Beebots, Bluebots and Probots
Bee-bots and Blue-bots - programmable robots designed for young children. Activities could include mazes, writing words (eg name or sight words) on an alphabet map, drawing, rescue missions, visiting countries or places on a map, shape walks etc.
Bee-bot: A yellow bee-shaped robot. Buttons on the back are used to programme the robot to go forward, back, left right or turn 90 degrees left or right. A good introduction to robots and computational thinking. Have students plan their code on paper or whiteboards before taking their turn with the robot. A free Bee-bot iPad app is available that allows students to practice coding Bee-bot without the robot through a series of challenges. Good for Year 1/2 as an introduction but the Blue-bot can do the same things and more.
Blue-bot is similar to the Bee-bot but with more advanced features. It is clear so students can see inside. The Blue-bot is also programmable via an app on an i-pad, Android device or computer. In addition to 90 degree turns it also does 45 degrees if you use the app. It has a repetition function in the app and some built-in challenges. You can also draw in the app. The path drawn in the app is different to that drawn if you tape a pen to the Blue-bot. You don't need a blue-bot to use the app.
If controlling using the app I advise turning Bluetooth off except when you are directly controlling it as it can accidentally link to the wrong Blue-bot. I have even noticed this happen if classes next door (or above or below) are using the app with bluetooth enabled. If your robot suddenly starts doing it's own thing that is the most likely reason. This is not an issue just with Bluebot, some other bluetooth-controlled robots may also encounter this.
A tactile reader is also available which enable code tiles to be placed in a reader to avoid use of screens if desired.
Pro-bots are a more advanced version of the Bluebot that is programmed via buttons and a screen on the back of the car-shaped robot. Those who have used Logo turtles will be familiar with this type of programming. In addition to arrow keys there are number keys to input distance and degrees of turn. Pro-bot has a built-in pen-holder to enable drawing of shapes etc. and Pro-Bot has several built-in sensors providing a strong grounding in robotics concepts. The front and rear bumpers are touch sensors. Pro-Bot also comes equipped with sound and light sensors. Pro-bot user manual.
Bee-bot: A yellow bee-shaped robot. Buttons on the back are used to programme the robot to go forward, back, left right or turn 90 degrees left or right. A good introduction to robots and computational thinking. Have students plan their code on paper or whiteboards before taking their turn with the robot. A free Bee-bot iPad app is available that allows students to practice coding Bee-bot without the robot through a series of challenges. Good for Year 1/2 as an introduction but the Blue-bot can do the same things and more.
Blue-bot is similar to the Bee-bot but with more advanced features. It is clear so students can see inside. The Blue-bot is also programmable via an app on an i-pad, Android device or computer. In addition to 90 degree turns it also does 45 degrees if you use the app. It has a repetition function in the app and some built-in challenges. You can also draw in the app. The path drawn in the app is different to that drawn if you tape a pen to the Blue-bot. You don't need a blue-bot to use the app.
If controlling using the app I advise turning Bluetooth off except when you are directly controlling it as it can accidentally link to the wrong Blue-bot. I have even noticed this happen if classes next door (or above or below) are using the app with bluetooth enabled. If your robot suddenly starts doing it's own thing that is the most likely reason. This is not an issue just with Bluebot, some other bluetooth-controlled robots may also encounter this.
A tactile reader is also available which enable code tiles to be placed in a reader to avoid use of screens if desired.
Pro-bots are a more advanced version of the Bluebot that is programmed via buttons and a screen on the back of the car-shaped robot. Those who have used Logo turtles will be familiar with this type of programming. In addition to arrow keys there are number keys to input distance and degrees of turn. Pro-bot has a built-in pen-holder to enable drawing of shapes etc. and Pro-Bot has several built-in sensors providing a strong grounding in robotics concepts. The front and rear bumpers are touch sensors. Pro-Bot also comes equipped with sound and light sensors. Pro-bot user manual.
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Scratch Bee-bot Safety game Supporting resources and unplugged and physical Bee-bot versions Download resources You will need to register.
Beebot command cards Resource Bee-Bot mat blank square Resource Bee-Bot image – Fake-Bot Various mats are available to use with the robots. I recommend the transparent pocket maps as you can add your own cards to them. Another alternative is to create your own maps by ruling 15cm squares (Bluebot and Beebot). You can use stiff paper (don't fold it) or card but if you have any thermal-backed drapes then they make excellent mats, just rule your grid on the thermal backing side and roll up to store. The app also has various maps in it and you don't need a robot to use it. |
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