Robotics With Micro:Bit - Level 2 - Intro to Yahboom Sensor Robot Kit

This class is part 2 of a series. Part 1 is a prerequisite. No exceptions. You need to purchase a specific robot kit described below.

Now that you know how to use a micro:bit, let's add a robot kit and start building cool things!

In my opinion, the Yahboom WOM robot kit is the best I have encountered. And I have looked at lots of kits over the past 5 years. Other kits have had limited sensors, limited connectors, and hard-to-use components and building materials. And often they are expensive and/or can do only a few things.

One thing this kit CAN'T do that many others can is drive around. I love it! Driving is over-rated. It is easy to make a robot move, and maybe turn if it detects a wall or a line. But turn precisely, or go forward a certain distance - I've never seen it in a kid-friendly robot. It's honestly really hard to do. And most driving robots can't do much else.

Yahboom WOM kit focuses on inputs and outputs. We want to build robots that interact with our world. This kit senses light, heat, movement, color, and distance. It also has a couple of buttons and a 4 digit display and a multi-color light. Combine this with the micro:bit's inputs and outputs, and we can make many cool things. Plus it comes with lego-type connectors, gears, and other pieces (plus what house doesn't have even more legos!)

In this class we will learn about each sensor:
 - how/where to connect
 - what does it actually sense
 - what kind of data does it send
 - what programming blocks work with it
 - how can we use the sensor data?
 - and finally - what kind of projects can we build with it

In each class, we will learn to use 2-3 sensors, and build a mini robotic project showcasing the sensors. For the last 2 classes, we will come up with a bigger project that uses multiple sensors and outputs that each learner can customize. Bedroom security is usually a favorite topic (was anyone in my room? did someone open this drawer?). But we can let our imaginations run wild!

Week 1: Introduction to the robotics kit. Using the 4 digit display and the button. Measuring time.
Week 2: LED lights and the light sensors
Week 3: Distance measuring sensors
Week 4: Infrared sensor, rocker switch and temp/humidity sensor
Week 5: Servos (motors)
Week 6: Design, build and program a complex robot using multiple sensors and displays and servos.