Week 4
Session 2
Guiding Question
How can we detect life on Mars using a robot?
Subquestions
How to program a Lego robot for more complex missions?
Outcomes
Explain the functions of the Move Steering Block, Loop Block, Switch Block, Sound Block and Gyro Block.
Solving problems using the Move Steering Block, Loop Block, Switch Block, Sound Block and Gyro Block.
CT Components
Data Collection
Students collect data on the parameters of the Move Steering Block, Loop Block, Switch Block, Sound Block and Gyro Block.
Decomposition
Students break a problem in the worksheet into parts.
Conditional Logic
Students use "if-then-else" logic to command the robot for different conditions.
Communication
Students discuss problems and solutions.
Entry Event
5 minutes
Teacher asks the follow questions:
1. How do you write a program that asks your robot to respond differently based on different situations (or different sensory inputs)?
2. What are some techniques you can use to debug? (a question that reminds students what they have learned in the last session. They may need to use some techniques to help them debug when they are writing more complex code).
Programming a Lego robot for more complex missions
Small-group Hands-on Scientific Inquiry (50 minutes)
Directions
Distribute laptops and Worksheet 6 to the students.
Have student read the first problem in Worksheet 6.
Have students research and explore relevant blocks needed to solve the problem on Worksheet 6.
Have a group discussion on the first problem and possible solutions.
Have students test their solutions and debug.
Collect the finished worksheets.
Resources
Worksheet 6 (Answer Sheet for Worksheet 6 can be found on the Resources page)
"Show EV3 Help" in the EV3 Software environment.
End of Session Reflection and Debriefing
5-10 minutes
Teacher briefly explains the computational thinking (CT) skill embedded in the Problem Solving Process Diagram. Using the problem solving process diagram, the teacher will ask students to identify what kind of problem solving skills/process/computational thinking they used in this session and explain how they used it. The following are some sample questions that can guide the debrief.
What did I learn today?
What problem solving skills/processes or CT components in this diagram did I use today?
How did I use the problem solving skills/processes/CT components?
