mBot Learn to Code Bundle

mBot D1: Sequencing - Your First Computer Program with mBot!

Students are introduced to computer programming with a discussion of key concepts such as what code is and how it comes together to create a computer program, as well as the importance of sequences in programming.

mBot D2 - Sequencing: Reverse Engineering Challenge!

Students are introduced to the idea of recognizing larger patterns as a sequence of individual commands, as well as how to use the mBot LEDs.

mBot D3 - Loops: Square Dance!

Students are introduced to a new fundamental coding concept, the Loop! Students are first challenged to create a sequence that has their mBot drive in a perfect square on the floor. Next, students are challenged to identify the “repeating unit” and place this inside of a loop, making their program much more efficient.

mBot D4 - Loops: Robot Dodge Ball!

Students are introduced to another feature of loops: that one’s program can be slightly different each time it repeats. Students are introduced to randomization in programming. Students incorporate randomization into a looped sequence to have their mBot avoid being hit by human-tossed ping-pong balls!

mBot E1 - Events: Introduction to Events

Students discover a new fundamental concept in computer programming: Events! Students discuss their definition, utility in programming in general, and how to use them in mBlock. Students explore the light and sound blocks (LEDs, play tones, show drawing) by using event blocks to trigger several different sequences. All of these events culminate in an mBot Dance Off!

mBot E2 - Events: Obstacle Course!

Students take the concept of Events even further as they discover a new way to use events in mBlock. Students create a remote-control program that allows the user to navigate the mBot through student-made obstacle courses! The better the program, the faster they will be able to complete the course!

mBot E3 - Conditionals: mBot Patrol!

Students are introduced to conditions in programming including definitions, examples, how to create one using operators, and conditional loops in mBlock. Students create an "mBot Patrol" program that has their mBot alternate between scanning and patrolling on a timed loop sequence. Students practice using operators to create a condition.

mBot E4 - Conditionals: Afraid of the Dark!

Students take conditionals a step further and are introduced to IF-THEN-ELSE statements and defining conditions using an mBot sensor. Students create an algorithm that uses the ambient light sensor on the mBot. When the lights are on, the mBot does a calm sequence of commands. However, when the lights go out the mBot goes crazy with a sequence of erratic commands!

mBot F1 - Functions: Lane-Changing mBots!

Students are introduced to the concept of functions including definitions, examples, and how to create one in mBlock. Students create a driving sequence that includes left and right lane changing procedures. Students lane-change through a course filled with obstructions!

mBot F2 - Functions: Morse Code

Students continue learning about the utility of creating their own functions by creating longer programs that require the creation of more complex functions. Students create a Morse code program using motor commands and program mBot to ‘send’ messages to their friends!

mBot F3 - Variables: Introduction to Variables

Students are introduced to the concept of variables in programming. Students create a program that uses Event blocks to initialize and change the value of a variable. Students will use the variable to represent the amount of time that the mBot drives forward in a game of Robot Target Practice.

mBot F4 - Variables: Spirals

Students take the concept of loops and variables further by creating a loop that changes the value of a variable with each new iteration. Students create a program that has the mBot drive in spiral. To do so, students will need to create a variable and consider which parameter in their program will need to change with each iteration to create the desired shape. The lesson culminates in an activity that incorporates all of the coding concepts that students have learned in this course: Sequences, Loops, Events, Conditions, Functions, and Variables!

mBot - Teacher Guide