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VEX Robotics - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Robotics and VEX Kits

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

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​Objective: Students will understand the basics of robotics, identify components of the VEX kit, and assemble a simple robot chassis.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Discuss what robots are, their uses in daily life, and how they are controlled. Show a demonstration of a VEX robot in action.

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  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Introduce VEX components (motors, sensors, chassis).

  • Guide students to assemble a basic robot chassis using instructions provided.

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on the process of assembling the robot. Discuss the challenges faced and solutions.

 

Lesson 2: Basics of Coding with VEXcode

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

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Objective: Students will write and run their first program to make the robot move forwards and backwards.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain how robots are programmed using VEXcode. Demonstrate a simple "move forward" code.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students open VEXcode and connect their robot.

  • Write a program to make the robot move forward for 3 seconds and backward for 3 seconds.

  • Test and refine the code.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss how coding instructions translate into robot movement.

 

Lesson 3: Exploring Sensors (Touch Sensor)

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

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Objective: Students will integrate a touch sensor into their robot and program it to stop when an obstacle is detected.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce sensors and their role in robotics.

  • Focus on the touch sensor and its applications.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Show how to attach the touch sensor to the robot.

  • Guide students to program the robot to move forward until the touch sensor is activated.

  • Test and debug the code.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss real-world applications of touch sensors (e.g., elevators, safety systems).

 

Lesson 4: Using Distance Sensors

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

​

Objective: Students will use the distance sensor to make the robot stop a certain distance from an object.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain how distance sensors work and their importance in autonomous robots.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Attach the distance sensor to the robot.

  • Write a program for the robot to stop when it is 10 cm away from an obstacle.

  • Test the program and troubleshoot if necessary.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Compare touch and distance sensors. Discuss which might be more useful in specific scenarios.
     

Lesson 5: Turning and Navigation

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

​

Objective: Students will program their robots to turn and navigate a simple course.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss turning mechanics and how robots can be programmed to navigate paths.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Teach students to use "turn left" and "turn right" commands.

  • Create a simple obstacle course for robots to navigate.

  • Students program and test their robots on the course.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Highlight the importance of precise programming in navigation.

 

Lesson 6: Engineering Design Challenge

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

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Objective: Students will design and program their robots to complete a specific task (e.g., picking up and delivering an object).

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Present the challenge and discuss strategies for task completion.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students modify their robots with attachments to complete the task.

  • Program and test their robots to accomplish the task.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Share results and reflect on the design process.

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Lesson 7: Advanced Coding Concepts (Loops and Conditionals)

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

​

Objective: Students will incorporate loops and conditionals into their robot programs.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce loops and conditionals using simple examples.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students to create a program where the robot moves forward and stops repeatedly based on a sensor's input.

  • Test and refine the program.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Discuss how loops and conditionals make programs more efficient.

 

Lesson 8: Final Project and Showcase

Outcomes:

NSW: SC4-WS-01, SC4-WS-02, SC4-WS-07, SC4-WS-08, SC4-OTU-01, TE4-SDP-01, TE4-PPM-01, TE4-DES-01, TE4-DIG-01

Aus: ACTDIP028, ACTDIP031, ACTDIP032, ACSSU115, ACSSU116, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS141

​

Objective: Students will apply all skills learned to design, build, and program a robot for a final challenge (e.g., navigating a maze).

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Present the final challenge and outline criteria for success.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Students work in teams to build and program their robots.

  • Test robots on the challenge course and make adjustments.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Conduct a showcase where each team presents their robot's performance.

  • Reflect on learning outcomes.

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