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Dash Robotics - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Dash Robotics

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

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​Objective: Introduce students to the basics of Dash Robotics. Explore the robot's sensors, movements, and features.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Explain what a robot is and show a brief video about Dash Robotics.

  • Discuss how Dash uses sensors to interact with its environment (e.g., detecting objects, responding to sounds).

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  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Demonstrate the different functions of Dash using the tablet and app.

  • Allow students to explore basic controls by guiding Dash through a simple obstacle course created in the classroom.

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss what students learned and how Dash responded to their commands.

 

Lesson 2: Introduction to Block-Based Coding

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Understand the basics of block-based coding using the Blockly app.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain what block-based coding is and how it’s used to control Dash.

  • Show how to access and navigate the Blockly app.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Demonstrate how to use the Blockly app to make Dash move forward, turn, and play sounds.

  • Guide students to complete a sequence of simple commands to make Dash follow a straight path.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Have students reflect on how different blocks made Dash behave in specific ways.

 

Lesson 3: Algorithms and Sequences

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Learn to create and follow simple algorithms using sequences in Blockly.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain what an algorithm is and give examples of everyday algorithms (e.g., making a sandwich).

  • Discuss the importance of the order of commands (sequence).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Challenge students to create a sequence of at least five commands for Dash to follow.

  • Have students test their algorithms by programming Dash to move in a specific pattern, such as a square.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss which sequences worked well and how they could improve their algorithm.

 

Lesson 4: Introduction to Loops

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Understand and use loops to create repetitive patterns in Dash's movements.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of loops and how they can be used to repeat commands.

  • Show how loops can be added to the Blockly code.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students to create a loop that makes Dash move in a circle or repeat a sound multiple times.

  • Encourage them to modify the loop to see how changes affect Dash’s actions.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Have students share their observations on how loops changed Dash’s behaviour.

 

Lesson 5: Using Conditional Statements

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Understand and implement conditional statements to make decisions within programs.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of conditional statements (e.g., "if" and "else") and provide examples.

  • Show how to implement conditionals in Blockly.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Challenge students to create a program where Dash responds differently based on conditions (e.g., if Dash detects an object, it stops).

  • Test the programs and discuss how the robot responded.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Reflect on the importance of using conditions in coding.

 

Lesson 6: Introduction to Sensors

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Learn about Dash’s sensors and how to program the robot to react to its environment.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss Dash’s sensors (e.g., proximity, light, sound).

  • Demonstrate how Dash reacts when it detects an object using its proximity sensor.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Challenge students to create a program where Dash stops when it detects an object and plays a sound.

  • Have students experiment with other sensor-based commands.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Discuss how sensors help Dash interact with the environment.

 

Lesson 7: Debugging Programs

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Learn how to debug and refine coding solutions to improve outcomes.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain what debugging is and why it’s essential.

  • Provide examples of common coding errors.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students work in pairs to identify and fix issues in a pre-written Blockly code that contains errors.

  • Discuss each error and how it was resolved.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Reflect on the debugging process and the strategies used.

 

Lesson 8: Final Challenge – Maze Navigation

Outcomes:

NSW: ST2-2DP-T, ST2-3DP-T, ST2-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP010, ACTDIP011

​

Objective: Apply coding skills to create a solution for navigating Dash through a maze.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)​

  • Present the final challenge: Program Dash to navigate through a maze using all the concepts learned (sequences, loops, conditionals, and sensors).

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Allow students time to plan, code, and test their programs.

  • Encourage peer review and collaboration.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Have students demonstrate their solutions and reflect on the strategies they used.

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