Vocabulary
- VEXcode 123
- A programming language used with the 123 Robot.
- {When started} block
- A block that begins running the attached stack of blocks when the project is started.
- [Drive until] block
- Drives the 123 Robot until an object is detected by the Eye Sensor on the front of the 123 Robot, the 123 Robot crashes into an object or wall, or the Line Detector Sensor detects a line underneath the 123 Robot.
- [Turn for] block
- A block that turns the Drivetrain for a given distance.
- [Wait] block
- A block that waits for a specific amount of time before moving to the next block in a project
- [Forever] block
- A ‘C’ block that repeats any blocks contained inside forever.
- [Repeat] block
- A 'C' block that repeats any blocks contained inside a set number of times.
- [Glow] block
- A block that sets the glow color of the indicator light in the center of the 123 Robot.
- Mars
- The fourth planet from the Sun, often referred to as the “Red Planet.”
- Detect
- To identify the presence of something.
- Obstacle
- An object that blocks your path.
- Eye Sensor
- A type of sensor that detects if there is an object present, the color of the object, and the brightness of the light.
Encouraging Vocabulary Usage
General notes on encouraging vocabulary usage with young children:
- The vocabulary words offered are not meant for students to memorize terminology, but to give them language to use to talk about the activities and learning they are doing throughout the Unit. Work these terms into conversations naturally, and positively reinforce this for students as well.
- The names of VEXcode 123 blocks that are included in the vocabulary are meant to help students learn the names of the blocks they are using so that they are able to refer to those blocks correctly when building future projects. Ask students about how they used these blocks in their projects, and what they say or heard the 123 Robot do with each block, to help them build their VEXcode 123 vocabulary.
Tips for Encouraging Vocabulary Usage
- Act out Vocabulary — Have students act out the vocabulary in this Unit, as part of a movement or “Brain Break.” Play a game to have students become the 123 Robot themselves. Students can walk around the room to “Drive until” they reach an object, “Detect” a particular item or color in the classroom, or point to their own “Eye Sensor.”
- Vocab Photo Album — Draw pictures of each vocab word to include in the vocab photo album. Hand the vocab photo album to a friend and see if they can tell you the vocab word and the definition based on your drawings.