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Session 2: Dash & Code 🤖

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 2 of 17

Students meet Dash robots and learn the basics of programming through block-based coding.

Session 2: Dash & Code

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand what robots are and how they follow instructions

  • Navigate the Wonder Workshop app interface

  • Program Dash to move and respond

  • Debug programs that don't work correctly

Session 2: Dash & Code

Materials Needed

  • 🤖 Dash Robots (from CSCOE library)

  • 📱 Tablets with Wonder app installed

  • 📋 Programming command cards

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🎯 Target markers for courses

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — A young tech enthusiast who used technology to spread faith. He'd have loved programming robots!

Scripture

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Programs follow sequences in order!)

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you created us with minds that can create amazing things. Help us use technology wisely, like Blessed Carlo Acutis. Guide our programming today! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (6 minutes)

  1. Meet Dash! — "This is Dash, a programmable robot"
  2. Robot Basics:
  3. Robots follow instructions exactly
  4. They can't think on their own
  5. WE are the "brains"—we write the programs!
  6. Blessed Carlo Acutis:
  7. Teen who loved technology
  8. Used it to create a website about Eucharistic miracles
  9. "To always be close to Jesus, that's my life plan"
  10. Today's Goal — "We'll teach Dash to move and make sounds!"

Main Activity: Programming Dash (26 minutes)

Part 1: App Introduction (6 minutes)

  • Open Wonder app

  • Connect to Dash

  • Tour the interface:

  • Command blocks (movement, sounds, lights)
  • Play button

  • Reset/stop

  • Demo: Simple "drive forward" command

Part 2: Guided Challenges (12 minutes)

Challenge 1: Square Dance (3 min)

  • Program Dash to drive in a square

  • Need: Forward, turn right, forward, turn right... (4 times)

  • Test and debug!

Challenge 2: Light Show (3 min)

  • Program Dash to change colors

  • Create a pattern: Red, blue, green, purple

  • Add timing between colors

Challenge 3: Sound & Move (3 min)

  • Combine movement with sounds

  • Make Dash "talk" while moving

  • Create a personality!

Challenge 4: Obstacle Approach (3 min)

  • Program Dash to stop when it senses something

  • Use sensors in program

  • Test with a barrier

Part 3: Free Exploration (6 minutes)

  • Students explore freely

  • Create your own program

  • Challenge: Make Dash do something surprising!

Part 4: Debugging Practice (2 minutes)

  • "If your program didn't work perfectly, that's GOOD!"

  • Debugging = finding and fixing problems

  • Engineers debug constantly!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw Dash robot
  2. Write the commands you used
  3. Write: "Debugging taught me..."
  4. Write: "I want to program Dash to..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Program Share — Volunteers show their best program
  2. Carlo's Example — "He used tech for good—so can we!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for technology that helps us learn. Help us use it wisely. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Successfully connected to Dash

  • Created at least one working program

  • Debugged a non-working program

  • Used multiple command types

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Partner with experienced peer

  • Use step-by-step challenge cards

  • Focus on 1-2 challenges only

For Advanced Students

  • Create longer programs

  • Use variables or loops

  • Design program for specific story

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Talk about robots in everyday life: vacuums, car systems, factory machines. Try block coding at home with Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) - it's free! Watch videos about how robots are programmed.

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Dash robots 2+ weeks in advance

  • Ensure tablets are charged

  • Have backup activities if tech fails

  • Students will use Dash again in Session 14

  • Consider grouping if not enough robots

Previous: Session 1 — Engineering Design
Next: Session 3 — Bridge Engineering