Applying VEX 123
Connection to VEX 123
The 123 Robot is a great way to introduce students to debugging, and help them to embrace this process as an essential part of coding. As they learn to code, students will frequently find that their robots do not behave as they intended due to an error, or bug, in their code. This Unit provides students with a process to identify, find, and fix a bug. Additionally, this Unit provides an opportunity to emphasize to students that debugging is a normal part of coding, and to promote a positive attitude towards debugging that allows students to view coding errors as learning opportunities.
In Lab 1, students will first work as a whole class to identify, find, and fix a bug in a coding project in which the robot is supposed to carry out an everyday classroom task, providing a real world connection for students. They then find and fix a bug in a different project in small groups. In the Mid-Play Break, they will connect fixing a bug to solving problems in their own daily lives, providing a context for framing debugging as an everyday process, helping students to know that it is ok when the robot does not behave as intended, and that they have the tools they need to fix the problem.
In Lab 2, students will be introduced to the Step button on the Coder, and how it can help them to see the 123 Robot perform each Coder card, one at a time, to more easily pinpoint a bug in their code. They will first debug as a whole class using the Step button, and then will work in small groups to debug a project that is provided to them. They will share about the bug they found, and how they worked together to fix it using the Step button, giving them a chance to connect their experiences with debugging to those of their classmates, providing another opportunity to normalize the process.
Students will use their spatial reasoning skills to mentally map how the robot is moving in each project, as well as to identify where the robot diverges from the intended goal of the project. They will visualize how the robot should be moving in order to meet the intended project goal, and verbalize the steps the robot should take, connecting them to the correct Coder cards as they debug the project. As they communicate with each other about debugging, they will use directional words and gestures that will reinforce their spatial reasoning skills.
Teaching Coding
Throughout this Unit, students will be engaged with different coding concepts such as robot behaviors and sequencing. The Labs within this unit will follow a similar format:
- Engage:
- Teachers will help students make a personal connection to the concepts that will be taught in the Lab.
- Play:
- Instruct: Teachers will introduce the coding challenge. Ensure that the students understand the goal of the challenge.
- Model: Teachers will introduce Coder cards that will be used in the creation of their project to complete the challenge. Model the Coder card commands by projecting VEXcode 123 or by showing the physical Coder cards. For Labs that include pseudocode, model for students how to plan and outline the intention for their projects.
- Facilitate: Teachers will be given prompts to engage students in a discussion about what the goals of their project are, the spatial reasoning involved in the challenge, and how to troubleshoot unexpected outcomes of their projects. This discussion will also verify that the students understand the purpose of the challenge and how to properly use the Coder cards.
- Remind: Teachers will remind students that their first attempt of their solution will not be correct or run properly the first time. Encourage multiple iterations and remind students that trial and error is a part of learning.
- Ask: Teachers will engage students in a discussion that will connect the Lab concepts to real-world applications. Some examples could include, “have you ever wanted to be an engineer?” or “where have you seen robots in your life?”
- Share: 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.