Author: katknausen

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Lego, Coding and the Technologies Curriculum

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What is Code with Lego?

Computer coding with Lego is a fun, hands-on, interactive introduction to the world of coding. It was introduced by the Bits and Bricks Campaign, an online computer game made my Lego (link included under further readings/ links).

Coding with Lego can work along side Bit the Bot, another interactive coding activity involving Lego. Bit the Bot in a very adventurous Lego robot, but as with many small creatures, he often gets his programming wrong. Students get involved in helping Bit the Bot solve challenges by figuring out simple programs and coding.

Objectives:

The Lego coding program is a part of the Hour of Code Initiative . The Initiative is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. It was launched in 2015, and encourages students to become interested in, and informed about coding, technology, systems and programming.

Useful information for Teachers:

Resources:

Lego coding allows for the teacher to choose the activity that the students will focus on during the lesson. From simple ‘direction cards’, to learning the Binary alphabet, the resource is flexible to suit the age group and the needs of the class.

The Hour of code web site (listed below) has all relevant resources, and a sign up sheet for resources to be sent to your school or location.

Inclusivity:

The program allows for the inclusion of students at all levels of learning, with aspects such as designing, team work, allocation of roles and data analysis.

 

Year:

  • Foundation to year 2
  • Year 3 and 4
  • Year 5 and 6

Subject: Digital technologies

Sub strand: Collecting, managing and analysing data

  • Generating and designing
  • Producing and implementing
  • Evaluating

Curriculum Links (specific to Code with Lego) :

  • Foundation to year 2

Generate, develop and record design ideas through describing, drawing and modelling (ACTDEP006)

Use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to safely make designed solutions (ACTDEP007)

Sequence steps for making designed solutions and working collaboratively (ACTDEP009)

  • Year 3 and 4

Generate, develop, and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques (ACTDEP015)

Plan a sequence of production steps when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively (ACTDEP018)

  • Year 5 and 6

Critique needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to achieve intended designed solutions (ACTDEP024)

Select appropriate materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and apply safe procedures to make designed solutions (ACTDEP026)

Develop project plans that include consideration of resources when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively (ACTDEP028)

Cross Curriculum Priorities: Sustainability

General capabilities:

  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Personal and Social competence

Further reading/ links:

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RoboCup Australia and the Technologies Curriculum

RobocupJuniorAustralia

What is RoboCup Junior?

RoboCup Junior is a project-oriented educational initiative which is designed to introduce

primary and secondary children to the field of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the added aspect of competitions and nation wide participants, the program is creatively designed and educational.

“The ultimate goal of RoboCup is that by the middle of the 21st century, a team of fully autonomous humanoid robot soccer players shall play (and win!) a soccer game against the (human) world champions”. ( http://www.robocupjunior.org.au).

Objectives of RoboCup:

  • To encourage young people to take an interest in scientific and technological fields and engage in the process through robotic competitions.
  • To expand students social, intellectual and problem solving skills and has a strong emphasis on learning and enjoyment.
  •  To develop informed and independent adults, through a new appreciation of the pros and cons of technology and technological advances.
  •  School wide and community wide engagement, cooperation and involvement through the added aspect of nation wide and world wide competition.

Useful information for teachers:

Resources: The program includes ‘Robotics teaching and learning program examples’, as well as all the relevant Curriculum documents included in the program. Assessment items are also suggested and included, such as the completion of a ‘log book’ during their stages of designing, creating, evaluating and managing (as linked directly to the Technologies curriculum).

Inclusivity: The program allows for the inclusion of students at all levels of learning, with aspects such as designing, team work, allocation of roles and data analysis.

Furthermore, the program could be a whole-school, or community wide initiative to raise awareness about technology, and create a fun and competitive learning experience.

Year:

  • Year 5 and 6
  • Year 7 and 8
  • Year 9 and 10 (elective subject)

Subject: Design and Technologies

Sub strand: Creating Design solutions by:

  • Investigating and defining
  • Designing
  • Producing and Implementing
  • Evaluating
  • Collaborating and managing

Curriculum links:

As the program is broad and allows for flexibility into all areas, the curriculum links regarding the Technologies Curriculum are extensive, and can include all strands under the Design and Technologies Subject.

The Year 5 and 6 curriculum strands are demonstrated below:

 

Year 5 and 6:

Knowledge and Understanding:

Investigate how electrical energy can control movement, sound or light in a designed product or system (ACTDEK020)

Investigate characteristics and properties of a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment and evaluate the impact of their use (ACTDEK023)

Process and production skills:

Critique needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to achieve intended designed solutions (ACTDEP024)

Generate, develop and communicate design ideas and processes for audiences using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques (ACTDEP025)

Select appropriate materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and apply safe procedures to make designed solutions (ACTDEP026)

Develop project plans that include consideration of resources when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively (ACTDEP028)

Cross Curriculum Priorities: Sustainability, Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia.

General capabilities:

  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • ICT
  • Personal and Social Competence

Further reading/ Links:

The Australian Curriculum:

http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/design-and-technologies/curriculum/f-10?layout=1

RoboCup Junior Australia: http://www.robocupjunior.org.au/acaracop