mBot Robotics Programming

Level: Available for Level 3 to Level 6

Duration: Available in a 90 minute format only.

Numbers: Each workshop can cater to a maximum of 20 children. Smaller groups have better access to equipment and the facilitator.

State: VIC

 Cost: $450 plus GST per 90 minute session

The three basic parts of a robot.

What distinguishes a robot from a machine (e.g., sensors).

Robots can not think for themselves. They are not smart and need to be programmed with a set of step-by-step instructions.

mBot has various sensors including a line following and ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles.

mBlock software can be used to create simple programs for mBot to execute. It is based on Scratch 2.0.

Sequential thinking is needed to create successful programs for robots.

Students program the workshop presenter to perform a simple task. Programming language needs to be very specific and sequential in nature.

Students work as a class to create their first program using a set of command cards.

Students work in pairs to use the drag-n-drop mBlock software to create programs to move their mBot forward and back a set distance, to turn a set number of degrees, and to use combinations of these movements to move through a maze.

Students learn how to program mBot to turn on and flash its coloured LED lights.

Students learn how to program mBot to use its sensors to detect and avoid obstacles, or to sound an alarm when the light reaches a certain level.

Define simple problems, and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions involving branching and user input (algorithms) needed to solve them (VCDTCD023)

Develop digital solutions as simple visual programs (VCDTCD033)

Defines problems, and designs, modifies and follows algorithms to develop solutions (ST3-3DP-T)

Develop digital solutions as simple visual programs (ST2-11DI-T)

Design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition) (ACTDIP019)

Implement digital solutions as simple visual programs involving branching, iteration (repetition), and user input (ACTDIP020)