Buildologie Bulletin
January 2019
New Year, New Hardware
Wow, January has flown by so quickly! Our Ross 5th graders have been very busy in Buildologie. They learned about a variety of sensors they can use to assist their robot in navigating the playfield. Then, they jumped right into completing missions for their new project: Hydrodynamics.
Light Sensor
Much like an Ozobot, this attachment can detect light and colors. The robot can be programmed to react accordingly.
Ultrasonic Sensor
This attachment uses echolocation just like a bat to detect objects. The robot can be programmed to react when it gets close to something.
Touch Sensor
This attachment features a button. The robot can be programmed to react when the button is pushed; for example, when it bumps into a wall, it can turn around.
Hydrodynamics at Play|Code|Compete
Teams are just getting started on their projects for some big events coming up in about 10 weeks. First, they'll have a showcase, where they'll invite parents and other classes to see their work. The following week, judges will come in and choose a finalist from each class. Each finalist will be invited to compete against all the others at this year's Play|Code|Compete, formerly known as the Scratch-Off.
The Hydrodynamics theme for the Buildologie project this spring is aligned with 5th grade's Benchmark Unit 8, which asks, "What does water mean to people and the societies they live in?" Teams are choosing a part of the Human Water Cycle (how we obtain, use, transport, and dispose of water) to research. Meanwhile, they are programming their robots to carry out a variety of water-related tasks, such as replacing pipes, installing filters, putting out fires, and so on.
https://youtu.be/rya12rq9Gjc
In the video above, you'll see the robot successfully install the water filter by pushing it into place. Then, the team is working on combining this program with another mission. They haven't gotten the path quite right, but after more testing and adjustment, they'll get it!
Written by Heather Boling
Heather is AESD's Bytes & Bots Digital Learning Coach. She write curriculum, plans events such as Play|Code|Compete, works with mentors and teachers, and much more! She has recently also taken on Code Campus and AESD's new eSports curriculum, Nurturing Positive Competitors.
Email: hboling@anaheimelementary.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/anaheimelementary.org/buildologiestudent/home
Location: Digital Education Services, 313 S. Melrose St. Anaheim, CA
Phone: (714)517-7532 -- 4191
Twitter: @hcboling