The Digital Scoop

Dash and Dot Robots: Distance and Speed Experiment

 

 

Many of my students are preparing for our school science fair right now.  This got me thinking about using Dash to practice the scientific method.  

During the Hour of Code week, we noticed the speed seem to change how dash moved through our tape maze.  Dash seemed to move different distances.  I decided the distance Dash travels at various speeds would be a perfect thing for my students to put to the test using the scientific method.

   

We discussed what the variables in the experiment could be (speed or distance) and decided to use speed. 

 

How Fast and How Far handout

Next, we talked about writing a hypothesis for the experiment.  For example:  If Dash is set to very fast, then the distance traveled will stay the same.  Then, each group spent some time collaborating and writing.

Each group was given a recording sheet, clipboard, pencil, flexible tape measure, pushpin, iPad, and Dash.

Each group selected a consistent number of steps for Dash to move.   We aslo talked about running three tests for each speed.

  

I had the kids pin the tape measure to the floor for ease of measuring.  We also talked about placing Dash in the exact same starting spot for each test.  We already had tape on the floor for group areas that worked nicely.

 

The kids really go into doing the tests and recording their findings.  Things generally went smoothly, until the kids tired the very slow speed.  Dash went 4-5 times farther and often curved while driving at that speed.  This made measuring very difficult! 

 

We decided to move to the hallway and see if we could get an accurate measurement.  We had fun running the trial several times as a group with a couple different robots.  We never could get a straight enough trial to measure it!

 

Even though most of the predictions didn’t match the results,  the kids learned so much about experiments and testing ideas.

Download the recording sheet here.

I was thinking it would be really cool to collect data from several different schools and have the kids compare.  If you would have any interest in doing this, please leave a comment on this blog or  tweet me @fabprab!

Dash and Dot Robots: Blockly with 1st Graders

 

Using the Dash and the Blockly App with 1st Graders

I have enjoyed the using the Path app with my Kindergarteners, but feel like it would be limiting to my 1st graders. I decided to go ahead and try using the Blockly app with 1st grade-5th grade students.  I knew my 2nd-5th grade students would dive into the app with no issues.  I wasn't sure if my 1st graders would struggle with the Blockly app, which is full of code blocks with text labels on them.

I started by having the students sit in small groups using the same tape squares I showed in my previous post.

We then went over how to pair the iPad with a specific robot and how to find and drag a code blocks in the app.

 

I had them focus on only two code blocks:  When top button and Forward.  I had the kids take turns making Dash move.  We then talked about changing the number of steps Dash could move.  

 

1st Graders working in groups using the Blockly app and Dash.

 

 

There and Back Again Challenges

Challenge #1:  Move Dash from one end of the tape square to the other.

At this point, I decided to give the kids a simple challenge.  Place Dash at one end of the square and use code to move the robot to the other side of the square.  I didn't say anything else.  Most groups pressed the top button repeatedly and moved Dash across the square.

Challenge #2:  Move Dash the same distance using only one button press.

"Can you move Dash across the square with one press of the Top Button?"

Challenge #3:  In one button press, move Dash across and back to the starting place.

"Can you move Dash across the square and back to the start with one press of the Top Button?"  I purposely don't talk about whether the robot needs to turn around or not.  It's fun to hear a group discover the Backward block and use it to accomplish this challenge.

Challenge #4:  Do Challenge #3 using fewer blocks.

The kids loved this challenge, but it required  a bit of coaching on my part.  Older graders could find the repeat blocks and easily add them to complete the task.

 

Download the Dash There and Back Challenge Cards.

Once the first graders were comfortable with the challenge tasks, we started adding sounds and other blocks to our code.  I hope to come up with several other challenges for the students over the next few weeks.

I am also considering using something like this Blockly menu with icon pictures.  I do have a few 1st graders who could benefit  from the picture support.  I will share these cards once I have tried them out with students.
 

Have you used Dash with 1st graders?  I would love to hear your ideas!

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!

 

Celebrating CS Week: Seeing Coding Come to Life with Robots

   

Thanks to Wonder Workshop, the we had an amazing Computer Science week that included robots!!!  The kids were so excited to meet and interact with Dash and Dot!

 

 

"We get to use a robot?  Awesome!"

With some classes, I just introduced Dash and ran a code where Dash turns, drives forward, and repeats until he hits an obstacle. We sat in a big circle and waited to see who Dash would run into.  The kids loved it!  I ran it enough times, so the kids could pick out the pattern that made up the code.

 

"Dash is soooo cute!  I love Dash!"

The energy and excitement in my room was AMAZING!  

At the end of the week, I made a tape maze on the floor and had kids code Dash through the maze.  We worked together as a class.  During my fifth grade class, every student was completely engaged as we problem solved the code.  On that day, we were working with only one Dash and one iPad.  

 

"Oh, so you use the code like we are making on the computer to control Dash!"

I worried that some kids would get bored not having their hands on the tech for most of class.  NOT SO!  They loved giving suggestions to the student holding the iPad and were just as excited when they had a turn.

During 3rd quarter, all my students K-5 will be working with the robots.  I can't wait!