Use the information in this section in combination with the Program Planning Template (Word, 28 KB) and the detailed information about each Robotics Challenge in the following webpages, to design a flexible Robotics Social Club Program that will best fit the needs and preferences of your school and students.
It is worthwhile investing a significant chunk of planning time before commencing the Club, to enhance the facilitating teachers’ competence and confidence, and help the Club run smoothly. Use the Program Planning Template (Word, 28 KB) and detailed information about each Robotics Challenge, to select a sequence of Robotics Challenges and plan a draft schedule of dates for Robotics Club sessions. The Program Planning Template and webpages also outline the suggested focus Teamwork Skill from the Personal and Social Capabilities for each Challenge, and proposed parent involvement. However, teachers should remain open and flexible, and listen to students’ preferences in choosing the Robotics Challenges throughout the phases of the program. The three phases of the program - Beginning, Developing, and Culminating - may be completed over 2 - 3 school terms.
Beginning Phase
While not essential if your school’s LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Core Sets have already been assembled, the following Starter Challenge is highly recommended to maximise students’ engagement and sense of ownership.
Starter Challenge: Building Your Robot (1-2 sessions)
Select a combination of activities from the options below to complete in the first 3-6 sessions.
Challenge 1: Silly Walks (1-2 sessions)
Challenge 2: Maze Runner (1-2 sessions)
Challenge 3: Mexican Wave (1-2 sessions)
Developing Phase
There is the option of forming new teams and new robot names in first session of the Developing Phase. Facilitating teachers should consider students’ teamwork skills progress, student feedback, and personalities, in making this decision. For more information on team formation see Before the First Session.
It is recommended this block of four sessions be completed in sequence, to maximise student engagement and learning.
Session 1: Escape from the City
Session 3: Sumo Programming & Testing
Culminating Phase
Once again, there is the option of forming new teams and new robot names in first session of the Culminating Phase. Facilitating teachers should consider students’ teamwork skills progress, student feedback, and personalities, in making this decision. For more information on team formation see Before the First Session.
Select a combination of activities from the options below to complete over at least 4 sessions. The list of suggestions below includes ideas for continuing the Robotics Social Club into the future, after completion of the 11-18 sessions of the manualised program.
Celebrate Challenge (2-3 sessions)
Create Your Own Challenge (3-4 sessions)
Robot Creation Challenge (2+ sessions)
Links to further ideas:
See Identifying Teacher Professional Learning Needs for further links and up-to-date information.