Loop, There It Is! Preview

Learn how to program loops to get your robot grooving!

Analyze building directions and create a robot to complete a specific task.
Analyze directions to configure and program a robot to complete a series of tasks.
Explain and use loops to create a project with repeated movements.
Create a project that follows specific student created pseudocode that will direct their robot to dance.

Ensure all required parts for the build are available prior to starting this STEM Lab.
Make sure that there is ample space in the classroom to measure out and tape the layout of the "dance floor" that will be used in the activity.
If multiple students will be downloading their saved projects to the same robot, have the students add their initials to the name of the saved project (For example, "Forward and Backward_MW). This way students can find and make adjustments to their projects and not others.
An engineering notebook can be as simple as lined paper within a folder or binder. The notebook shown is a more sophisticated example that is available through VEX Robotics.
The approximate pacing of each section of the Stem Lab is as follows: Seek- 65 minutes, Play- 45 minutes, Apply- 15 minutes, Rethink- 65 minutes, Know- 5 minutes.

Health

Science

When finding a good source of pollen, honeybees complete a "waggle dance" to communicate the directions to the other bees of the hive. Have the students conduct research on this subject and see where else "dance" is used in nature for communication purposes.

Standards for Technological Literacy (STL)

9.H: Modeling, testing, evaluating, and modifying are used to transform ideas into practical solutions (Rethink)
11.I: Make a product or system and document the solution (Play and Rethink)

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering (Rethink)

Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)

1B-AP-10 Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals (Play and Rethink)
2-AP-10: Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to address complex problems as algorithms (Rethink)
2-AP-19: Document programs in order to make them easier to follow, test, and debug (Rethink)

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks (Build and Play)
MP.5: Use appropriate tools strategically (Rethink)
MP.6: Attend to precision (Seek, Play, and Rethink)

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

126.16.c.4.A Identify and define relevant problems and significant questions for investigation
126.16.c.4.B Plan and manage activities to develop a solution, design a computer program, or complete a project
126.40.c.5.A Develop algorithms to control a robot, including applying instructions, collecting sensor data, and performing simple tasks (Play and Rethink)
126.40.c.5.B Create maneuvering algorithms to physically move the location of a robot (Play and Rethink)
126.40.c.3.G Document a final design and solution (Rethink)
126.40.c.3.H Present a final design, testing results, and solution (Rethink)

Australian Standards

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