Applying VEX GO
Connection to VEX GO

The Battle Boats game is a simple application of how to use a coordinate plane. Students will use different shapes and colors of pins to apply their knowledge of plotting points. Throughout this STEM Unit, students will discuss with both the teacher and each other about strategies for problem solving where a “boat” is on their opponent’s coordinate plane. Through playing different rounds with an opponent, students will apply their knowledge of coordinate planes from this authentic challenge. By describing the locations of these points, students will practice their spatial reasoning skills. During the Unit, students will be asked to explain how they determine where a point is located on the coordinate plane and how they mentally visualize that point on the plane. By plotting points and working together on the coordinate plane, students will successfully apply math and spatial reasoning skills to the Battle Boats game.
Teaching with Building
Throughout this Unit, students will be engaged with different engineering, building or inquiry-based learning concepts. The Labs within this unit will follow a similar format:
- Engage:
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Teachers will help students make a personal connection to the concepts that will be taught in the Lab.
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Play:
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Instruct: Explain the activity/experiment that the students are doing. How should they get started? What are the rules? What is the success criteria?
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Model: Show an example of a partially filled out data sheet, game sheet, or an illustration of what the robot should be doing during the activity. Make that activity visible and give the teacher tips on how to also make it visible.
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Facilitate: Teachers will be given prompts to engage students in a discussion about what the goals of the activity are, the spatial reasoning involved with the building, and how to troubleshoot unexpected outcomes for their designs or plans for an activity. This discussion will also verify that the students understand the purpose of the activity and how to properly use the pieces from the VEX GO Kit.
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Remind: Teachers will remind students that their build, design, or attempt at the activity will not be fully correct the first time. Encourage multiple iterations and remind students that trial and error is a part of learning.
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Ask: Teachers will engage students in a discussion that will focus on developing a growth mindset. Some examples could include, “Did something go wrong? Great! How can you use this mistake to improve your design?” or “Not happy with your design? Fantastic! Who can you seek feedback from to make your design better?”
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Share:
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Students have an opportunity to communicate their learning in multiple ways. Using the Choice Board, students will be given a “voice and choice” for how they best display their learning.
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