Coding with Robots Workshop for Schools

Provided by VSTEAM Education

Based on the BBC micro:bit and Maqueen robot

This is a beginner workshop that is designed to teach children the basics of Coding & programming of robots. It is based on the micro:bit programming device developed by the BBC. The students will be given an introduction to the popular Microsoft MakeCode and Python programming languages.

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Format

Primary: 3 sessions x 1 hr 30 mins or
2 sessions x 2 hrs 30 mins
(30 participants per session)
Secondary/Higher: 3 sessions x 1 hr 30 mins or
2 sessions x 2 hrs 30 mins or
1 session x 5 hrs
(20 participants per session)

Age Groups

Y1 - Y13, Higher Education, Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Get Creative with the microbit

Code the LED display to show your name, smiley faces, flashlight sequences and more.
Code to use the accelerometer and thermometer sensors.
Code to build a compass.

Code the Maqueen Robot

Learn basic robotics.
Code a gesture controlled robot.

Coding Programmes

Primary and secondary school children will learn to use the Microsoft MakeCode block programming to build the foundation knowledge of coding.

Day Itinerary*

Primary, Secondary and Higher

Intro - Introduce children to the micro:bit programming device, how it works, and the lesson plan for the day.
Short Theory - Give children an overview of different programming languages and introduce them to the Microsoft MakeCode block programme.
Practical - Hand out the worksheet guide and take children through the different activities from coding the LEDs to using some of the sensors.
Short Theory - Explain to children how we can control the robot's motion using voltage pulses, and how the distance sensor works to avoid obstacles.
Practical - Code and experiment with a gesture controlled robot.

* The activities may vary on the day depending on the length of the sessions and the age and ability of the participants.

Gallery

Student Coding on Laptop with the Microbit

Children Having Fun with Robots on the Floor

Cost

Please contact us to obtain a quote or request our price guide.

Testimonials

Vidura visited our school with his ‘Coding with Robots’ workshop. The workshop was packed with scaffolded activities which lead the pupils through using code to control an LED display, incorporating sound, measuring the earth's gravitational field strength, and on to controlling a robot and obstacle avoidance. The workshop was very interactive and it provided our pupils with an insight into some of the applications of coding in the world today.

Georgia Wiseman, Carew Academy

Checklist

Enhanced DBS Checked Instructors
Public Liability Insurance
Risk Assessments

Requirements

The school must provide computers/laptops/ipads with access to the internet. Ideally, one device between two students.
Please ensure all students have their login details ready on the day, as this will help us start promptly and save valuable time.
Compatible and unrestricted access to the website: https://makecode.microbit.org/
A computer/laptop with projector/interactive whiteboard or smart screen with sound enabled.
Guest WiFi username and password.

If Using Microsoft (Windows) or Chromebook Devices:

Must have an updated browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) and USB port or bluetooth.

If Using Apple Devices (iPads/Macs):

Must install the app prior to arrival on all devices https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/micro-bit/id1092687276

Must have an updated browser (Safari) and bluetooth.

Event Days

British Science Week, Computer Science Education Week, Engineers Week

Available Regions

This service is available internationally

Anywhere in England

Anywhere in Northern Ireland

Anywhere in Scotland

Anywhere in Wales

Contact VSTEAM Education to book this workshop

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Did you know we have many other Coding Workshops?

Explore our Coding with Botley, Python (with Gaming) or Raspberry Pi workshops or search all workshops here.

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