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Children learn best when they are actively engaged in constructing something that has personal meaning to them - be it a poem, a robot, a sandcastle or a computer program.

Seymour Papert - Inventor of LOGO

Mindstorms: Children, Computers, And Powerful Ideas

This is the book that introduced the LOGO and Turtle graphics of pioneering computer scientist Seymour Papert. LOGO was the first child-friendly programming language, to make the case for the value of teaching children with computers. Papert argues that children are more than capable of mastering computers, and that teaching computational processes like de-bugging in the classroom can change the way we learn everything else. He also shows that schools saturated with technology can actually improve socialization and interaction among students and between students and teachers

Download Mindstorms

To support teachers in the classroom we have put together a number of resources that can all be used separately, but together create a holistic approach to developing the learning concepts for robotics in the classroom.

This is the wishlist that we wanted to achieve:-

  • Cost effective
  • Easy to use
  • Sustainable
  • Covers the curriculum
  • Non-specialist
  • Links to real world
  • Quality Teaching & Learning Materials
  • Teacher support

"Life? Don't talk to me about life."

Marvin, The Paranoid Android. From The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Building your own robot


Building your own robot with your students is a rewarding and challenging experience. But it does not need to be the main starting point when learning to program and solve problems through robotics, as it can be time-consuming and require a host of new skills, Hence start premade robots as listed below on this page, so students can learn a set of skills that they apply to robot building.

Robotics inspires students so it becomes very difficult not to let them build their own robot. You could invest in bespoke and often expensive kit such as Lego or Vex.

Or create a cost-effective learning experience, by asking students to source and cost components.

The component list here is based on the pre-made micro:bit robots.

 

Wheels

Find some Wheels for robot. make sure you are able to connect them easily to your robot's actuators. Students may want to use something simple like this example, source something from a construction kit or look for large wheels or even tank tracks.

Links

Simple Wheels

Chunky Wheels

Tank Tracks

Actuators

These provide control and movement for your robot. You could use 360-degree servo motors instead, if you do you will need to make sure you have wheels that fit and buy a servo control board instead of a robotics board

Links

Geared Actuators 

Robotics board

This is allows you to connect the various components and sensors to the micro:bit. It also controls and manages the power for the robot.

Links

Robotics Board

 

Line following sensor

Used to follow or avoid a line or areas

Links

Line Following sensor

LEDs

There are a variety LEDs that can be used in the building of your robots. This could be individual components or more complex to control ZIP Leds.

Links

LEDs

Ultrasonic Sensor

Ultrasonic Sensors used to identify and avoid objects

Link

Ultrasonic Sensor

 

Battery Pack

To power your robot you will need more power than can be provided by the micro: bit batteries. You will need something that will hold at least 4 x AA batteries.

Link

Battery Holder

Cable ties

 These provide a great option for connecting all of your component parts together. A great alternative to glue and can be adjustable.

jumper wires

These are useful to connect your components together without the need for soldering.

Link

Jumper Wires

 

Conductive Paint / Cold Solder

 When you do need to connect components, conductive paint/cold solder is a good way to do this without having to learn to solder or the health safety issues associated with it. 

 

Recommended Robots

None of these robots are fluent in over 2 billion forms of communication or have bad rotavators, but they are ideal and meet the requirements of BCS Level 1 Robotics Course.

No Jawas were involved in choosing this list

Robot Details

MOVE Motor Robot
A cost-effective robust Robot, with parts that can be easily replaced when
necessary.
It has extension port to add other servos and associated accessories. Such
as a robotic claw or remote control.
This is the robot used in the BCS Robotics Level 1 course.
It is available from a number of suppliers approx. £30 ex VAT

Kitronik - MOVE Motor Robot  

https://kitronik.co.uk/collections/robotics/robotics-kits-&-parts

ELECFREAKS micro:bit Smart Cutebot
A great little robot, really whizzy around the floor. 

It is available from a number of suppliers, approx. £34 ex VAT

Full Details

Minibit Robot for BBC Micro:Bit

Easy, simple and ready-to-go robot for your BBC micro:bit

Make sure you order the Ultra-sonic and line-following modules

Full Details




The micro:bit is used as the micro-controller in this project.


This means that you are not tied to proprietary robotic software and hardware. They are cost-effective and can be programmed in multiple coding languages. They can be used across the curriculum for other activities, not just robotics. 

You can also use it's sensors and features that other robotics systems do not have. Such as Bluetooth and radio functions, which allow robots to communicate with one another and other devices.

You can also use systems created to use the micro:bit such as:-

micro:bit classroom - Easily manage students work when programming the micro:bit - https://classroom.microbit.org/ 

You can find out more about the micro:bit at :-  http://microbit.org This include free Teacher CPD - https://microbit.org/teach/professional-development/

Makecode Coding Environment for micro:bit - http://makecode.microbit.org

I - Robot Webinar - 10/11/22

Robots at Amazon - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/10-years-of-amazon-robotics-how-robots-help-sort-packages-move-product-and-improve-safety

Robots at KS2 - https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/resource-library/2022/april/introducing-robots-ks2

 

Kevin is a BCS Member and real-life Roboteer. His website https://www.kevsrobots.com/ is full of fantastic robot creations , that use cost effective components, like those we have mentioned on this page.

His Youtube channel is a great resource that can be used to inspire you and your students with designing, creating and understanding robots and robotics. https://www.youtube.com/c/kevinmcaleer28

Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevsmac

A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Isaac Asimov, 'I, Robot'

BCS Level 1 Robotics Award and CAS

One of the great things about being a CAS member is the direct relationship we have with the BCS. We have been able to leverage that relationship to benefit CAS members. This means that if you are interested in delivering this in your classroom/school/s then are able to enquire about a possible discount on the cost of the Teaching and Learning Materials.

Why we think this is a useful approach to teaching computing and robotics in the classroom.

Firstly, this qualification is

  • Ofqual approved
  • Develops innovation
  • Includes teamwork, communication and soft skills development
Watch the Webinar
This sample lesson allows you to explore the BCS Robotics materials it does not require a microbit or a robot, as the activities can be achieved using the microbit simulator in makecode. Why not try it with your students?
Download a Sample Lesson

This means that you can have a scheme of work for project-based computing across Upper Key Stage 2 and beyond. Because it uses the micro:bit, you are supported by that ecosystem. That includes resources, support, and free Professional development for teachers. As well as brilliant resources such as a microbit classroom to deliver lessons. The coding environment is Makecode Blocks, supported by Microsoft. It is browser based and works across all devices. 
Because these materials are guided and practical based they are ideal

You can use any robot that connects to the micro:bit, and has the following:-

Ultra-sonic sensor
Line following Sensor
LEDs

see the list of compatible robots below on this page

The real advantage is that these materials offer a way to assess and measure the success of students learning. It also provides a direct link to careers in AI and robotics. For young learner in particular it makes what they are learning tangible to the real world

The ICDL Robotics qualification package includes:

  • Learner materials handbook
  • Diagnostic test
  • Teacher handbook
  • Assessment handbook
  • Automated testing and instant results for the online assessment
  • and, on successful completion, BCS level 1 certification

Download the syllabus

I want to deliver ICDL Robotics

Any centre or school wishing to have an in-depth conversation to address any questions not covered here, please contact your account manager, email bcssales@bcs.uk or call 01793 417445.
Don't forget to enquire about a CAS member discount.

BCS Qualifications Pathway

Where this fits into a career in the Digital Industry

Funding for schools is always an issue. The holistic nature of this project and the concrete benefits for students makes it a robust proposal for the many grants that are available.

 

UK National Funding Sources

Institute of Physics (IOP)

The School Grants Scheme from the IOP offers grants of up to £600 for projects, events and activities that promote a greater interest in physics and engineering in young people. Schools, colleges or home school groups based in the UK and Ireland can apply. There are three deadlines per academic year so funding is available all year ‘round.

The Royal Society

Partnership Grants of up to £3,000 are available to UK schools and colleges to carry out investigative STEM research projects in their classrooms in partnership with a STEM professional from academia or industry. The grants are designed to help schools and colleges purchase equipment to run these projects. The scheme is open to both primary and secondary schools, including sixth form colleges.
The grants are awarded annually so check the dates for submissions.

The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

The Engineering Education Grant Scheme supports UK-based educational projects that increase engineering knowledge among young people aged 4-19. It also supports projects that improve wider understanding of engineering. Any organisation that delivers UK-based educational activities, including schools, youth groups, IET or IMechE members and STEM organisations can apply. However, organisations that are directly funded by IET or IMechE may not be eligible. In addition, any activities or projects receiving any IET or IMechE funding are ineligible for submission.

There are two levels of funding available. Awards of up to £5,000 (inclusive of any applicable VAT) are available for standard applications, and a small number of awards of up to £15,000 are available each year for projects that aim to make a bigger impact. There are two rounds of funding each year.

British Science Association

British Science Week Grants are available through two schemes, one for school groups and one for community groups. The deadline for applications is late in the year for the following years festival. The requirements vary depending on the type of grant being applied for.

Institute of Mathematics (IOM)

The Education Grant Scheme is available to provide financial support towards the costs of running an educational activity relating to mathematics. The aim of the Education Grants Scheme is to enable organisations to pilot new ideas, approaches and practices or undertake collaborative activities that would not be possible under existing funding schemes. Grants are provided annually so please check dates for submissions.

Holmes Hines Memorial Fund

Small awards are available to help individuals or organisations with any scientific or engineering based activities where public funds are not available. For example, education camps, themed weeks, clubs and conferences.

CREST Awards Support

If registration and support costs are a barrier to running CREST, grants of up to £600 are now available to support and enable schools and organisations to run CREST Awards with young people underrepresented in STEM.

Applicants can request up to £600 total towards running CREST awards, this breaks down into two categories:

  • Up to £300 to cover CREST registration fees (you can find registration costs here)
  • Up to £300 to spend on support costs for running the Awards, such as CPD for school staff, supply teacher cover, CREST link schemes or a delivery partner, consumables or equipment.

Please check eligibility and selection criteria.


 

 

Ethical Robots -  https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/ethical-robotics/

We need people to work in Robotics and Ai - https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/uk-industry-in-desperate-need-of-cyber-ai-and-robotics-graduates/

Warehouses of the future - https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/the-future-of-warehousing-automation-robotics-and-energy-efficiency/ 

I, Cyborg: An interview with Prof Kevin Warwick - https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/i-cyborg-an-interview-with-prof-kevin-warwick/ 

 

For more articles and much more join the BCS

The BCS Robotics Level 1 Course is aimed at 10-11-year-olds. But it is suitable for any student from that age onwards.
The link below can help you work out where in contribute to your student's qualification portfolio.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores 

I don’t want to insist on it, Dave, but I am incapable of making an error.

HAL - 2001 A Space Odyssey