Programming Virtual VEX IQ Robots With Robotc - Level 1 - (Ages 10-15)

Completed by 35 learners

Ages 10-15

Live Group Class

Learn robotics and programming with VEX IQ Robots using ROBOTC language and simulation software!

Sally Morris - Tech/SPED

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(230 reviews)

Star Educator

Live video meetings

1x per week, 6 weeks

2-8 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

6 live meetings

5 in-class hours

Class Experience

Students will learn how to program VEX IQ robots for autonomous missions. Although these skills and the programs we write can be transferred to the physical robots, we will be using simulation software and a virtual robot. Learners will learn to program their robot to move forward and back, and to perform swing and pivot turns. They will learn to program the robots to react when they touch an object, are near an object, sense a color, and to track a line, etc. Students will complete virtual missions by programming their robot to perform in various scenarios. We will learn basic programming concepts such as looping and if/else statements. We may also discuss robots in the news and careers in robotics, etc.

No background knowledge is required about either robots or programming. It is helpful to have a basic familiarity with using Windows computers, building assembly toys (i.e., Legos, K’nex, etc.), or working with robots, but it is not absolutely necessary. Please note the Materials requirements below for this class, as there is a software purchase required for the simulation software or if you want to purchase a physical robot. Unfortunately, most of the software we will use only works on Windows, and not Macintosh or Chromebook computers.

Sessions will introduce the week’s concepts, mission, and will review and troubleshoot the previous week’s assignment. Students will be encouraged to complete the additional missions during the week outside of class time. The teacher will be available for help via messaging or appointment.

Lesson 1 - Introduction. We will do a software check to make sure everyone has the software downloaded and configured correctly. We will write our first programs and learn how to save, download, and test them in the simulation world. We will concentrate on forward and backward motion and speeds.
Lesson 2 - We will learn how to program the robot to perform swing and pivot turns.
Lesson 3 -We will be introduced to sensors and how to program the robot to respond using the bumper switch.
Lesson 4 - We will learn how to use and program the robot to use the distance sensor.
Lesson 5 - We will program the robots to follow a line.
Lesson 6 - We will explore one of the virtual world add-on packs, which will incorporate many of the skills used so far.

Learning Goals

Problem-solving, drop-and-drag block programming, programming and robotics concepts.

Other Details

Parental Guidance

We will be using the ROBOTC software, RobotVirtualWorlds simulation software (purchase required), and Vex Robotics educational materials. The software can be purchased and downloaded here: https://www.robotvirtualworlds.com/

Supply List

Purchase of RobotC Virtual Worlds license as noted above.  $49 USD.  This works in conjunction with the RobotC software which is available as a free download on the same site.  We may also look at other free downloadable or browser-based programming options, depending on learner interest. https://www.robotvirtualworlds.com/

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

RobotC Virtual Worlds for VEX

Sources

Meet the teacher

Sally Morris - Tech/SPED

Joined April, 2019

4.8

230reviews

Star Educator

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

2 Teaching Certificates

Indiana Teaching Certificate

Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education

2 Degrees

Master's Degree in Education from Wilkes University

Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University

I am a Certified Robotics Instructor (VEX Robotics). I have taught VEX robotics programming since 2013 to students in public and private school settings and online since 2018.  

I have 5 public school teaching certifications/licenses:  
Technology Education. Grades 6-12. Expires 7/31/2023 (Texas)
Technology Applications. Grades EC-12. Expires 7/31/2023 (Texas)
Special Education. Grades EC-12. Expires 7/31/2023 (Texas)
Computer Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12. Expires 9/10/2023
(Indiana)
Technology Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12. Expires 9/10/2023
(Indiana)

Education:
Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
M.S.Ed. Instructional Media. January 2013.
Texas A&M University - Commerce, Texas
Technology Applications EC-12 teaching certification preparation;
SPED – 15 hours; Ed. Tech. – 20 hours. May 2012.
Ball State University - Muncie, Indiana
B.A. Journalism. Minors in Spanish and Classical Culture. July 1985.