Ages 9–14: 90 Minutes: LEGO Mindstorms EV3, mBot, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Android App, 3D Printing, JavaScript & Python Robotics & Coding Course

9 AM to 4 PM, building and programming robots!

• Waterloo Region District School Board
• Waterloo Catholic District School Board
• Grand Erie District School Board
• Upper Grand District School Board
• Wellington Catholic District School Board
• Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

• Before care : (08:00-09:00 AM)
• After care : (08:00-09:00 AM)

Ages 5–8: LEGO WeDo Robotics, Scratch, Sphero, Simple & Powered Machine, Micro:bit Course

Ages 9–14: LEGO Mindstorms EV3, mBot, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Android App, 3D Printing, JavaScript & Python Robotics & Coding Course

Course Information:

LEGO WEDO ROBOTICS (AGES 4-8)

The LEGO® Education WeDo Construction Set is an easy-to-use set that introduces young students to robotics. Students will be able to build LEGO models featuring working motors and sensors; program their models; and explore a series of cross-curricular, theme-based activities while developing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as language, literacy, and social studies.

Scratch Coding (AGES (4-8)

Scratch is a beginner programming language created by students at MIT. Scratch a good entry level programming language, as it uses an easy drag and drop coding system. This allows students to quickly and easily create different types of games. Along with teaching them essential concepts such as problem-solving, math and how to work with others to complete a more significant project. It is fun, simple and an accessible way to introduce students to the world of programming.

SPHERO (AGES 4-8)

The Sphero is a robotic ball that can be controlled using your phone or tablet on Android or iOS. This course will teach the basics of managing a Sphero and handling a Sphero using the official Sphero app. By learning the basics and more advanced functions of a Sphero, students will learn basic programming, math and physics in a fun and exciting way. Along with this student learn vital problem-solving skills that can be used in everyday life, as they work through obstacles given to them.

Simple & Powered Machines (AGES 4-8)

The LEGO® The purpose of this course is to present a short unit on simple and powered machines for use in elementary classes. Students will utilize simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. The experiments are hands-on activities that help students investigate and understand simple & powered machines. The principle and mechanics defining each machine will be reviewed. Each demonstration will be followed by an analysis of the variables, data collection techniques and questioning strategies to elicit appropriate and valid student-generated observations and conclusions. Application to real life situations will be tied in.

Micro:bit (AGES 4-8)

Micro:bit is a tiny computer designed for beginners in electronics and coding. The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer intended for beginners. It can be coded with something simple in seconds – like lighting up its LEDs or displaying a pattern – with no prior knowledge of computing. Programming the micro:bit can be done by computer or by the app available for Android and iOS devices. Code is designed using a drag and drop interface in the Blocks editor. It also connects to other devices, sensors, kits and objects to have more complex learning. Each element is completely programmable via easy-to-use software on a dedicated website microbit.org, that can be accessed from a PC, tablet or mobile.

LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 (AGES 9-14)

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is designed for those with no programming background and introduces students to concepts such as coding, looping, decision-making and flow control as they utilize the visual drag and drop-programming interface. Both the LEGO WEDO Robotics and Mindstorms EV3 Programs offers a unique platform for STEM-based concepts such as:

JavaScript Coding (AGES 9-14)

JavaScript is the programming language of the Internet, the secret sauce that makes the Web awesome, your favourite sites interactive, and online games fun! JavaScript course teaches programming essentials through a patient, step-by-step examples paired with funny illustrations. You’ll start with the fundamentals, such as working with strings, exhibits, and circles, and after that proceed onward to further advanced subjects. JavaScript lets you play music and create amazing visual effects.

Arduino (AGES 9-14)

The Arduino is a microcontroller board designed to introduce beginners into the world of electronics. Arduino’s hook up to basic electronic devices such as led’s, buttons and sensors, these devices are then programmed to perform simple or more advanced tasks. For example, an Arduino can be set up so if a button is pushed the led turns on. This teaches kids enrolled how to write basic programs and how to put together basic circuits and how it could be used in the real world.

Raspberry-Pi (AGES 9-14)

The Raspberry Pi is a small, cheap, single-board computer that outputs what the student has programmed it to do. Simple to use and program, it can be embedded in innovative projects and has been used to build Internet-connected dispensers, low-res plotters, cell phone–operated coffeemakers, and a solar-powered computer. This course shows how to obtain, configure, and do simple tasks with a Raspberry Pi. Our Instructors shows you how to play sounds, boot up a GUI, program simple tasks, install software, and begin to explore hardware control with GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output).

Android App Development (AGES 9-14)

MIT App Inventor is an innovative beginner’s introduction to programming and app creation that transforms the complex language of text-based coding into visual, drag-and-drop building blocks. The simple graphical interface grants even an inexperienced novice ability to create a basic, fully functional app within an hour or less.

Teaching students to embrace computational thinking.

Python (AGES 9-14)

Python is a popular high-level programming language designed with a philosophy that emphasizes on ease of readability and syntax that allows programmers both beginner and experienced programmers to express programming concepts clearly and concisely. It’s an easy-to-use program for young students to learn and concentrate on core programming skills such as problem decomposition and program design. Students will be introduced to concepts such as computer communication, flow control, looping, design and documentation, and data manipulation, and use them to design projects with challenging levels of complexity.

3D Printing and Modelling (AGES 9-14)

Lets creativity meets production in this hands-on 3D course. Learn how to Design simple 3D objects and prepare them for 3D printing with Tinkercad. Designers, hobbyists, teachers, and kids use Tinkercad to make toys, prototypes, home decor, Minecraft models, jewelry – the list is truly endless! Make something without any preparation just from scratch or import a more complex model to use as a starting point, and then watch your creation print and take it home!

mBot (AGES 9-14)

mBot is a low cost, easy-to-run robot kit for kids to get hands-on experience on graphical programming, electronics, robotics. It is an all-in-one solution for robotics learning and designed explicitly for STEM education. An educational robot for individual and classroom use, empowering users to be innovative and creative while having fun. mBot is programmed using the mBlock software which integrates Scratch and Arduino programming. This programming language is both simple, powerful and very quick to learn. A platform with endless possibilities.