Robotics Class - Program a Virtual Robot

In this 6-week class, students will learn how to program their robot in a virtual environment that they can practice in for days to come! Students will use VEX Code, a block based coding language that allows them to understand sequential programming, loops, decision making logic, functions, variables and some sensors. Students will practice problem-solving skills as they find solutions to weekly challenges. Students will talk about solutions, as well as where they can see robots in their everyday life.  

Students do not need a robot to participate in these lessons. All robotics programming will be done virtually. This programming class is for beginning programmers who are interested in learning a little bit about being a robotics programmer, and how programming and robotics work!

Day 1: What is a robot? and beginning programming
  -Discussion about robots and programming
  -Create your first robot program
Day 2: Programming structures
  -Introduction to what program structures are
  -Use loops to draw shapes
Day 3: Functions
  -Introduction to functions
  -Using functions to make “mini programs” 
Day 4: Sensors
  -What are sensors and how do they work?
  -Use a touch sensor to program your robot to solve a maze
  -Use a distance sensor to make a “robot vacuum”
Day 5: Sensors Part 2
  -Use a color sensor to program your robot through a color maze
Day 6: Variables
  -Introduction to variables and how to use them
  -Use variables to program your robot to make a unique design