Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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| Activities |
Project Introduction and Essential Question - Introduce the robotics project and pose the essential question: How can we design a robot that navigates a maze using coordinate points on a grid? Discuss the project's goals and deliverables. (15 min)
Robot Maze Challenge Kickoff - Students work in teams to navigate a simple maze using remote-controlled robots, introducing them to the concept of using coordinate points for navigation. (30 min)
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Introduction to Coordinate Grids - Teach students how to plot and interpret coordinate points on a grid. Provide practice exercises to solidify understanding. (20 min)
Designing a Simple Maze - Students work in pairs to design a simple maze on grid paper, applying their understanding of coordinate points. (25 min)
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Introduction to Basic Programming Concepts - Introduce students to block-based coding platforms, focusing on commands that control robot movement. (20 min)
Programming Practice - Students practice programming basic movement commands for a virtual robot, preparing them for controlling their physical robots. (25 min)
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Robot Design Brainstorm - Students begin brainstorming ideas for their robot designs, considering how the robots will navigate their mazes. Encourage collaboration and innovation. (20 min)
Robot Sketching - Students sketch their initial robot design ideas, focusing on the robot's movement capabilities based on their maze designs. (25 min)
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Robot Design Sharing and Feedback - Students share their robot sketches with peers for feedback, focusing on improvements and feasibility. (20 min)
Revising Robot Designs - Students revise their robot sketches based on peer feedback, preparing them for the building phase next week. (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Students' initial sketches and notes on robot design ideas.
2. Completed block-based coding exercises demonstrating understanding of basic commands. 3. Practiced coordinate grid plots showcasing their grasp of plotting points. 4. Reflections recorded in project journals summarizing their learning experiences and initial thoughts on robot navigation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather remote-controlled robots and ensure they are functional for the kickoff activity.
2. Prepare a simple maze layout on the classroom floor using tape for the kickoff event. 3. Collect materials for basic robot-building components (e.g., wheels, motors, sensors) for subsequent weeks. 4. Set up block-based coding software on classroom computers or tablets. 5. Create large coordinate grids on paper or whiteboards for students to practice plotting points. 6. Coordinate with the tech company for potential virtual check-ins or field trip preparation. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Programming Basics Introduction - Explore basic block-based programming concepts using a coding platform to understand how sequences of commands control robot actions. (20 min)
Coordinate Grid Exploration - Plot points on a large floor grid to visualize robot navigation pathways, reinforcing understanding of the coordinate plane. (25 min)
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Robot Design Brainstorm - Collaborate in small groups to brainstorm initial robot design ideas focusing on structure and functionality for maze navigation. (20 min)
Sketch and Plan - Create detailed sketches of robot designs, including labeled parts and pathways on coordinate grids, to prepare for building. (25 min)
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Collaborative Building Session - Begin constructing robot prototypes using provided kits, focusing on assembling key components. (30 min)
Reflection and Feedback - Share progress with peers and receive constructive feedback to refine designs and building techniques. (15 min)
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Programming Practice - Use block-based coding platforms to program robots with simple movement commands, testing sequences on the coordinate grid. (30 min)
Design Critique Preparation - Prepare for the upcoming Design Critique Day by finalizing robot prototypes and documenting design choices. (15 min)
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Design Critique Day - Present robot prototypes to classmates for constructive feedback on design and programming, focusing on improvements and adjustments. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed graph paper and digital versions of a simple maze designed by each student.
2. Basic block-based code that successfully moves a virtual robot through the digital maze. 3. Entries in project journals documenting the week's activities, personal reflections, and feedback received during the Reflection Circle. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather graph paper and coordinate plane printouts for Monday's activity.
2. Prepare access and accounts for a block-based coding platform suitable for 5th graders. 3. Set up computers or tablets with grid-based design software for digital maze creation. 4. Organize a tutorial session on the block-based coding platform, ensuring step-by-step guides are available. 5. Arrange the classroom for pair programming activities, ensuring each pair has access to a computer or tablet. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Refinement - Continue refining robot prototypes, focusing on enhancing stability and functionality based on feedback from Design Critique Day. (25 min)
Advanced Programming Concepts - Introduce students to more complex block-based programming commands, such as loops and conditionals, to improve robot navigation in the maze. (20 min)
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Maze Path Optimization - Use coordinate grids to plan optimized paths for robot navigation, integrating newly learned programming commands. (25 min)
Hands-On Programming Practice - Apply advanced programming concepts to refine and test robot movement sequences on a simulated grid. (20 min)
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Collaborative Problem Solving - Work in groups to troubleshoot and solve design and programming challenges encountered during maze navigation testing. (25 min)
Feedback Session with Engineers - Participate in a virtual session with tech company engineers for expert feedback and guidance on robot designs and programming. (20 min)
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Final Robot Assembly - Complete the assembly of robots, ensuring all components are securely fitted and operational for efficient maze navigation. (30 min)
Reflection Circle - Share progress, challenges, and insights gained from expert feedback, focusing on personal growth and teamwork. (15 min)
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Test Run and Adjustments - Conduct test runs of robots navigating the maze, making final adjustments to programming and design as needed. (30 min)
Poster and Mural Planning - Begin planning and drafting educational posters and mural elements to visually represent the robot-building journey for the Robotics Expo. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed maze designs with plotted coordinate points.
2. Working block-based code scripts demonstrating the robot's path through the maze. 3. Peer feedback notes and a list of planned improvements based on critique. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure availability of graph paper and coordinate plane templates for maze design.
2. Set up computers or tablets with a block-based coding platform accessible to all students. 3. Prepare a rubric for peer feedback focusing on maze design and programming logic. 4. Coordinate with tech company engineers to provide virtual feedback sessions. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Programming Adjustments - Review and fine-tune the block-based programming of the robots to ensure precise navigation through the maze. (20 min)
Robot Testing and Iteration - Test robots within practice mazes, identifying any issues and making necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and accuracy. (25 min)
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Collaborative Mural Creation - Begin working on a collaborative mural that represents the journey of building robots, incorporating diagrams and reflections on the process. (20 min)
Educational Poster Design - Design educational posters that explain the steps of robot creation and maze navigation, focusing on clear communication of concepts. (25 min)
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Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct a peer review session for the mural and posters, providing constructive feedback to enhance clarity and visual appeal. (20 min)
Mural and Poster Refinement - Make revisions to the collaborative mural and educational posters based on peer feedback, ensuring readiness for the Robotics Expo. (25 min)
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Robotics Expo Preparation - Set up interactive booths for the Robotics Expo, arranging robots, the mural, and posters for display. Practice explaining the engineering and mathematical concepts to be presented. (20 min)
Final Reflection Circle - Participate in a reflection circle to discuss the challenges faced, successes achieved, and personal growth throughout the project. Share insights and learning experiences with peers. (25 min)
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Robotics Expo - Host the Robotics Expo, presenting robots, the collaborative mural, and educational posters to peers, teachers, and community partners. Engage with visitors, answer questions, and demonstrate learning. Celebrate the completion of the project. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Functional robots capable of navigating a maze using coordinate points.
2. Completed collaborative mural representing the robot-building journey. 3. Educational posters breaking down the steps of robot creation and maze navigation. 4. Prepared and practiced presentation for the Robotics Expo. 5. Participation in the Robotics Expo, showcasing their work and engaging with the community. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all robots are fully charged and functioning.
2. Set up the classroom to mimic the Expo layout, allowing students to practice setting up their booths. 3. Prepare printing materials for the educational posters. 4. Gather materials for mural completion, such as markers, paint, and adhesive. 5. Coordinate with community partners to confirm their participation in the Expo. |
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