Robotics

Module 1: Introduction to Robotics (1-2 weeks)

• Lesson 1: What is Robotics?

  • Introduction to robots: What are they and how do they help in our world?
  • Simple examples of robots in daily life (e.g., robotic vacuum cleaners, Mars rovers, etc.)
  • Basic components of a robot (sensors, motors, controllers, and actuators)
  • Hands-on activity: Look at a toy robot or virtual robot to explore its parts

• Lesson 2: How Do Robots Work?

  • Introduction to robot parts and their functions
  • Basic understanding of sensors (e.g., touch, sound, motion) and actuators (motors, wheels)
  • Introduction to programming robots: How do we control robots using code?
  • Hands-on activity: Explore a simple robotics simulator (e.g., Tinkercad or Scratch-based robotics)

• Lesson 3: Getting to Know Your Robot Kit

  • Overview of common robotics kits (e.g., LEGO Mindstorms, VEX IQ, or Micro:bit-based kits)
  • Setting up the robot kit: Assembly instructions and safety tips
  • Hands-on activity: Assemble a simple robot using the kit (e.g., a basic moving robot)

Module 2: Basic Robotics Concepts (2-3 weeks)

• Lesson 1: Motors and Movement

  • Introduction to motors: What are motors, and how do they make robots move?
  • Understanding wheels, gears, and axles
  • Hands-on activity: Attach motors to your robot and make it move forward and backward

• Lesson 2: Introduction to Sensors

  • What are sensors and how do they help robots "see" and "feel" the world?
  • Types of sensors (e.g., ultrasonic for distance, light sensors, touch sensors)
  • Hands-on activity: Use a sensor to make your robot avoid obstacles or follow a line

• Lesson 3: Introduction to Robot Programming

  • Introduction to block-based programming (Scratch, Blockly, or the visual coding language of your kit)
  • Understanding basic programming concepts (loops, conditionals, events)
  • Hands-on activity: Write a simple program to control robot movement based on sensor input

Module 3: Intermediate Robotics Skills (2-3 weeks)

• Lesson 1: Autonomous Robots

  • What is an autonomous robot? (Robots that can make decisions on their own based on sensors)
  • Introduction to algorithms and decision-making for robots
  • Hands-on activity: Program your robot to navigate around a simple obstacle course

• Lesson 2: Making Robots Follow Instructions

  • Introduction to pathfinding and following a set route
  • Introduction to the concept of feedback loops in robotics (robots adjusting based on sensor data)
  • Hands-on activity: Program a robot to follow a line on the floor using a light sensor

• Lesson 3: Integrating Sensors and Movement

  • Combining sensors with movement to create more advanced behaviors
  • Hands-on activity: Program a robot to stop when it detects an obstacle or avoid hitting walls

Module 5: Introduction to Robotic Programming (2-3 weeks)

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Coding for Robots

  • Moving beyond visual programming to text-based coding (e.g., Python, C++)
  • Programming the robot using code: Introducing loops, conditionals, and functions
  • Hands-on activity: Write a Python or C++ program to control a robot (using an online platform like VEXcode VR or Micro:bit)

• Lesson 2: Advanced Robot Behavior

  • Introduction to advanced robot behavior like obstacle detection and complex motion
  • Hands-on activity: Program a robot to perform a task autonomously based on sensor inputs

• Lesson 3: Debugging and Testing Your Robot

  • Understanding the process of debugging and troubleshooting robotics programs
  • Hands-on activity: Test your robot and fix any issues in the program to make it work perfectly