Dash Robots and the 4 Regions of California
The fourth graders at Lynhaven have been busy learning how to program the Dash robots and researching the 4 Regions of California. 4th grade teacher Andrea Tracy was a member of the Advanced STEAM/Tech Cohort this summer and was very excited to work on this pilot project with Dash.
We started by talking about what is inside a robot and how they work. We then discussed that robots are special classmates and they need to be treated with respect. Some of the expectations that the students came up with were using nice words with Dash, giving him personal space, and being patient with him. We then had the fourth graders complete the puzzles in Dash Robot Driving School using the iPad App Blockly.
The next day, students worked with their groups to measure and draw a map for Dash to lead a tour through their region. They had to use their measurement and conversion skills, since Dash only moves in increments of 10 centimeters. In each group, there was one student who was an expert in the region's animals, plants, geography, and industry. Each expert wrote a sentence about their topic and recorded it in one of Dash's 5 customizable recordings. Students also took turns programming Dash's movements, turns, and lights. All of the 4th graders enjoyed taking Dash on a journey through the 4 Regions of California!
The next day, students worked with their groups to measure and draw a map for Dash to lead a tour through their region. They had to use their measurement and conversion skills, since Dash only moves in increments of 10 centimeters. In each group, there was one student who was an expert in the region's animals, plants, geography, and industry. Each expert wrote a sentence about their topic and recorded it in one of Dash's 5 customizable recordings. Students also took turns programming Dash's movements, turns, and lights. All of the 4th graders enjoyed taking Dash on a journey through the 4 Regions of California!
What a great idea! I may adapt your lesson for the regions in Virginia. Thanks for sharing!!
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