#csk8 Archive
This chat includes a discussion of topics of interest to K-8 teachers who teach and/or integrate computer science.The Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K–12 teachers and students to better understand the computing disciplines and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.
Wednesday May 4, 2016
The CSTA K-8 Task Group welcomes you to chat. Our topic tonight is: Robotics
Before we get started, please take a moment to introduce yourself so we know who’s joining us tonight.
Hi all. I'll be in for a bit and then out. Presenting next week at a science fair using Spheros. Interested in chat tonight.
Oh fun. What will you be doing?
I am Sheena, a CS teacher in California for 5+ years, CSTA K-8 board member. Co-moderating this chat today
Hello! I'm Maria, a 5-8 school librarian in New York. Looking forward to hearing what others do with robotics.
Hello Letty, kindergarten Tt from California
I am Aung, a CS educator of 7 years. CSTAK8 task group member. Co-moderating tonight.
Hi, all! Vicky, K-8 technology teacher, from the Los Angeles area. 5th grade was programming polygons with Sphero today.
Hello Letty. welcome to the chat
Tech teacher SW MN grs. 5-8
My kinder Ss love robots!
The chat is a structured chat which means questions will be numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2, etc.
The chat is a structured chat which means questions will be numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2, etc.
Answers should start with A1 for the answer to Q1, A2 to answer Q2, etc. matching the question being answered.
Question 1 is coming right up - Be watching for it.
ooh! Do you have pix to share
Q1: Are robotics a good tool to teach CS with K-8 students? Why? Why not?
A1 Yes. Ss are engaged; meets diverse learners where they are at; perseverance; problem solving skills. Ss had to commun and collab
I shared a couple on Instagram. We're having issues with it actually.
Myra High School CS Teacher in Orange County, CA. I used Finches today.
Agree. However, for some students robotics is a narrow structured view of coding, and that can turn them away
will be back 20 mins. I don't want to miss this one!
A1: Robotics can work well in K-8. It is highly motivating to build something and see it work. Ss like to work together on this too.
Love the but out of my price range. :)
It is way out of my price range.
Finches with what programming language? What grades?
A1: Robots can really help with the whole "the computer is magic" thing. Ss can see that THEY control the robot.
A1 they're great in the classroom, must use caution, as with everything
Hi, Myra. Thinking about buying some Finch robots myself.
A1: Yes! It can be very engaging, but also narrow so it's difficult to get a lot of mileage out of one type of robot. joining late!
Hi Grant, good to see you
Finch can be programmed in many languages - I am using VB, also Scratch, Java, python, greenfoot, etc.
Yes, it can sometimes be limiting to use one type of robot in the classroom.
I agree. I don't think robots should be the only way you teach CS concepts but are one fun way to do it. https://t.co/oV353mKrAG
A1: Yes! It can be very engaging, but also narrow so it's difficult to get a lot of mileage out of one type of robot. joining late!
Question 2 is coming right up
Q2: What robotics systems are available for and which do you use and why?
Q2: What robotics systems are available for and which do you use and why?
A2: We use WeDo 2.0, EV3, Tetrix, Finch, Sphero and a few others
A2: We use in K-2, WeDo & in 3-5, in 6. Connects well to our CS in curriculum
A2: I use Bee-Bots with K & 1 mostly. Easy to use and helps teach cardinal directions and works great with sequencing.
Another product I'd love to get!
A2: Kibo from Kibo Cubetto from look great for the lower grade levels.
Would love to get these. I saw a new simpler version from Hummingbird folks at a conference recently
A2: We also have one Dash & Dot which I have used with 1st-5th. We've done mazes and some storytelling with them.
I'm getting a Cubetto - very excited about that! https://t.co/rAp6hw6cGo
A2: Kibo from Kibo Cubetto from look great for the lower grade levels.
I have a Kibo from but not used it much as yet.
A2. Throughout the year we have used Dash Dot Ozobot Cubeletes EV3 WeDo Bee Bots Sphero BB8. Controlled by app and block-style
SO great! Very versatile - can reuse the kit and make new robots at any point.
Me too! Looking forward to it. We have one Kibo- used in K and 1 so far. Kids like it
A2 we have dash/dots, spheros, ozobots, bee bots and Ollie
Hi Mark, good to see you. welcome
Why haven't you used it yet? Time? or is it not that good?
A2. We use a variety: Mindstorms EV3, WeDo; Thymio; Finch; Cubelets; Beebots; tweaked NXT with Raspberry Pi; we used to use Vex too
Welcome Maureen. Nice that you can introduce this to K-1 kids. Is this how you introduce coding to them?
A2: I also have 2 mBots that we haven't used yet (need to do that) and some Lego WeDo (original not 2.0 so not really robots).
A2 we've also been exploring with primary circuit boards, Ss absolutely love them
A2 We have also used Dash and Dot, Bee-Bots, and Lego Mindstorms. Had the Finches on loan last year.
A2: I use KIBO for gr K, WeDo 1-2, EV3 3-adults. Also do DIY robots (soldering), OpenROV.
Wow! You have a wider experience. Do you use multiple robot tools in one class?
They are awesome! Highly recommend.
Wow, if Skynet ever goes up, I'll stay away from your classroom, sounds like you've got so many robots! Fun!
let me know what you think of them, what grade are those for
They do the hour of code in December. I stop by- intro the robot, show the basics- no real curriculum
Very cool. And have you found that those robots are the right fit for each age level? Would you make adjustments?
Are you having Ss design their robots with different materials with these?How much time coding vs building
A1: I teach a lot of robotics, but more from an engineering/coding POV rather than CS. Robotics is one of many modalities CS-adjacent
Parents do a fund raiser race in the spring- ask us what we want/need. Got lucky!
SkyNet is a concern for sure! So to is keeping all these bots charged and ready to go!
Cubetto? It would be great for Kindergarten. Designed for PK-1st or 2nd I'd say though it can be expanded beyond that.
Just started coding today. Last year it was a pretty even split with coding and building. Trial & error!
Oh good point, how do you keep things organized and charged? Charging closet? cords everywhere?
sometimes, yes, we use >1 for example, we may use both cubelets and wedo with grades 1-3.
Great to see so many different robot tools there - -- Q3 coming up
Yes! Unplugged so important. Process before product. Very cost effective
What grades do you do these with? Your own curriculum or something that comes with it?
Q3: Considering the cost of such systems, how might we help more Ts & Ss have access to them?
Last year students used cardboard, duct tape and other craft supplies to build a panther robot.
Yes pretty good for grade levels. I try to stay away from robots that need laptops. I am not a big fan of WeDo (v1 or v2)
Betting that the ceiling will be higher than expected- at least that is what I've found with Kibo.
Do you have photos/examples somewhere?
A2 contd My favorite is no longer avail (LOGO Turtle)! But Finch is good for "just working" in finite class time + mult lang support
And, I need robots that need desktops since that's what I have right now.
After school Maker Club open to Ss in 5th through 8th grade. Had about 10 Ss working today on it.
Sounds great, thanks for sharing!
ProBots have entire language on them - closer to the LOGO turtle maybe. No computers/ipads needed
I read on Cubetto that you can even start programming the Arduino inside so yes it can definitely be higher
A3 in SM County, we have an arrangement where we run a checkout program for SMCOE districts for various bots
No set curriculum. Ss worked to build the board today then tried a bit of coding. Building next week.
You can hook them to a computer & program in LOGO & download programs though.
Curious why do you think WeDo1 aren't robots? Also might want to pair them with battery pack to do more mobile bots
Who delivers the robots between schools? This sounds like a great way to save money
Well they kind of are but not as much as version 2.0. They are physical computing.
A2 Thymios are pretty interesting w rich array of sensors and clean design. The underlying P/L is a little bizarre tho
I think robot building activity is easier after school - more time/ less kids,than a 40 min class with 30 Ss!
A2 Terrapin sells a turtle "car" but I fear that assuming a car is gender-biased
Microworlds Pro a favorite of mine for a decade! Love the LOGO!
A3 hopefully through Tt interest and advocacy for schools can bring these learning tools to Ss, or org. like
We use the district post system to move some of our limited robot collections e.g Dot&Dash for lunch clubs -
I wish more districts would set up robot lending libraries. https://t.co/vxmux2eJxm
We use the district post system to move some of our limited robot collections e.g Dot&Dash for lunch clubs -
Joining in late Smita from Palo Alto
Arduino-based bots combine electronics w C, requires more teacher expertise though
Hi Smita. We are on Q3 - Considering the cost of such systems, how might we help more Ts & Ss have access to them?
Welcome, we're on Q3 Considering the cost of such systems, how might we help more Ts & Ss have access to them?
A3: we buy robots that can be shared school wide. Each site does its own thing though
A3: We have 1 classroom set of EV3 per school and share it across entire grades (150+ Ss) every week. Lots of prep for lots of kids
I think if class is not all about a car robot, it should be fine. Pure classes may not interest everyone
There are some block-based systems for Arduino. mBots for example are Arduino & have block-based coding.
How do you manage losing parts?
The county a checkout system.
Sorry, joining late. I'm trying to start a lending library. It's tricky! But worthwhile
Wow, who has to keep track of the parts, etc?
Hi I'm joining in. A2 we have an mBot, too . Has anyone tried the programmable mouse robot by Learning Resources?
What does it involve? I am interested in starting one too.
Ooh, haven't heard of that one, do you have a link?
I am following and joining in late as well
Q3A : How do you design a good robot lending library - seems many of you are using some version. Can you share links to details?
hi! Late to the party but going to try to jump in! Alexis from Boca, Fl! PK-5 Comp Sci!
kids work on heavy trays to minimize pieces falling on floor. Only bring parts that they need. https://t.co/pm5HOHCs4b
I just purchased and packaged sets of 16 Spheros to check out (plus a few other tools)
What are some problems you have encountered so far? solutions?
Would love to know more on mBot - what grades, how do you use it?
we set up a Google Form for county: what bot, how many, what dates. We r pd small fee
We have built up our robots over the last 3 yrs: NXT, ozobots, makerblox.
I created a google calendar to reserve them. Into has mostly spread by word of mouth.
What robots do you use and what grades? We are on Q3 now on costs / lending library for robots in schools
How are planning for lost/damage?
Lending library is a fantastic idea
Ts don't know how to use them, need support. We don't have tablets to rent
Great Q. We built modest replacement into our fee
A3 We apply for grants and borrow resources from our area BOCES. Have also used book fair $ for some robotics supplies.
Sorry just got home. Have ev3 s and NXTs and a ozibot for the moderate to severe students in my class.
Two part questions coming up
But, some Ts have started to help other Ts use them!
I do (20+ kits x 8 schools = thousands of Legos). Organize entire collections, not by the kit.
I just bought a couple. Tying to see where and how. Love that Ss have to build them
Thank you , heading out early, robots allow my Ss 2 show proficiency of content standards through this alternate learning modality
Q4A: Teachers may often have one or only a few of a robotic system. How can they still be used effectively?
Q4B: How do you use class time effectively - handing out materials, building vs coding , cleanup ?
A3 Also some bots less expensive now (Finch, Thymio in $100 range, if 1:2 ratio, it's within Donor's Choose reach)
Do you have more info on how much you charge? I really would like to know.
what don't I use! Dash,Lego wedo/ev3, sphero, cubelets, ozobots you name it!
We're not for now. just a start. We're only buying durable things for now. May expand
Just wondering: does anyone consider scribble boys as part of threat robotics & have you tweaked the original directions? How?
Get some that don't need tablets - like Bee-Bot for primary.
Did not know that! Will go use my membership more effectively now to get robots for my Ss!
maybe offline more appropriate 4 this? SMCOE buys the bots, we just mng
A4: it's about teaching the skills to learn to create, not just about the devices!
LOL. Our kids have managed to crack Spheros and killed a few already
this is super helpful! Ts want ready-to-use lessons and resources.
mBot program in w/ extension. 2nd use remote, sensors. 4th . Not classwide - just play
We also have teachers w/individual EV3 kits in their class for choice time. They build robots to augment traditional lessons
A4A: We are careful with purchasing. Find robotics tools that can support many projects/application rather than a narrow range.
I see. I would like to follow up with you later. Thank you.
Did not know that. Thanks!
Thinking of using those or just bristlebots as intro for robotics but haven't yet.
how do you crack a Sphero!??!?
ha! Womp womp. I've heard has great customer service. You should reach out!
A4A Two students per robot. A4B Set a system in place. Students know that all materials are to taken out and they are to be sitting 🎶
Good point Alexis. How much time is building skills/creativity, and how much on coding to do maze/obstacle courses?
Wow, they're pretty tough. What did they drive them off of or into?
Many ways I was not aware of prior to the lessons. :D
A4a: If in a classroom with stations, use the robot as a station that Ss rotate through.
A4B: We prepare 15x bags (Ss work in pairs) of parts every week for different projects. Kids dont waste class time hunting for parts.
What age group do you use cube lets? How?
Challenge: currently, most robot systems don't work on Chromebooks. That's changing but for now often need real laptops.
The Finch robot is an excellent tool for many applications--20+ languages, used for input and output
the whole time is for both--you build mazes and code which teach and reinforce the skills. in elem = compthinking
I saw some info that Finches work with Chromebooks.
Agree! We had them via the loan program last year. The students enjoyed working with them.
For younger grades I like robots that do not need another device to program them. Hence my use of and ProBots.
Love when Ss build their own mazes before coding the solutions!
A4a: I'll combine the robot with other things - like Bee-Bot actual robot w/Bee-Bot app, for example. https://t.co/pI3c3Jda1Z
What are "scribble boys"?
I am finding that the VB code has some issues with the Finches.
. My Ss loved them. Just rec'd 31 more thru grant. Returned loaners last month. Excellent program
For younger grades we leave 15 min to free build with a specific color Lego on top of the week's project for indiv creative building
True! But the Finch robot works on Chromebooks. Super easy! Also, there's an experimental chrome ext
Worry scribble bots markers, cup, battery, and they scribble: let me get you a link
Depends on goals. For coding, go Finch or maybe Thymio, for building, WeDo/EV3, etc.
Will you use them as a Robotics unit after teaching some coding? Or as introduction/ separate class?
Yes, and this also allows minimizing of screen time in lower grades.
Hi ! I've been listening to your great conversation! So many people doing amazing things! Thanks for the invite :-)
4b: use every minute for hands on. 10 min mini-lesson at least 30 min hands-on. I pass out materials while talking or prep ahead.
it is beta. We tried the other day not yet successful
Oh- Ok... the boys typo threw me. I know what you mean. We just made them with berry baskets last week.
Same here. No extra devices. For EV3's kids code on the controller, not laptop.
Yes Beebots are awesome for the younger ones. Have you tried the blue bots?
A4b: It try to set up before class & use last 5 minutes to clean up.
cubelets also fit this criterion and the kids love them
Q5 similar to what is already being discussed is coming up..Curriculum ????.
Sorry I have to prep materials for class tomorrow and a union meeting at lunch - Got to go. May the 4th be with you!
I want a Blue-Bot mostly b/c they're see-thru. https://t.co/ixigzg84F5
Yes Beebots are awesome for the younger ones. Have you tried the blue bots?
We use them as part of an introductory CS class (in robotics unit). Some Ts also create clubs.
We start with Cubletes at PreK. Alexis is my CompSci Jedi partner!
Q5: How might robotics be used to connect CS with other curricular areas? Share lesson plans, pics, videos, etc.
My focus as a librarian is with the after school Ss. Always looking for ways to infuse robotics into classrooms.
you have the cutest pictures to share!
Love the keyboard carpet.
Q5: How might robotics be used to connect CS with other curricular areas? Share lesson plans, pics, videos, etc.
Sylvia Thanks for dropping in! Loved your book
Your thoughts on robotics for teaching coding...?
Thank you! What is the oldest grade you have used with cube lets?
the Blockly code is pretty good! My 4yo does it!
Hi Sylvia! Coming up to Manchester for the preconference day. Will you be there?
Forgot to wish everyone May the Fourth be with you along with We have one of that
Sphero has great lessons at https://t.co/ZS4bQezbEl that tie to lots of curricular areas. You need to join but it's free.
5th! Can use Bluetooth cube for Blockly code on and build Lego bots too.
Just got a few Blue-Bots through some grant funding! I'll report back on the see-thru fun factor. :)
So good to see you here, Sylvia!
A5. When can't it. Our youngest are logic making making machines. Patterns, sequence, conditions are a part of every lesson!
A5: Lots of modeling thru building. Bug bots for insect lessons. Music bots for music class. Calc gear ratios for math.
A5: Our K-2 Bee-Bot lessons are all connected with curriculum - teaching numbers, directions, spelling words etc
A4a: Have done both whole class and small groups with robots. You get ones in stations is way easier
which sphero lessons do you use and recommend?
A teacher we're training built a simple working robotic printing press w/EV3 for her lesson on...printing presses.
A5 I see connections to art if Ss work on building robots. Have used Bee-Bots in Spanish and Family & Consumer Sciences at our school.
I like the speed & time one. Great to show how they relate to distance.
A5 Teach middle school mathematic lessons with the robots.
What middle school math lessons - how do you use robots? Sample lesson plans?
Love to draw with Sphero. Most people use paint. I use "cups" w/markers attached.
The beebot binder that is sold through their website gives some great ideas especially for Ts who might struggle with integration
A5: We also works with many ELLs. Robotics is a great way for them to comfortably & creatively engage in class w/o much language.
Ratio and proportions, geometry to name a few. Sorry lessons on computer at school. https://t.co/UNH6e1LMBU
What middle school math lessons - how do you use robots? Sample lesson plans?
Bee-bot is great. If you would do a worksheet, blow it up big & let Bee-Bot do it instead.
Q6: What are the pros/cons of robotic competitions? Do they help promote ?
A5 here is some stuff 4 math w robotics from my colleague Len Erickson and mutual colleague Steve Kesel -- Pacific SD @ time (contd)
Whoa, I'm behind on everything. Will probably be answering after the chat is over.
A6: pro-teaches gracious professionalism and pushes skills con-not for everyone!
A5: Sometimes, if you snag to give the Ss a break from using the screen, use the robots as characters to narrate a story
A6: Pro - Some Ss really thrive on competition. Con - Some Ss really dislike competition. :)
A6 Pros: Promotes teamwork, problem solving, gives Ss a sense of pride. Cons: Can only include small # of Ss. Huge time commitment.
A6: Major con: FLL influences teachers to only want to work with winners.
Robotics 4 teaching coding is great esp for Logo-based languages. That's was the original point, connecting it to physical movement
A6: Pros: Ss who are motivated will stretch to do even better. Cons: I personally am not a big fan since it can deter struggling Ss
A6: I personally think the competitions that exist today can be exclusionary and the robot systems used are pricey.
Competitions build awareness but we don't do cuz opposite of CSforAll they r CYSA vs AYSO (Everybody plays)
Agreed! Back to building basics
yes, I'll be running around setting up for Glad you are coming!
Good point. I have seen that direct physical connection is so important for those new to coding
A6: We run our own local low stakes competitions btw schools. Robot pet show, monster party, robot olympics, sumo bots, robo soccer.
