Course description
The course introduces students to the world of programming through robot building using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential sets. Students learn new topics from the STEAM areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics. While they absorb sciences in a practical way, they also develop their abilities to construct things, building models based on the instructions.
They use blocks and electronic parts, then program them using a visual programming language in a dedicated app. To activate the robots, they use icons, i.e. blocks with graphical symbols in the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ app, which do not require the ability to read. Students create and modify sequences, apply loops and conditions.
They work in pairs which allows them to develop the skill of cooperation. They look for creative solutions to the problems, code robots and test the program through trial and error.
After the course students:
- Apply algorithmic thinking to program robots
- Use icon blocks to create programs
- Apply programming terms, i.e. sequence, loop, condition
- Use terms connected with LEGO® Education robotics: Smart Hub, light matrix, colour sensor, motors etc.
- Use programming to activate the robots: they test programs through trial and error
- Recognise iterations and diagrams
