Session 5 — Let's Turn
Opening concept: Turning is harder than it looks because robots aren’t perfect.
Physical activity: PL-4 (Two-Wheel Robot — Turning) — tape a right-angle reference on the floor. Two students hold hands, try to turn 90° using one wheel pivoting and the other stepping. Measure. Adjust the step count. Try to get close to 90° — notice it varies each attempt. Debrief: “That’s exactly why we have to find the right degree value for our Edison, and why it won’t be the same as another team’s.”
Activity:
- EdBlocks Activity 11: turn blocks, degrees
- Students try to program a 90° right turn. Run it. Is it actually 90°? Probably not.
- Iterate: adjust degrees until it’s as close as possible. Record what value works for their specific Edison.
- Challenge: program a square (drive + turn × 4). Does it close back on itself?
Engineering connection: Every Edison is slightly different. Calibration is part of the engineering process. There’s no single right answer — just your robot’s answer.
Materials: Devices, USB cables, protractor or angle guide printed on paper, tape