Robotics Explorers

Introduction to Robotics with Edison Educational Robot course is designed to obtain fundamental programming and robotics skills using the Edison robot. Students will learn the concepts of Sequencing, Loops, Inputs, Decision Statements, Variables, and Functions through a block-based coding and Python programming to control a robot.

Required Skills: Reading and spelling. Familiarity with Scratch.
Class Format: In-person classes, 1-hour for each class.
Platform: Edison – Educational Robot, Scratch Block Coding and Python.
Required Equipment: Laptop computer and a Edison Robot (Robot available at BestBuy)

Meet the Creator

Amanda McCann has always had a love for teaching and learning. Her credentials include a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French and History, a Bachelor of Education, and her Masters of Professional Education specializing in Curriculum and Pedagogy.

Coding Education for All Ages and Skill Levels

Edison’s robotic capabilities can be unlocked with ease. Students progress through different programming languages as their skills increase.

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Scratch

Intuitive and fun language developed at MIT. Our existing students are well versed in it through the GameMakers course. Scratch is a fully graphical programming language which uses simple drag-and-drop blocks, making it ideal for introducing anyone to programming.

Python

Text-based Python teaches students the core of a real-world programming language. Youtube and Facebook are coded using Python. Students are introduced to robotics and coding at a more advanced level.

For financial assistance please see our Student Financial Support Program.

The following course outline includes the course description, learning resources, class schedule, learning outcomes, and graduate attributes.

Course Description

A lecture/laboratory course designed to obtain fundamental programming and robotics skills using the Edison robot. Students will learn the concepts of Sequencing, Loops, Inputs, Decision Statements, Variables, and Functions through a block-based coding program to control a robot. At the end of the course students will be introduced to the Python programming language. 

Learning Resources

Online Resources, Edison Robot with EdComm Cable

Class Schedule 

Assignments and projects will be demonstrated by students. 
Asynchronous – Students can progress through the course at their own pace. 
In-person – 1-hour sessions guided by an instructor.

Learning Outcomes

Apply computational thinking to problem-solving.
Examine the relationship between inputs and outputs. 
Create a program using definite and indefinite loops.
Create a program that uses basic conditional statements.
Use variables and data to modify your program.
Implement troubleshooting/debugging strategies in your program. Sequential programming in Python.

Graduate Attributes

A knowledge base for computer science – knowledge of programming concepts.
Problem analysis – analyze code and develop computational thinking.
Investigation – know how to debug a problem in code.
Design – write code to control a robot.

Our first choice is to take the classes in-person as it allows for peer-to-peer interaction and learning. If this is not possible, we only provide online classes in one-on-one format with a teacher because online learning is challenging, and children need full teacher support. In our experience, online group classes are not an effective learning environment for children; therefore, we do not offer them. We strive to provide the best learning experience for your child based on our applied educational research.