VR VEX - Solve Mazes by Programming a Virtual Robot

Students will learn how to program a virtual VEX robot to navigate through on-screen mazes using a programming interface based on Scratch. (Previous Scratch or block-programming code is helpful.)

The teacher will introduce the lesson, and then model it using screen sharing.  Students can work along as the teacher demonstrates and will be encouraged to screen share to ask for help and show their  progress.   Students will be encouraged to help one another problem solve and troubleshoot their code.

My teaching style is structured, but also informal and flexible.  This is very much a hands-on "watch and try" format. I have extensive experience working with all types of learners and my classes are autism/ADHD/LD-friendly and open to all learners.  There is very minimal reading involved, so this is an ideal class for students with reading challenges.  

Students will need to know how to screen share and resize program windows (I can help!).  They will also need to know how to type in a URL to get to the site we will be using and how to click and drag-and-drop on their device.  This programming website works on many platforms:  Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad or Android tablet.  

Mazes will be available to download before class.  I will show the students how to upload the picture files into the website (vr.vex.com), so please make sure your student is familiar with finding a downloaded file (or maybe stand by on the side to assist with that part).

By taking this class, your student will have access to the enhanced VR VEX playgrounds until September 2024 to use on their own or in other classes.

The content in this class builds somewhat, but a student with basic programming skills (i.e., they have used some kind of block coding program like Scratch before) is welcome to join at any time.  They can solve the mazes with basic forward and turn commands or work on some of the more advanced skills we will be incorporating as we progress.

Maze solving strategies will start with basic forward, reverse, and turn commands, and progress to include programming sensors on the robot using conditionals and loops.  Students will also learn how to create and upload their own mazes into the program.

Week 1:  Introduction to the VEX VR playgrounds, Mazebot, and learning basic commands such as forward, reverse, turn.  
Week 2: We will begin integrating sensors, loops and conditionals into our programming.
Week 3:  We will learn how to upload mazes into the playground. We will work to solve the Minos Labyrinth maze.  
Week 4:  We will work to program our robot to navigate the Stone Sentinel maze.
Week 5:  We will work on the Red Square maze and begin planning our own mazes.
Week 6:  We will work on the Tunnel Maze and our own mazes.