Robotics is one of the best ‘fun’ lessons I teach

By Malcolm Clarke, Ko-whai Intermediate School

Using micro:bits and Maqueen robotics as a way of exploring areas of Computational Thinking is one of the best ‘fun’ lessons I currently teach. It’s a great ‘leveller’ as all the students I have done this with will gain successful outcomes in a relatively short space of time, as well as gain a sense of achievement as a result.

Maqueen robots are relatively cheap to purchase and the use of micro:bits allows for innovative lessons to be devised, which especially encompasses the curriculum areas of Maths and Science. The combination of micro:bit and Maqueen provides the best ‘bang for your buck’ in terms of being so versatile. The value for money has also allowed me to run lessons with classes of 30 students at a relatively low cost and upkeep.

Grow and develop

The learning outcomes have grown as I have developed my programme over the last two years. The main objective is to develop student critical thinking. The first lesson is learning how to move forward, backward, left and right. I then set a challenge to move around a set track, which gets the students to develop control over distance, timing, angles, and direction. The next lesson is to build upon any previous knowledge to make the robot follow a line using the infrared sensors or to work out how to program a remote control to turn it. The following lesson is to get the Maqueen to avoid objects by using ultrasonic sensors. There are opportunities to incorporate all of this learning in authentic ways. In 2021, ‘Space’ was the theme of our Science lessons that year. One of my Year 8 classes wanted to use the Maqueen to simulate how the Mars Rover would move around the surface of the planet. They made some cardboard prototypes with the aim of eventually printing a 3D chassis in the shape of the Rover. What I liked about this project was the authentic learning that took place. For example, the teachers that I collaborated with would use the Maths lessons to get the class to think about the dimensions of the Maqueen. They would also encourage the students to think about angles, timings and other measurements.

Overall, I’m happy to facilitate the students to allow them to have free reign in the direction of where each of their projects could go. Many of the ideas I have trialled in class over the last few years have been as a result of myself just ‘letting go’ and giving the power of learning to the students.

Broad programme

Coding has been a staple part of what I offer at school. It has allowed me to develop a broad programme over the last few years. I have made the conscious decision to provide learning opportunities that are not just valid within the four walls of my classroom.

I’m constantly seeking to make improvements to what I offer in class. My main inspiration for lesson ideas is actually from my peers. I am an active participant on several forums, such as DTTA (Digital Technologies Teachers Aotearoa) and other user groups, mainly on social media. This is where I often get my ideas from.

The main challenge for anyone teaching Digital Technologies is the time to fit the lessons into the timetable. I am fortunate enough to be in the position to offer discreet lessons throughout the year.

The nature of Digital Tech means I have no definitive future plans for this project. My normal approach is to leave any specific activities open ended as this allows for teachers and students to devise the lessons and be flexible in which direction they decide to take their learning.