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Session 15: Robot Challenge 🤖

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 15 of 17

Students use their Dash Robot skills from earlier to complete mission challenges, demonstrating growth in programming concepts.

Session 15: Robot Challenge

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Apply programming skills to solve challenges

  • Program a sequence of movements

  • Problem-solve when code doesn't work (debugging)

  • Collaborate on robot missions

Session 15: Robot Challenge

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Dash Robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Go/Wonder app

  • 📋 Mission challenge cards

  • 🚧 Obstacle materials (cups, blocks, tape)

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🏁 Tape for start/finish lines

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Thomas Aquinas — He believed in using reason and problem-solving to understand God's world. "Logic is God's gift!"

Scripture

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." — Philippians 4:13

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for giving us problem-solving minds. When things don't work, help us try again. Give us patience and creativity as we work with our robot friends today. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Robot Review — "Remember Dash? We're experts now!"
  2. Challenge Day — "Today you'll complete MISSIONS!"
  3. Programming Review:
  4. Robots follow our instructions exactly
  5. We can drive OR we can program sequences
  6. Growth Mindset — "If it doesn't work, that's a learning chance!"

Main Activity: Robot Mission Challenges (20 minutes)

Mission Setup: Create course with tape lines and obstacles

Part 1: Review & Practice (3 minutes)

  • Quick refresh of Dash controls

  • Practice driving forward and turning

  • Try "Path" mode for programming sequences

Part 2: Mission Challenges (15 minutes)

Mission 1: Straight Shot (3 min)

  • Program Dash to drive from START to FINISH line

  • No driving—must use programming!

  • Goal: Accurate straight line

Mission 2: Turn Around (4 min)

  • Program Dash to go forward, turn around, come back

  • Requires forward, turn 180°, forward

Mission 3: Obstacle Course (5 min)

  • Navigate around cups or blocks

  • Requires turns and distance planning

  • Teams collaborate to solve

Mission 4: Creative Challenge (3 min)

  • "Program Dash to do something cool!"

  • Add sounds, lights

  • Share with class

Part 3: Celebration (2 minutes)

  • Teams share favorite accomplishments

  • Discuss: "What was tricky? How did you solve it?"

Engineering Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw one mission you completed
  2. Write: "The hardest part was..."
  3. Write: "I solved it by..."
  4. Rate your programming: Beginner → Expert!

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Growth Celebration — "Look how much you've learned!"
  2. Problem-Solving — "What did you do when it didn't work?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for letting us solve problems and learn new things. Help us use technology wisely. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Completed at least two missions

  • Used programming (not just driving)

  • Problem-solved when stuck

  • Collaborated with team

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simplified missions (shorter distances)

  • Partner with experienced programmer

  • Focus on driving with some programming

For Advanced Students

  • Create own mission course

  • Use Wonder app for complex programs

  • Mentor other students

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Talk about robots at home! Where do we see robots? (Vacuums, car factories, space exploration) If you have a tablet, try ScratchJr to practice programming. Give family members "robot" commands to follow!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Dash Robots 2 weeks ahead

  • Charge all robots night before

  • Have backup activities if tech fails

  • This session shows growth from Session 4

Previous: Session 14 — Sound Engineering
Next: Session 16 — Community Helpers