Robotics. Block-based coding. Level 1

Robotics. Block-based coding. Level 1

£ 415
Level 1 at 9.30 Autumn Term '24 8+
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Welcome to our introductory course on robotics and block-based coding, specifically designed for beginners. In this course, you will explore the fundamentals of robotics, electronics, and programming using mBlock, a user-friendly block-based coding platform. Through ten lessons organized into three key steps, you'll gain valuable skills and insights into the world of robotics and automation.


Step into the exciting realm of robotics with "Basics of Robotics and Electronics Development." Get started with mBlock and discover its intuitive environment, blocks, and logic. Learn how to create, deploy, run, and test your programs while gaining control over the robotic vehicle's motors. Dive into the mechanics of the robotic vehicle, identify any necessary adjustments, and master three types of turns to navigate effectively.


In "The Precise Motor Control" step, you'll explore advanced motor control, allowing you to manage the speed and smoothness of the robotic vehicle. Learn to create programs that incorporate parameters and discrete input data, enabling you to fine-tune the car's speed using counters.


The final step, "Work with the UltraSonic Sensor," delves into the challenges of distance estimation in the field of robotics. Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of the UltraSonic sensor and practice its applications in mBlock. Design programs that guide the robotic vehicle around obstacles, control its speed based on proximity to walls and even follow moving objects. Challenge your skills with programs to detect gaps in walls and orchestrate the intricate dance of two robots circling each other.


By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in robotics, electronics, and block-based coding, equipping you with the skills to create, program, and control robotic systems. Join us on this interactive journey into the world of robotics, where your creativity and problem-solving abilities will shine.


This course has 10 lessons. Classes run from 9.30 to 10.30 every Saturday 


This course is ready for 8+ years old. Girls and boys are very welcome!


Location

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College. 

Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE


Term dates

The first lesson at 14 Sep

The last lesson at 19 Oct 

Half-term break. 

The first lesson at 16 Nov

The last lesson at 7 Dec



Syllabus of the course.


Step 1. Basics of the Robotics and Electronics development. The motor control

  • Topics:
    • Quick start with mBlock development for robotics and electronics.
    • Learn the mBlock environment, blocks and operation logic.
    • Learn how to make your program, deploy it, run and test it. 
    • Learn how to control the motors of the Robotic vehicle. 
  • Exercise/Project:
    • Discover how the Robotic vehicle is built. Identify does it need any fix and make it.
    • Perform 3 types of turns on the Robotic vehicle. 

Step 2. The precise motor control

  • Topics:
    • Control the speed and smoothness of the Robotic vehicle. 
    • Learn how to make your program that includes parameters and discrete input data. 
  • Exercise/Project:
    • Make a program that drives the Robotic vehicle with speed control. 
    • Use counters to control the car's speed.

Step 3. Work with the UltraSonic sensor

  • Topics:
    • Learn about the problem of distance estimation in the Robotic field.
    • Learn about UltraSonic sensor basics. And practice with it in mBlock.
  • Exercise/Project:
    • Make a program that drives the Robotic vehicle with the obstacles.
    • Make a program that controls the speed with respect to the distance to the wall.
    • Make a parking program.
    • Make a program where the robot follows the moving object. All robots in the class will form the moving chain.
    • Make a program to detect gaps in the wall.
    • Make a program where one robot goes around the second, and then the second goes around the first.


Although this course is Level 1, in order to concentrate on Robotics and Electronics topics, the course has some requirements:


1. You must be confident in using a computer, keyboard and mouse. At the good user level.

2. Know how we save files on a computer, what a file and folders are, etc.

3. You want to program robots and are not afraid to struggle with the difficulties of learning them.

4. Previous experience with programming is required. It could be block-based coding or text-based coding. Ideally, you are able to make applications or games in Scratch.

5. The course is designed for pupils from 8 years old.