Dash and Dot Robots: Rolling for Code

 

 

***THIS LESSON HAS BEEN UPDATED.  THE DICE ARE NOW MATS TO PRINT AND USE WITH ACTUAL DICE.  SEE THE END OF THE POST FOR THE RESOURCES***

Today was my first full day of exploring  Dash and Dot the Wonder Workshop robots with my students in grades K-5.  It was a FABULOUS day full of ah ha moments, smiles, cooperative learning, and critical thinking.

Getting ready for some cooperative learning!

I started the morning by taping squares on the floor.  I also placed a colored piece of paper in the middle and  four carpet squares around each square. 

 

Labels for groups.

I also printed up some labels for the students to wear.  Each group was identified by a color, the same color in the middle of the taped squares on the floor.  Each group member was identified by a letter.  This way I could call a letter "A" from each group to come and get a robot.  I also envision using this to teach different members of the groups to be experts who can then teach their group.

 

On A Roll Lesson

   

During fourth grade, I tried out a lesson  titled, On A Roll with Dot/Dash.  It was so much fun!  I wanted a lesson that would allow the students some guided play with the Blockly code. I had seen something similar using Scratch programing and figured I could re-create it for Blockly.

 

 I created some printable Dice and added code blocks from the Blockly app.  I recommend using a disposable adhesive tape dispenser to secure the dice.

I had the students work in groups of two.  Each group was given either a Dash or a Dot, an iPad, a Dash or Dot Die, a worksheet, pencil, and a clip board.  

I also created task cards for groups to follow.

Students working to describe the code they rolled.

 

 

I told the students they could flip their worksheets over and create a new code of their own design.

  Later, when I was going through the sheets, I smiled when I saw this code:

The girls who wrote this code have high hopes for what Dash will be able to do! ;)  

 Here are the links for all of the materials I created for the On A Roll lesson:

Group Labels

Dash Die Mat

On A Roll With Dash Worksheet

On A Roll With Dash Task Card

Dot Die

On A Roll With Dot Worksheet

On A Roll with Dot Task Card

If you give this lesson a roll, I would love your feedback!

 

Comments

[Susan]

Hi Annie!
You are welcome to share my resources with your class. Look for an email from me with the images attached! I'm so glad you found my ideas useful! :)
Susan

[NGarrity]

Thanks for this! I've been looking for a lesson for my Dash and Dot! So grateful!!

[Susan]

Glad to hear the ideas are helping you! 😀 Susan