Multiple Days 3

Coding Robot at the Library

Suggested Level: Elementary 1-3                                                     Suggested Time: February 

Promotion: Begin promoting this creative activity beginning in early January. You may want to create a display centered around coding, robotics, engineering, and the people behind these fields of innovation. 

Purpose: Learners will be introduced to coding and robotics while exploring how innovation is used and valued across the community. 

                        

Learning Objective:  Students will work in groups to design and create an innovative robot model.

Materials Needed: 

• makerspace section with: paper, crayons, popsicle sticks, cardboard in various sizes, markers, tri-folds or posters, Chromebooks, and any other hands-on material they could use
• cardstock paper for a base
• glue
• cotton balls
• smartboard
• paper 
• pencils
• toilet paper roll core or gift wrap core
• Legos for coding activity

Instructional Process

Instructional Day 1: The school librarian will introduce coding and robotics with a read-aloud of Doll-E 1.0 by Shonda McCloskey. Ask students questions such as: 

• Why did Charlotte decide to upgrade her doll?
• What is the purpose of Doll-E?
• How can you turn unwanted items into something that is treasured?

Closing for the day: Hand out a blank sheet of paper to the learners and instruct them to draw a toy they own or would like to own and how they can upgrade to create their own 1.0 version. 

Instructional Day 2: Lego Coding Day! Introduce learners to coding by showing a short and fun introductory video. 

Give the task: They are to work collaboratively with a partner or their assigned groups for this task. Tell them they are to create patterns with the legos they have on their tables. They will have to draw the patterns they create as a group and write a few sentences explaining the code they came up with and what it would be used for. 

 

Actively monitor the students and offer guidance as needed.

Closing: As students finish their code and written explanation. Invite all learners to actively listen as each group presents their work. 

Instructional Day 3: Robot-making day! Learners will work with their groups to design and create a model of a robot or innovative toy. They can use anything from the makerspace area to create their robots. They will have to name it and write a description of the functions of the robot.

Actively monitor the students and offer guidance as needed. 

Closing: Display group works around the library to conduct a gallery walk and share with the campus. 

Community Involvement Opportunity: This would be a great opportunity to invite community members who work in the engineering field to discuss how coding and robotics can help the community.