Meet Dash and Dot
During spring break, I incorporated the app Makewonder and introduced Dash and Dot, two robots to my CODE sessions by allowing me to combine with other coding activities through Code.org. Kids ages 5-7 were assigned to program the robots while the older group focused on the CODE lessons and presentations. The students were pretty excited, including some of the staff (and of course, me).
The robots must be fully charged prior to any activities. While charging I downloaded the app, Makewonder on my iPad. I then viewed the video tutorials and flipped through the site to learn about other features. I was thrilled to find lesson plans aligned to Common Core and NGSS standards (NOTE: these are designed for teachers by teachers). Lessons include math, science, ELA, and coding. Some are free while others are labeled as Premium. I didn’t get into this to learn more about the pricing.
There are 5 free apps, compatible with most devices.
For music teachers and music lovers, xylo introduces students to music programming through algorithm design, command sequences and control flow, and the loops. These three aligned very well with the older group in one of the CODE lessons. Two different presentations were done between both groups. Students learned about the detailed step-by-step instruction set or formula for solving a problem or completing a task.
Compatible devices
You will find the following in the package:
By far, this is a great way to bring STEM into any classroom. Kids and adults love fun learning activities. A great way to engage students into their own learning.
The robots must be fully charged prior to any activities. While charging I downloaded the app, Makewonder on my iPad. I then viewed the video tutorials and flipped through the site to learn about other features. I was thrilled to find lesson plans aligned to Common Core and NGSS standards (NOTE: these are designed for teachers by teachers). Lessons include math, science, ELA, and coding. Some are free while others are labeled as Premium. I didn’t get into this to learn more about the pricing.
There are 5 free apps, compatible with most devices.
- Wonder -is a picture based coding language.
- Go – control’s the lights and sounds, movement and audio recording
- Path – Dash gets children to draw on screen path with nodes for actions and sounds, robot then follows
- Blockly - customized version of Google’s visual programming, how to create the code to make Dash drives, moves his head and light up, including sounds and responding to obstacles. In my opinion, Blockly has the potential to be a really great introduction to programming
- Xylo - gets Dash to play music by hitting a clip-on xylophone accessory (sold separately) following the notes set by the child on-screen.
For music teachers and music lovers, xylo introduces students to music programming through algorithm design, command sequences and control flow, and the loops. These three aligned very well with the older group in one of the CODE lessons. Two different presentations were done between both groups. Students learned about the detailed step-by-step instruction set or formula for solving a problem or completing a task.
Compatible devices
You will find the following in the package:
- Dash robot
- Dot robot
- Two building brick connectors
- Charging cable
- Quick start guide
By far, this is a great way to bring STEM into any classroom. Kids and adults love fun learning activities. A great way to engage students into their own learning.
Source: YouTube