Coding Robotic Pathways With Dash

Students will:

• Be exposed to sample paths for Dash Robots.
• Be able to code the Dash robot through the given path.
• Be able to test and problem solve solutions needed to get Dash through the path.
• Be able to create their own pathways. (extension activity)

Vocabulary Words:

1. Algorithm: An algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task.

2. Program: A program is an algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.

3. Debugging: Debugging is finding the problem with the program or code and fixing it.

4. Sequencing: Sequencing is putting steps in correct order so computers can read the commands or Algorithm.

To prepare for this lesson:

1. Students may have some familiarity with Dash robots. They may have used similar block coding in other activities. For this activity, you can go as basic or as complex as you want to. 
2. Watch the Directions on how to use the Blockly App for Dash.  
3. This video gives an explanation of how to tape paths on the floor. These paths are a bit sophisticated.  You may want to be a bit more simplistic for time constraints. 
4. This could be one station in your room, or you could have numerous stations and rotate students through every 20-30 minutes. THIS PROJECT WILL BE WRITTEN FOR ONE CLASS STATION.
5. You will need to create a floor plan for the Dash robot to travel through.

NOTE: If you have multiple Dash robots and want to have numerous stations, you will need one dash for each station You will need one iPad or tablet for each station with Blockly for Dash downloaded to your iPad or tablet.

Supplies:

• You will need an open space for this project.
• One Dash Robot
• One iPad or tablet with Blockly for Dash downloaded
• Scissors
• Colored Duct Tape
• Rulers/ yardstick
• Worksheet for students to record their code

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher says to students, ”Today you will become programmers. Dash is lost and needs to go home. To get home, he needs to follow the path on the floor correctly. Your job is to problem solve and write the code so that Dash can follow the path correctly to get home.”
2. Show Video on how to use the Blockly App for Dash. 
3. Have the students experiment first with the Blockly App so they know how to use it after watching the video. 
4. The students may have to perform guess and checks to see what works best.
5. Students will document their plan on the worksheet to show their teacher how Dash went through the path.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding

• Students will turn in the worksheet below with their findings.