Tech4DT
Digital Technologies
PROGRAMMABLE ROBOTS AND DRONES
Programmable robots
Programmable robots can be used to explore algorithms and implement programs to complete a desired outcome.
In the early years of schooling, push-button programmable robots, like Bee-Bot, can be used to enhance students’ directional language and develop the skills needed to follow and represent algorithms. These robots can be easily integrated into a range of literacy and numeracy learning activities.
Many programmable robots are controlled by a tablet device and app via Bluetooth. This provides an opportunity to discuss digital systems, including the way data is transmitted wirelessly, as well as the software and hardware required.
Progammable robots allow students to use and design more complex algorithms and implement more sophisticated programs that incorporate decisions and repetition. Students draw on computational thinking to solve problems and challenges.
Drones
Similarly to programmable robots, drones enable students to explore algorithms, implement and design programs and draw on computational thinking.
There are important safety considerations that teachers need to consider and implement when using drones in their teaching programs. Refer to this article Clayfield College Drone Club, developed by Cathy Lamb a QLD teacher who started a drone club in her school.
Further information
- For further information about robots, written by practising classroom educators, view Robots in the 2016 Australian Classroom.
- There are a number of lending libraries that enable schools to play with and learn about the range of robots available before committing to purchasing any tech.
- CSER National Lending Library
- NSW STEM
Images credit: © Primotoys
Cubetto
Suggested Year Bands: Foundation/ Pre-Primary
Cubetto is a wooden robot that uses wooden shapes to explore simple algorithms. The control board has a number of shapes representing directions and this is used to program the wooden robot. Cubetto comes with a series of mats for children to take on coding adventures.
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Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
TTS: Bee-Bot® Programmable Robot
Suggested Year Bands: Foundation/ Pre-Primary
The TTS: Bee-Bot® Programmable Robot is a programmable floor robot.
Programming buttons include forward, reverse, right turn, left turn, clear pause and go. These easy to use programmable robots provide opportunities for teaching sequencing, directions and problem solving.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © TTS: Blue-Bot® Bluetooth Programmable Robot
TTS: Blue-Bot® Bluetooth Programmable Robot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 1-4
The TTS: Blue-Bot® Bluetooth Programmable Robot like the TTS: Bee-Bot® Programmable Robot is a programmable floor robot, similar to the TTS: Bee-Bot® Programmable Robot but has more built in capability including the ability to turn in increments of 45 degrees as well as being able to perform repetitions in programs. The TTS Blue-Bot® Bluetooth Programmable Robot has a clear casing to see the internal structure.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Pro-Bot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-4
Pro-Bot is a programmable floor robot that can be used as a Bee-bot with simple forward and backward type commands but is also designed for more complex controls. You can program the robot using Logo programming language. The Pro-Bot connects to your PC or Mac with a special USB cable.
Terrapin Logo 4 contains commands to upload all procedures stored on the Pro-Bot to the Logo workspace, where you can edit these procedures, run them, and download them to the Pro-Bot again.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Makeblock Co. Ltd
Codeybot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-6
Codeybot is an educational robot that teaches basic programming through an array of interactive features. Unlike many other robots, Codeybot connects via it’s onboard Wi-Fi. Students can modify Codeybot's LED display and program a route, dance or adventure for it to take using the mBlockly programming language.
Associated apps or software
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Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Makeblock Co. Ltd
Codey Rocky
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-6
Codey Rocky is an educational robot that teaches basic programming through an array of interactive features but can also be changed to python at the click of a button. It has programmable electronic modules including sensors, LED displays and an infrared receptor that can be used to programme a range of functions.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Ozobot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 2-6
Ozobot is a tiny robot that uses a color code language to navigate. Ozobots use sensors to follow tracks which can be printed or hand drawn or constructed using the app. The OzoBlockly app is a visual programming language for the robots.
Associated apps or software
- App:OzoBlockly (iOS or Android)
- App: Ozobot Evo companion
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Sphero
Suggested Year Bands: Years 2-8
Sphero is a robotic ball that can be controlled and programmed (visual programming language) using a smartphone or tablet. A smaller and more affordable Sphero Mini is also available. As well as other versions such as the Sphero BB-8, and Sphero Ollie.
Associated apps or software
- App: Sphero Edu (iOS & Android)
- App: Tickle (iOS)
- App: Tynker (iOS & Android)
- App: Swift Playground (iOS)
- Sphero Sprk, BB-8
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: www.meetedison.com
Edison
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-9
Edison is a robot which is Lego compatible, easy to program and has built-in programs that are activated by driving over downloadable barcodes. Can also program in General Purpose Programming language.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © AB Forces News Collection/Alamy Stock Photo
Dash & Dot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-6
Dash & Dot are programmable robots. They connect via Bluetooth with built in sensors to respond to voice and navigate objects. Users can program them via Blockly and other apps. Dash and Dot also speak Chinese, English, German, and Korean for the Blockly and Wonder apps.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: David McNew/AFP/Getty Images
Cue Cleverbot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
The Cue Cleverbot is a programmable robot that includes features such as emotive AI, sensors and bluetooth capabilities that can follow multiple directions at the same time. It can be programmed using the block or JavaScript.
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Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Kai's Clan
Kai’s clan
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-12
Kai’s clan brings a variety of exciting modern technologies to your lessons, such as multiplayer coding, internet of things (sensors), augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics and so much more!
Associated apps or software
- Kai's Clan cloud: Multi-player Blockly/Scratch style block coding, with built in projects and lesson plans. Includes Java script with Python coming soon. Built in 3D viewer.
- Kai’s Eye for Android: Smartphone app to track robots on the adventure mats. (iPhone app available November 2019)
- Kai’s Clan Virtual Viewer for IOS: Watch your code come to life in augmented or virtual reality app.
- Kai’s Clan Virtual viewer for Android: Watch your code come to life in augmented or virtual reality app.
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AR VR Adventure Mats: With Kai’s Clan you can add-on any of the following 3D, AR, VR adventure mats.
Smart City, Rescue Run, Automated Warehouse and Mars Discovery. Each mat comes with multiple lessons.
Projects and Lesson Plan resources
Kai's clan have over 35 lesson plans available for teachers varying from Junior, Intermediate, Advance and Expert levels.
- Rescue Run AR/VR Adventure Mat – 4 lessons
- Mars Discovery AR/VR Adventure Mat – 12 lessons
- Automated Warehouse AR/VR Adventure Mat – 7 lessons
- Smart Cities AR/VR Adventure Mat – 5 lessons
- Busy Bee – 8 lessons
- Learn to Code – 10 lessons
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: T3 Magazine/Future/Getty Images
Parrot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 4-8
Parrot offer a range of introductory mini-drones which are suitable for school settings because in addition to having a flight control app they can also be programmed using either Tickle or Tynker apps.
Check out flying regulations for your area before purchase.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Robolink
CoDrone
Suggested Year Bands: Years 4-8
CoDrone is a small drone that can be programmed using Snap! or Arduino. The Pro version comes with a remote control that can be built and programmed. The CoDrone is designed to fly inside large rooms.
Check out flying regulations for your area before purchase.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: © Plum Geek Robotics
Wink
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Wink is an Arduino-based robot designed to help transition students from graphical programming to more powerful written code languages.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence
Images credit: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo
Cozmo
Suggested Year Bands: Years 3-6
Cozmo is a robot that can be programmed using block-based programming language using an app. Cozmo can react to situations conveying emotions such as happy, frustrated and bold. Using AI the robot also employs facial recognition to remember faces and say names.
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Links to Scope and sequence
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