Spring 2016 Grade 6/7 Challenge

After Spring Break students were introduced to the VEX IQ robotics.  We borrowed the kit from our Distrcit Library Resource Centre.  There were a lot of different components, but students quickly rose to the occasion and worked together to solve a variety of challenges. Throughout, the students were asked to document their learning using our iPads.  They were encouraged to document the process, their successes and failures, in order to tell a story with iMovie at the end.

First, the students built their robots using the guide.  Some teams needed to go back and rebuild their robots.  They discovered mechanical engineering problems with motors, wheels, axles and more that made it difficult to control the robot.


Next, the students needed to create an obstacle course using a variety of materials.  A criterion of movements for the robots was given and students had to drive their robot through the course using a manual controller.


After this, students learned how to program the robots using Robot C programming language.  First they played with it and downloaded sample programs that directed the robot to go forwards, backwards, point turns, etc.  Then they were given criterion for their next challenge: program the robot to do a variety of movements and stay within a course.  This was difficult, but students persisted. They started by planning.


Then they moved onto programming.


Finally, students created an iMovie to tell their story.


Below are the iMovies students made in their team about their experience with VEX Robotics.

VEX Robotics by Ashley, Brandon and Esther from South Slope/ BCSD Library on Vimeo.

VEX Robotics by Diya, Ethan and Nathan from South Slope/ BCSD Library on Vimeo.

VEX Robotics by Sean and Cole from South Slope/ BCSD Library on Vimeo.

VEX Robotics by Sean and Ivan from South Slope/ BCSD Library on Vimeo.

Team Robotics by Ella, Esther and Enoch from South Slope/ BCSD Library on Vimeo.