MCEE Curriculum

COVID Vaccine Robot Activity

Part 1 – Identification Tutorial

Iterative Prompts

  1. Set variable to match a “virus stem” block – store it in memory
  2. Clone it so we can make a vaccine full of them

Computing concepts

Review – teleporting agent to player

New – variables, memory (inventory)

Part 2 – Comparison and Removal

Iterative Prompts

  1. Compare existing block to virus variable in memory
  2. Draw on sheet of paper how robot could move around a space
  3. Move robot around space to find and remove viruses

Computational Concepts

Review – logic (comparison), agent movement basics
New – advanced agent movement

Part 3 – Open Discussion and Play Time

Play time + interviews

Computational Environmentalism

Part 1 – Trash Pile Tutorial

Iterative Prompts

  1. Clean up a pile of trash manually, note how long it takes
  2. Teach robot to sort through a 3D pile of trash to identify what needs to be cleaned up, compare items to those found in inventory – this is an array of a kind
  3. Try tackling a really big pile?

Science Concepts

Trash vs recycling vs compost
How do we measure/sort/store trash?

Computational Concepts (blocks)

Review – comparison (logic blocks), loops, moving robot in 2D space
New – moving robot in 3D space

Part 2 – Open-Ended Park Cleanup (optional)

Potential Prompts

  • ID Invasive species and remove/replace them
  • Detect floating items above and below water pollution
  • Have robot look for things that aren’t natural (inverse match) and bring them back

Computational Concepts (blocks)

Review – Same as above, reapplied in new situations
New – arrays (inventory)

Part 3 – Building and Beautification

Potential Prompts 

  • Create a playground (parkour course?)
  • Build paths, lighting, fences, connected fountains
  • Convert concrete to greenspace, plant trees/plants/animals

Computational Concepts (blocks)

Review – coordinates, relative vs. absolute position
New – randomness