Tech for DT
Digital Technologies
BUILDABLE ROBOTS AND KITS
Buildable robots allow students to design and build their own robot, incorporating computational and creative thinking. Buildable robots are often used when students enter competitions that require the design of a robotic solution to meet a challenge.
These types of robots frequently provide an opportunity for students to explore systems, and draw on systems thinking, as they design a robotic solution that incorporates outputs, sensors, on-board microcontroller, actuators, gears and other moving parts.
Further information
- To find out more about robots, view Robots in the 2018 Australian Classroom written by practising classroom educators.
LEGO WeDo 2.0
Suggested Year Bands: Years 2-4
LEGO WeDo 2.0 allows students to construct models using lego and interact with them. The WeDo can be connected to bluetooth enabled computers and devices to use simple drag and drop block coding and can be used with Scratch using an extension. LEGO also make available, (free for a limited time), a teacher curriculum guide.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images
mBot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
The easy-to-assemble mBot is an Arduino based robot which can be programmed via the Scratch inspired mBlock application. The mBot can use an add-on Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless module. Check out also the other Makeblock robots and options.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Makeblock Co. Ltd
Makeblock Ultimate 2
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Makeblock Ultimate 2 has a strong motor-driving ability and is compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. It can help students learn about mechanical design, electronics and programming. This robot kit can be assembled into more than 10 different configurations.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 8)
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 10)
Image credit: Tatyaby/Shutterstock.com
Feature image: Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
LEGO Mindstorms EV3
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-10
Build a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot using Lego bricks, motors and sensors and program it using a tablet or computer and the EV3 programmer software. The robots can be programmed to drive, shoot, slither, walk, slam, spin and more. Note that the EV3 replaced the Mindstorms NXT.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 8)
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 10)
Images credit: Borka Kiss/Shutterstock.com
Vex Robotics
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Vex Robotics is a modular building system similar to LEGO Mindstorms where you can use the elements to build different types of robots. Gears, wheels and other accessories are also available to add on.
Associated apps or software
- (RobotC + other)
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 8)
- Robotics and embedded systems (Year 10)
Image credit: Joaquin Corbalan P/Shutterstock.com
Feature image: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo
Airblock
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
The Airblock is a modular drone connected through a series of magnetic compartments and is safe for indoor use. The drone can be used as a hovercraft or a hexacopter drone and can be programmed using the MBlock5 graphical language.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
n/a
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