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Session 04: Robot Friends 🤖

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 4 of 17

Students meet Dash Robots and learn basic programming concepts—discovering that they can give instructions to technology.

Session 04: Robot Friends

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that robots follow instructions (code)

  • Learn basic Dash Robot controls

  • Program Dash to move in simple paths

  • Connect human creativity to technology

Session 04: Robot Friends

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Dash Robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Go/Wonder app

  • 📋 Simple maze or path taped on floor

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 📸 Pictures of different robots

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — A young person who used technology to serve God, creating websites to share faith. Technology can be used for good!

Scripture

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for creative minds that invent amazing things like robots. Help us use technology wisely and always for good. Bless our learning today. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Robot Wonder — "What is a robot?"
  2. A machine that follows instructions
  3. Robots don't think—they do what we TELL them!
  4. Meet Dash — Introduce the robot
  5. Dash has wheels, lights, sounds
  6. WE will be the bosses—telling Dash what to do
  7. Instructions Matter — "Robots only do exactly what we say!"
  8. Today's Goal — "We're going to program Dash to move!"

Main Activity: Dash Introduction (19 minutes)

Part 1: Unplugged Practice (4 minutes)

  • "Robot" game: One student is the robot, one gives commands

  • Commands: "Step forward," "Turn right," "Stop"

  • Robots only do EXACTLY what you say!

  • Lesson: Clear instructions matter!

Part 2: Meet Dash (5 minutes)

  • Small groups receive Dash Robots and tablets

  • Explore: What can Dash do?

  • Move forward/backward
  • Turn
  • Make sounds

  • Light up

  • Free exploration time

Part 3: Drive Challenge (8 minutes)

  • Use "Drive" mode to control Dash

  • Challenge 1: Drive in a straight line

  • Challenge 2: Drive around an object

  • Challenge 3: Drive through a simple path

  • Partners take turns driving

Part 4: Celebrate Success (2 minutes)

  • Show off one cool thing Dash did

  • "You just programmed a robot!"

Engineering Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw Dash the robot
  2. Write one instruction you gave Dash
  3. Draw the path Dash traveled

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. What We Learned — "Who is in charge—us or the robot?"
  2. Good Technology Use — "How can robots help people?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for minds that create and learn. Help us always use technology to help others. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Understood that robots follow instructions

  • Successfully controlled Dash

  • Worked cooperatively with group

  • Recorded learning in journal

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simplified controls (forward/stop only)

  • Extra teacher guidance with tablet

  • Partner with experienced peer

For Advanced Students

  • Create own obstacle course

  • Program specific sounds with movements

  • Try "Wonder" app for more complex coding

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Play "Robot" at home! Give family members robot instructions to follow (be very specific!). Talk about how robots are used in the world—cars, vacuums, factories, medicine.

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Dash Robots from CSCOE 2 weeks ahead

  • Charge robots overnight before use

  • Go app is simpler; Wonder app is more advanced

  • Set clear expectations for robot handling

Previous: Session 03 — Bridge Building
Next: Session 05 — Nature Exploration