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Alternate Coding Methods

Adapt this Unit to Use an Alternate Coding Method

This STEM Lab Unit is written for use with VEXcode 123. However, you can use the buttons on the 123 Robot to code to implement this Unit. You can also use Coder cards with the Coder to implement Lab 1 of the Unit. This flexibility can help you meet the individual needs of your students. For example, if your students are already familiar with using the buttons on the 123 Robot to create touch to code projects, they can complete all the coding activities using the buttons on the 123 Robot. The Summary section of each Lab contains additional information that can help you modify the individual Lab to touch to code or use the Coder.

Touch Adaptation

If using the buttons on the 123 Robot to complete the activities in these Labs, students should understand that each press of a button equals 1 movement of the 123 Robot. Then, they can create a project with a series of button presses. Students should identify that the order in which they press the buttons is the order in which the 123 Robot will execute behaviors. For more information about using the 123 Robot, see the Using the VEX 123 Robot VEX Library Base article. For more information about coding using the Touch buttons on the 123 Robot, see the Coding with the Touch Buttons on the 123 Robot VEX Library article.

You can use printables as manipulative to support project planning in this adaptation as well. See the printable resources available in the VEX Library, and use them with students as they are planning and building their touch projects. You could cut out the touch button symbols and have students lay them out on their desk as they build their projects, or use the color-in sheet for students to color in the sequence of button presses in their projects. 

Button Name Behavior
Start button in the center of the 123 Robot is highlighted. Start Starts the project when pressed.
Move button on the front of the 123 Robot is highlighted. Move 123 Robot will drive forward for 1 robot length, or 1 square on the 123 Field.
Right button on the right of the 123 Robot is highlighted. Right 123 Robot will turn in place 90 degrees to the right.
Left button on the left of the 123 Robot is highlighted. Left 123 Robot will turn in place 90 degrees to the left.
Sound button on the back of the 123 Robot is highlighted. Sound 123 Robot will play a honk sound.
  • To adapt Lab 1, have students create a project to drive the 123 Robot to collect a sample, then drive back to the base. Have students break down the steps necessary, then create a touch code project with the buttons on the 123 Robot. This is an example of a possible solution to have the 123 Robot drive to collect a sample and return to the base. The 123 Robot will play a honk sound to indicate that it is collecting a sample.
  • The solution shows the button press sequence numbered in order from left to right. Number 1 is the start of the sequence.

    Note: Since there is not a 'Wait' touch button, the “Wait” command does not appear in the touch sequence.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Move button. Move button. Move button. Move button. Sound button. Right button.
7 8 9 10 11 12
Right button. Move button. Move button. Move button. Move button. Sound button.
  • To adapt Lab 2, have students create multiple projects to drive the 123 Robot to different locations on the 123 Field to collect samples and return to the base. Have students break down the steps necessary, then create a touch code project with the buttons on the 123 Robot. They will likely need to create 3 different projects to drive to each of the samples. This is an example of a possible solution for Lab 2. The solution shows the button press sequence numbered in order from left to right. Number 1 is the start of the sequence.

    Note: Since there is not a 'Wait' touch button, the “Wait” command does not appear in the touch sequence.

Collect Sample 1

1 2 3 4
Move button. Move button. Move button. Move button.
5 6 7 8
Left button. Move button. Sound button. Right button.
9 10 11 12
Right button. Move button. Right button. Move button.
13 14 15 16
Move button. Move button. Move button. Sound button.

Collect Sample 2

1 2 3
Right button. Move button. Move button.
4 5 6
Sound button. Right button. Right button.
7 8 9
Move button. Move button. Sound button.

Collect Sample 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Move button. Move button. Left button. Move button. Move button. Sound button. Right button.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Right button. Move button. Move button. Right button. Move button. Move button. Sound button.

Coder Adaptation

If students are proficient with using the Coder, you can adapt Lab 1 to have students use Coder cards with the Coder to create a project to drive the 123 Robot to collect a sample, then drive back to the base. Students can use the following Coder cards for their projects. It is not recommended to complete Lab 2 with Coder cards, due to the length of the projects for this Lab. For more information about how to use the Coder, see the Using the VEX Coder VEX Library article.

Additional Coder cards from the Sound and Looks categories can also be used to signal that the 123 Robot has collected a sample. For a full list of Coder cards and their behaviors, see the VEX Coder Card Reference Guide VEX Library article.

Coder Card Behavior
VEX 123 When start 123 Coder card. Starts the project when the ‘Start’ button on the Coder is pressed.
VEX 123 Drive 1 Coder card. 123 Robot will drive forward for 1 robot length, or 1 square on the 123 Field.
VEX 123 Drive 2 Coder card. 123 Robot will drive forward for 2 robot lengths, or 2 squares on the 123 Field.
VEX 123 Drive 4 Coder card. 123 Robot will drive forward for 4 robot lengths, or 4 squares on the 123 Field.
VEX 123 Turn left Coder card. 123 Robot will turn in place 90 degrees to the left.
VEX 123 Turn right Coder card. 123 Robot will turn in place 90 degrees to the right.
VEX 123 Wait 2 seconds Coder card. 123 Robot will wait 2 seconds before moving on to the next Coder card in the project.

This is an example of a possible Coder card project solution to have the 123 Robot drive to collect a sample and then drive back to the base.

Coder with project that consists of 9 cards and reads When start 123, drive 4, wait 2 seconds, play doorbell, turn around, drive 2, drive 1, drive 1, and finally play honk.

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