Teacher's Notes: One challenge per lesson

We follow the teaching approach of one big task that sets the topic of the lesson, and we work on that task only.

#593
13 Aug 2017
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One meaningful challenge

There are a few possible ways to teach learning material. You can use a lot of smaller tasks that show various techniques and principles or use one big task that unites them all.

The big task allows students to get a broader idea about the application of the learning material while solving smaller tasks makes the application impractical.

Focusing on students and material understanding

Try not to solve the big task too quickly. Often, due to their enormous enthusiasm, teachers tend to offer the solution to their students. In such cases, the group may cover all tasks in just 30 minutes. Then, you should ask yourselves the following questions:

Can students find on their own their next task and work with the e-learning system (this website)? Or do I tell students what their next task is and what is expected from them?
Do my students ask questions when they encounter difficulties, or do I help them in advance?
When I help, do I give students instructions on how to solve the problem or do I ask guiding questions and discuss the issue with the student/students?

You can help in urgent situations

Of course, there are cases when it is important to directly intervene and help your students. You must do that consciously and only when necessary.
Such an example is the end of the lesson when you want your students to have a finished project and leave the class satisfied.

Courses and lessons with this Tutorial

This Tutorial is used in the following courses and lessons

Level A1. Introduction. Robotics with LEGO

Introduction to robotics - The first level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in second, third or fourth grades. A journey in space, with robots. Various constructions with robots are built. Learn how to control the motors so that the robot navigates around the Sun, the Moon and Earth in various ways. Getting to know the first of the sensors. The robot can feel its surroundings with the help of the Touch sensor and avoid obstacles.

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Understanding the learning process

Students have a limited attention span. Try to engage them in various activities so that you can keep their attention focused during the two-hour class.

Robotics with LEGO - Level 1.0 - Adventure in Space

The first level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in fifth to twelfth grades.

Various constructions with robots are built. Learn how to control the motors so that the robot navigates around the Moon and Earth in various ways. Getting to know the first two sensors. The robot can feel its surroundings with the help of the Touch sensor and avoid obstacles.
The Ultrasonic distance sensor can help the robot avoid obstacles. Students work with concepts like loop, degrees and medium motor. Robots can now do two different actions at the same time - while solving missions on a field, the third motor clears detected obstacles.

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Getting to know how these classes work

Your LEGO sets and the workplaces must be in exemplary shape. Beyond that, you must do one more thing.

Python with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 - Level 1

The course introduces students to the programming language Python. We use LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robots. Python is a popular programming language. It could be used for introducing students to programming, for academic studies, for developing machine learning algorithms and as a general-purpose language.

During the course, students learn how to read and how to develop Python programs. They use an Integrated Development Environment called Visual Studio Code. Robots are programmed to perform interesting and funny tasks like "bringing you water". The level ends with competition on a playing field with boxes.

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Getting to know the learning process and the people in the room

Your LEGO sets and the workplaces must be in exemplary shape. Beyond that, you must do one more thing.

Level A1 - Space Adventure - Robotics with LEGO SPIKE Prime

This is the first level of the LEGO Robotics Curriculum for second, third, and fourth-grade students.

A "space adventure" but with robots. Different robot structures are built in Level A1. The motors are controlled so that the robots perform precise movements around the "Earth", "Moon" and "Sun". We use the force sensor to overcome various obstacles we bump into. We learn interesting facts about the solar system and space vehicles.