PD Session Descriptions

Robot Mouse

Robot Mouse introduces computational thinking and coding to K-2 students through simple directional instructions. Students solve problems by programming a path for Robot Mouse to follow. In this session, we will orient you to Robot Mouse and introduce you to a variety of classroom activities that will fit into what you’re already doing in your classroom!

Ozobot

Ozobot can be used in two different ways. The first is as a line-tracking robot that responds to black, red, blue, and green colour codes to perform a variety of moves like turning, switching paths, and doing spins. Ozobot can also be programmed using a tiered block-based programming language that is similar to Scratch. Ozo can follow paths, sense obstacles, play a song, and put on a light show. Come see how Ozobot fits into your grade 3-4 classroom!

Edison

Edison is a versatile bot that opens up students’ imagination. Grade 5-6 students can make use of Edison’s Lego-compatible pegs and a handful of sensors to solve a variety of problems. Edison can respond to barcodes to perform various predefined tasks or be programmed using a computer using one of a few different languages. We focus on using EdScratch, a block-based programming language that looks and feels like Scratch, but is customized for Edison.

Arduino – Level 1

Learn the basics of Arduino microcontroller boards! Make use of sensors, lights, motors, and other components to create autonomous, interactive projects that engage your students in problem-solving using circuits. This session is designed for teachers in grade 7 & 8 but any teacher looking to introduce Arduino into their class will find this session useful.

Arduino – Level 2

This session builds on Arduino Level 1 to introduce our crafting and cars kit. Discover how Uno can be linked into a car chassis, along with motors and sensors, to enable your students to build self-driving cars. We also look at creating wearables using LilyPad Arduinos and conductive thread. This session is targeted at teachers in grades 7 & 8 but other teachers looking to do slightly more advanced Arduino circuits will find this session useful.