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Drive Forward and Reverse Exploration - Part 2

Step 1: Drive Forward

VEXcode IQ project beginning with a When Started block. A Drive block with the parameter set to forward is connected to the When started block.

  • Add the [Drive] block to the {When started} block in the programming area.

Slot selection in VEXcode IQ with slot 1 highlighted with a red box to indicate which slot should be selected for saving the project.

  • Click on the Slot icon. You can download your project to one of the four available slots in the Robot Brain. Click on the number 1.

Brain Icon in the VEXcode IQ Toolbar is glowing green, indicating the successful connection.

  • The Programmer should connect the robot to your computer or tablet. The Brain icon in the toolbar turns green once a successful connection has been made.

Download icon in the VEXcode IQ Toolbar, to the right of the Brain icon, highlighted with a red box indicating what to select to download the project to the Brain.

  • Click the Download button on the toolbar to download the Drive project to the Robot Brain.

Teacher Toolbox icon Teacher Toolbox - Help with Blocks

  • Point out that in the programming area, there is already a {when started} block located there by default. Every program will begin with this block. When the program is started the connected blocks will be followed in the sequence in which they are placed.

    Demonstrate clicking on the [drive] block and dragging it to the programming area, connecting it to the {when started} block. You will hear a click when as it attaches.

  • If you are using a computer, the student should have VEX IQ Robot Brain connected to the computer using a USB cable. If you are using a tablet, the VEX IQ Robot Brain should be connected to the tablet using the Smart Radio.

  • If the students are using a computer, ask them now to disconnect the USB cable from the Robot Brain.

Teacher Toolbox icon Teacher Toolbox - Stop and Discuss

Ask the students to predict what they think will happen when this project is downloaded and run on Autopilot. Tell the students to record their predictions in their engineering notebooks. If time allows, ask each group to share their prediction.

Brain screen reads Programs at the top. Drive is listed as the project in slot 1, beneath Driver Control and Demos. The screen indicates the Check button should be pressed to select the project.

  • The Operator should check to make sure your project has downloaded to the Autopilot’s Brain by looking at the Robot Brain’s screen. The project name should be listed in slot 1.

Teacher Toolbox icon Teacher Toolbox - Model First

Model running the project in front of the class before having all the students try at once. Gather the students in one area and leave enough room for the Autopilot to move if it is placed on the floor. Since Autopilot will move forward until the X on the Robot Brain is pressed, the teacher may want to choose someone to serve in the Operator role, to assist in stopping the Autopilot as it moves across the floor.

Tell the students it is now their turn to run their project. Make sure that they have a clear path and that no Autopilots will run into each other.

  • The Operator should now run the project on the Autopilot robot by making sure the project is highlighted and then press the Check button. Congratulations on creating your first program!

Step 2: Drive Reverse

VEXcode IQ project beginning with a When started block, with a Drive block attached. The parameters of the Drive block are selected to change the parameter to reverse.

  • Go back to the VEXcode IQ programming area. The Programmer should change the [Drive] block to display reverse instead of forward.
  • The Programmer should download the project.
  • The Operator should now run the project on the Autopilot robot by making sure the project is highlighted and then press the Check button.

Teacher Toolbox icon Teacher Toolbox - Completing Step 2

  • To change the [drive] block from forward to reverse, simply click on the dropdown menu and select reverse.

  • If the students are using a computer, ask remind them to disconnect the USB cable from Robot Brain before running the program.

  • Because we are not selecting a new slot, the new program will download to slot 1 and replace the previous program.

  • Since VEXcode IQ has autosave, there is no need to save the project again.

Motivate Discussion icon Motivate Discussion - Understanding the Blocks

Click here to get students thinking further about their project.

Teacher Tips icon Teacher Tips - Positive Behaviors

Click here (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf)  for suggestions for cultivating a positive learning environment.