Ages 6-9 years old
Super Fun Introduction to Science and Engineering for Young Kids!
"Robotic Minivators" was a First Lego League Explore team, run from 2017 to 2019. "Robotic Minivators" invited children aged 6-9 to explore science and engineering for themselves, through fun and interactive team activities! Children explored science topics in the world around them through hands-on building activities and a small research project.
"Robotic Minivators" emphasised getting the students to work together as a team. The team decided on their own team name, designed their own team logo, and decided what problem they will explore, in accordance with the theme of the season.
ork values the contribution made by each individual. Team members respected each other and other teams at all times, and teams always had FUN! "Robotic Minivators" was not a competition - it was a learning journey.
Our first "Robotic Minivators" team had so much fun in with this program in 2017 that we could hardly send them home after every meeting. The team continued from 2017 to 2019, experiencing different challenges and topics each year.
Challenge
Each year a new challenge is set. Team "Robotic Minivators" began by learning about teamwork. Team members then learnt about the season topic, and regularly built models to explain their ideas to others. Teams produced a large model and a poster illustrating what they had learned by the end of each season.
After meeting together for a season, teams attend an expo to display their work and tell others about what they learned! This also allowed them to learn from others about what they did.
Seasons
In semester 2, 2017, Robot Obedience School offered a water themed season, "Aqua Adventure".
In semester 2, 2018, Robot Obedience School offered a moon themed season, "Mission Moon".
In semester 2, 2019, Robot Obedience School offered a city themed season, "Boomtown Build".
Equipment Used
In Robotic Minivators, we used studded bricks, with some gears, axles and pins. This system is largely familiar to children who build with plastic blocks already.
The system is programmed from a tablet using a simple graphical programming language, which has been designed to suit beginners. Students get excited when their programs make the robot move - this is a big advantage to using robotics to teach coding!
No Prior Experience Required
Students do not require prior experience in robotics or programming to join "Robotic Minivators".
The programs are created using a tablet. Children figure out how to use these very quickly. Lessons are conducted in English.
Team Work
"Robotic Minivators" emphasised getting the students to work together as a team. The team decided on their own team name, designed their own team logo, and decided what problem they would explore, in accordance with the theme of the season.
Team members explored and shared their ideas with the rest of their team by building models using plastic bricks. The team made decisions using a voting process.
We used several team building methods to strengthen team identity and cohesion. Each member of the team is expected to contribute, and to encourage other team members. These soft-skills are a significant outcome of the course.
How to Get Involved
Robot Obedience School is no longer offering team "Robotic Minivators", as the team has outgrown the activity, however if you keep an eye out we may offer similar programs in the future.
Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are unhappy with our programme for any reason, please let us know. We will refund your full fees up to two lessons in to the course. After that, a pro-rata refund applies. Buy with confidence!
