mBot Adventures

Using robots to teach block coding and algorithmic thinking

Our project uses mBot Mega to teach basic coding fundamentals (if-else statements, forever loops, and booleans) by programming a robot’s sensors for movement. We are using a physical robot to show a connection between the code in the digital space to an external, real-world device as a means of highlighting the vast capability of programming. The students will program the mBot to perform simple movement, obstacle detection using its sensors, and traversing or racing through a track by uploading their block code to the mBot.

The Technology Ambassador Program at GGC strives to break the misconceptions of the IT field by providing fun workshops for students of all backgrounds. TAP students design engaging and fun outreach workshops to encourage interest in IT and STEM.

Team members

(From left to right) Hector Cruz, Sanaa Boddie, Jay Tak

Outreach Activities:

1. Tap Expo, October 8, 2024, GGC – Promote the IT field and the TAP program to college students.
2. Class Workshops, October 21-25, 2024, GGC - to promote IT to non-IT college students.
3. CCSC:SE, November 1-2, 2024, Furman University - to present the project to fellow IT students and professors of various universities.
4. CREATE Symposium, November 14, 2024, GGC - to promote the IT field to IT and non-IT college students, professors, and other attendees.
5. Super Saturday Series (S3), November 16, 2024, GGC – to promote the IT field and educate middle school students.

Materials List:

Amount	Materials
20-25	Computers/Laptops
6	Fully built mBot Mega
6	Batteries for mBot Mega
6	USB Cable for mBot Mega
8-10	Foam Poster Boards
1	Scissors or Exacto Knife
1	Hot Glue Gun
1	8 Count Pack of Hot Glue Sticks
------	mBlock IDE Application

Technology

Project Setup & Installation:

• Building the mBot Mega
• Demo Instructions
• Workshop Instructions

Gallery