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 for] block
- A block that moves the 123 Robot forward or in reverse a given distance.
- [Turn for] block
- A block that turns the 123 Robot in place to the left or right for a specified number of degrees.
- [Wait] block
- A block that waits for a specific amount of time before moving to the next block in a project.
- [Play sound] block
- A block that makes the 123 Robot play a specified sound.
- Mars
- The fourth planet from the Sun, often referred to as the “Red Planet.”
- Rover
- A vehicle designed and used to explore a surface, like Mars.
- Sample
- A small piece of a larger object, like soil from the surface of Mars, that can be collected.
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
- Track the Terms - Keep track of the number of times students correctly use vocabulary or other terminology from the Unit in their conversations outside of the STEM Labs. Offer a reward for the students who can use the most terms over the course of the week.
- What other words have you learned? - Students are always learning new words through their learning experiences. At the end of each Lab, or the whole Unit, ask students to share all of the new words they’ve learned - start with the vocabulary terms, but ask students for others and add them to your 123 documentation in the classroom as well.