Robotic Rotation 1

Here is a class rotation that I set up for elementary students, with connections to robotics and coding.

A robot will only follow the commands it is given, no more and no less.
Clear instructions are an important part of completing a task.


These activities are best done in small groups, perhaps in a student rotation in the classroom.

Activity 1:  Human Computer

Objective: The 'computer' will follow simple directions to place the small box into the tub. Setup: The robot shown is a VEX Clawbot kit, which comes with a remote control.  It has 4 motors: left side drive, right side drive, arm up/down, claw in/out. For the activity, the teacher or another adult is the 'computer'.  A small group of students provide the coding, or directions.  When the 'computer' receives many directions at once, it will not function.  When it receives a series of simple commands, it functions very well. We have 2 of these robots available.

Activity 2:  Light-Show

Objective: Students will use simple block language, such as that used with Scratch Jr. to identify the coding for each 'light show'. Setup: This is a simple 'robot' that was built with an Arduino kit.  It includes 6 lights and 3 buttons.  Each button push will show a different (simple) light show. This 'robot' is programmed with the free Arduino software, but once uploaded, just needs to have a 5V power supply.  A regular USB charger will do the trick.

Activity 3:  Emojibot

Objective: Build a simple 'robot' Setup: I bought a package of foam sticker emojis from Dollar General, 5mm LED lights and CR2032 batteries from Amazon.  A little transparent tape and a safety pin will give the student a wearable 'emojibot'. The leads for the light will need to be folded down flat on either side of the battery.  A slim piece of paper between one of the leads and the battery will even give it a switch.

Activity 4: Lockerbot

Objective:  Build a locker robot. Setup: Foam sticker sheets magnetic sheets or magnets LED lights Battery Googly eyes (optional) Wire Cut the foam sheets in pieces to create a unique robot.  These may be difficult to cut with scissors.  A utility knife may be preferred. I used some scrap data cable for the wire, stripping the ends for good contact. I am looking for better ways to make a switch.  This works, but is a little more primitive than I would like. These may be placed on the students' hallway lockers.

ISTE Standards 2018

Making a change in practice often requires a roadmap, some direction on how to change our routine.  This is often accompanied by some stress and anxiety, and is better facilitated with strong support.  This happens in our personal and professional journey.

We are a transformative school district, making great strides in how our students earn their education.  We work to celebrate and support our risk-takers who take the lead on transforming their classrooms for a digital age.  We work to effectively support all teachers and learners on this journey.


Most teachers have heard of the ISTE Standards.  They are a roadmap that many states have adopted in part or in whole.  There are actually several categories of standards that have been released, including:

• Students
• Teachers
• Education Leaders
• Coaches
• Computer Science Educators

ISTE is the International Society for Technology in Education.  Its members are leaders and educators from around the world.


A side note:
In June, 2018, the State of Iowa released its K-12 state computer science standards for voluntary adoption.  They were developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association  (the originators of Hour of Code).  Click here to explore these new standards.

The State also provided the opportunity for funding for schools to support teachers to earn a computer science teaching endorsement, something also new in 2018.  The first round initial application was due July 20, 2018.