Robot Explorers

Course overview.

G2S1 — Meet the Robots

G2S1 — Meet the Robots

Goal: Students discover what Edison can do using pre-set barcodes. No programming required. Focus is exploration, play, and first encounter with the engineering loop (try → observe → improve).

Who’s in the room: All new. No prior experience assumed.

Programming level: Level 0 (barcodes only)

Key activities: Ball game, clap racing, sumo

G2S2 — Program the Robot

G2S2 — Program the Robot

Goal: Students write their first programs using Card Coding — physical barcode cards laid out in sequence, then scanned one by one. No computer needed. Focus is sequencing, loops, and the engineering loop applied to programming.

Who’s in the room: Mix of returning Class 1 students and some new. Session 1 is accessible to all.

Programming level: Level 1 (Card Coding), with Level 0 for Session 1

G3S1 — Block Builders

G3S1 — Block Builders

Goal: Students make the jump to app-based programming using EdBlocks. They consolidate barcode knowledge quickly (accessible to new students) and spend the bulk of the class learning to drive precisely, turn, and navigate a maze.

Who’s in the room: Mix of returning students (from Class 2 or not), some brand new to grade 3. Session 1 is designed as a full reset.

Programming level: Level 0 → Level 2 → Level 3 (EdBlocks Activities 1–12)

G3S2 — Sensor Squad

G3S2 — Sensor Squad

Goal: Students go beyond driving and turning to use Edison’s sensors in their programs — line following, obstacle detection, lights, and sound. Programs become reactive, not just sequential.

Who’s in the room: Mix of returning Class 3 students and new students. Session 1 resets with barcodes.

Programming level: Level 3–4 (EdBlocks Activities 13–21)

Key activities: Line-following races, sensor obstacle courses, performance programming, border challenge

G4S1 — Challenge Engineers

G4S1 — Challenge Engineers

Goal: Students work through EdBlocks at a faster pace and take on more complex, open-ended challenges. Emphasis is on the engineering process as a framework for tackling hard problems. Advanced students get a first look at EdScratch.

Who’s in the room: Grade 4, mix of returning and new. Session 1 accessible to all.

Programming level: Level 3–4 (EdBlocks Activities 10–23), Level 5 (EdScratch Units 1–2 for advanced students)

G4S2 — Robot Masters

G4S2 — Robot Masters

Goal: Students tackle open-ended design challenges using EdBlocks (advanced) or EdScratch. Emphasis on the full engineering process as a repeatable professional skill, not just a classroom activity. Capstone project is student-designed.

Who’s in the room: Mix of returning Class 5 students and new-to-the-grade students. Session 1 accessible to all. New students may be at EdBlocks level while returning students use EdScratch — that’s expected and fine.

Resources

Resources

Printable materials and barcode references for all semesters.