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RoboCup Rescue Line with MakeCode Mindstorms and LEGO EV3

MakeCode Mindstorms and LEGO EV3

The current version of Mindstorms is going to be replaced with a Scratch-based version, mid 2020, so I thought I would get the jump on preparations for RoboCup Junior by using MakeCode for Mindstorms.

I have only developed a curriculum for RoboCup Rescue Line and the rest will follow when my clone has the time to spare. I have only desk-checked my algorithms, so please send me corrections and modifications. I figure that reasonable logic errors can only spur deeper learning as students prove their resilience through multiple prototyping cycles.

My thanks go to the following sources, as I have only edited their insights together and re-interpreted them for Makecode:

  • https://robocupjunior.org.au/tutorials
  • http://flltutorials.com/
  • https://www.fllcasts.com/
  • https://drgrae.me/

The OneNote or PDF can be found here: https://www.throughtheclassroomdoor.com/dt-resources/

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STEM Invention with SAM Labs

I recently was lent a SAM Labs kit from MTA, so I decided to design a unit for an upcoming STEM class. I normally beta test these with students before I blog, but I couldn’t wait to make these available, and maybe you can give it a go.

The unit is wide open, with a lot of work in having students identifying a problem that needs to be solved or how life can be improved with some kind of IOT device. While this has always been my dream, its probably only for the brave and perhaps a hackathon in a restricted context is wiser.

I have also used Blockly via Workbench, which is starting to complement Makecode nicely. The standard environment for SAM Labs is their proprietary App which is a node-based coding environment.

The unit also uses Agile project management and team problem solving for all those 21st Century soft skills. These are also mapped into both the Digital and Design Technologies syllibi.

The unit can be downloaded as a Onenote or PDF and other goodies are available on the DigTech page.

Enjoy!

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Makecode Mindstorms EV3

I have previously blogged my Makecode fandom and now I have played with LEGO Mindstorms. I must note that very soon LEGO will be replacing their EV3 lab software with EV3 classroom, which will be based on scratch. The good news will be that the learning resources for Makecode can be easily ported to Scratch and vice versa. Therefore, the unit that I have developed should be pretty sustainable, no matter which platform you end up using.

I have uploaded, both a Onenote and PDF of a unit that takes students through the basic and then has them managing a team project for a Sumo bot challenge. I also have the EV3 lab versions in Onenote and PDF. These and other goodies are available on the DigTech page.

Enjoy!

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Minecraft Education Edition Remixed

I have blogged previously about my love of all things MakeCode and one of my favourites is coding in Minecraft. Recently, I have remixed the lessons from Minecraft Education Edition to fit them to my context.

I have remixed ‘Coding with Minecraft‘, for year 7, with a portfolio of tasks as assessment:

https://www.throughtheclassroomdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Coding-with-Minecraft.pdf

My other mix, drawn from Intro to CS with MakeCode, is for a year 11 Applied ICT class with a project as assessment:

https://www.throughtheclassroomdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Animation-and-Games.pdf

NOTE: The latest updates, revisions and OneNote files may be found in the DigTech Resources menu link above

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Make Retro Arcade Games with MakeCode Arcade

Microsoft has really pulled out all the stops in support of Computer Science education. With MakeCode you can creatively code for:

A recent option is to make retro arcade games with MakeCode Arcade. These then port to a variety of handheld consoles; some of which you can make yourself. My class made consoles from HackerBox 0041.

The other reason that I am a fan of MakeCode is the support. MakeCode arcade is supported by:

I have cobbled together my own Unit and resources, based on these:

https://www.throughtheclassroomdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaming-Console.pdf

NOTE: The latest updates, revisions and OneNote files may be found in the DigTech Resources menu link above

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Game Design with GDevelop

There are a few options for learning and developing pure 2D game design, without being bogged down in coding: Construct2, Construct3, Gamemaker. I can recommend Construct 2 and the free version has few limitations. The others have a price attached and are probably worth it if you have the budget to spare.

I thought I would give a new player a go in my ICT Applied class. Below is my Unit and resources:

https://www.throughtheclassroomdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/M1-Gaming.pdf

NOTE: The latest updates, revisions and OneNote files may be found in the DigTech Resources menu link above

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Creative Coding with Blocks

Why Blocks?

The Digital Technologies Syllabus emphasizes designing algorithms, testing, evaluating and refining them. I find block-based coding environments very effective for this. I also developed this workshop for years 5-6, so text-based coding is not stressed particularly.

The limitations of Scratch, also, only serves to emphasize the validity of text-based coding as the destination. For example, Scratch does not have For loops, so Repeat Until loops need to be utilized; and then there is no > than or = to facility. This workshop is all about turtle graphics, but there is no fill block or function; necessitating turtle python or processing.

Why Creative?

Logo (for those old enough to remember) was my first introduction to programming and it really got me hooked; so I’m hoping it does the same for my students.

I also purchased a Makelangelo Art Robot as one way to output their designs. I also plan on 3D printing, Laser and CNC Etching and Machine Embroidery with Inkstitch. Maybe I will get back with the results.

Here is the Workshop, enjoy!

Creative-Coding-with-Blocks

NOTE: The latest updates, revisions and OneNote files may be found in the DigTech Resources menu link above

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Embedded Systems with MakeCode, CircuitPython and the Circuit Playground Express

The BBC Micro:bit

For younger students, we use BBC Micro:bit to introduce them to programming and connecting the physical inputs and outputs needed with embedded systems. We do this mainly based on the learning resources we have access to, which generally target younger students. Otherwise, the BBC Micro:bit is very comparable to the Circuit Playground Express.

The Circuit Playground Express (CPX)

The reason we use the CPX for years 9-10 is because Adafruit provides such good support via MakeCode , CircuitPython and their own learning system. Their projects are also a little more advanced and challenging.

From Blocks to Text

I like to have students design and prototype their algorithms in a block-based programming environment. I find this to be easier and more efficient when cycling through several iterations of solution design and testing. It’s also a more visual and coherent experience. With CPX, I start with MakeCode and have students implement their final solutions in CircuitPython. Interestingly, Adafruit went with MakeCode and not Edublocks. Edublocks uses python, while MakeCode uses Javascript?

The Unit

Embedded-Systems

NOTE: The latest updates, revisions and OneNote files may be found in the DigTech Resources menu link above