the robot move….you want him to move with purpose.

​

Get creative: Tie into a theme or unit of study. Any pics or objects can be used on the grid.