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Lesson 2: Multiple Messages

Now that you have created your first robot-to-robot messaging projects, it is time to try sending multiple messages! In this lesson, you will learn how to create projects to send more than one message from one robot to another. 

Watch the video below to learn about:

  • Creating projects for robots to send and receive more than one message.
  • How the concept of “first in, first out" (FIFO) determines the order in which messages are received and acted upon.
  • Using a repeat loop and conditional statements to check for multiple messages.

Now that you have watched the video, capture your thoughts in your journal. Answer these questions to guide your thinking and help you get ready for a whole-class discussion:

  • How does sending multiple messages make it possible to code the robot to perform complex actions? 
  • What did you see in the video that justifies your claims?
  • What is similar or different about the projects in this video compared to those in the previous lesson?
  • What should you consider when planning projects like the ones shown in the video, and why?
  • What questions do you have about creating projects that include multiple messages?

Guided Practice

Now that you have watched and discussed the video, it is your turn to practice. You will collaborate to code projects for robots to send and receive multiple messages.

Step 1: Set up the field as shown below.

A VEX AIM Field is set up with an AIM Robot in the bottom left corner. This robot is Labeled with the letter S. Another robot is placed three rows up from the bottom, on the third square from the left field wall. This robot is labeled R. An orange barrel is placed diagonally one square away from Robot R. AprilTag 0 is placed in the upper left corner, facing the center of the field.

Step 2:  Create projects where one robot sends messages directing another robot to pick up three different objects and deliver each to AprilTag ID 0. Collaborate to plan and code both robots to complete the task.

  • Use this task card (Google / .docx / .pdf) to guide your practice.
  • Replace the object on the field with a different piece of cargo, once the object has been delivered.

Resources for Practice:

The resources linked here are available if you need additional support while completing the activity.

Wrap-Up

Now that you have completed the activity, it is time to share what you learned about coding projects for robots to send and receive multiple messages. Answer the following questions in your journal to help you reflect on your learning and prepare for a whole-class discussion:

  • How did you decide what messages to send from Robot S to Robot R?
  • How did you decide on the order of the messages being sent from Robot S to Robot R?
  • How is Robot R able to act on each of the messages sent from Robot S?
  • What challenges did you face when building your projects? How did you work together to overcome them?
  • What advice would you give to someone learning how to create projects to send multiple messages from one robot to another?

Select Next >  to move on to the next lesson.

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