Learn to code with EdScratch
This is a good option if you are looking for a structured, longer-term pathway for coding education at home. The lessons here are a curated set of the EdScratch student lessons and use the EdScratch programming app.
To complete each lesson you will need:
- one Edison robot (loaded with 4 AAA batteries)
- the EdComm programming cable that came with your Edison robot
- a programming device (either a tablet, a computer or a laptop) which has an audio jack
- an internet connection to access the EdScratch programming app at https://www.edscratchapp.com/
- a digital or print copy of the lesson
If a lesson requires any additional supplies, these will be noted.
Unit 1: Getting started
This short unit contains just two lessons and is designed to get learners familiar with Edison and EdScratch.
Lesson 1: Let’s get started with Edison and EdScratch
Overview: Get to know your Edison robot and the EdScratch programming app.
Topics covered:
– introduction to your Edison robot
– how to access and use EdScratch to program Edison
Estimated time needed: 15-30 minutes
Additional information: if this is your first time using Edison or EdScratch, there are a few extra things you need to know to get started. This lesson has a matched teacher’s guide which includes step-by-step instructions for setting up your Edison robot and the programming device you will use to access the EdScratch programming app.
Lesson 2: Let’s explore warning messages
Overview: Meet the bug box – a helpful and important feature in EdScratch that will help you find and fix problems in your code.
Topics covered:
– introduction to the bug box
– debugging
Estimated time needed: 15-30 minutes
Additional information: an answer key and additional tips and tricks can be found in the parent’s guide for this lesson. There is also a complete guide to the warning messages in EdScratch, with both an online version and a PDF version. This guide includes all warning messages, what they mean and examples of when you may encounter them.
Unit 2: Move it!
The lessons in this unit have been selected from the full EdScratch activities set and are designed to allow students to work independently at home.
As students work through the activities they will develop a familiarity with computational thinking and fundamental computer science concepts, mastering a range of related skills as they progress.
A supplemental parent guide outlines more about the concepts to be taught, approaches to be taken, skills to develop and processes to be learned.
Lesson 3: Let’s explore how computers ‘think’
Learn more about lesson 3
Overview: Introduction to the ideas of computational thinking and sequence.
Topics covered:
– computational thinking
– sequence
Estimated time needed: 30-45 minutes
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 4: Let’s explore going step-by-step in EdScratch
Learn more about lesson 4
Overview: Explore how changing the sequence of blocks on the screen affects the robot’s behaviour, solidifying the importance of sequence in programming. The idea that each EdScratch block is one ‘action’ is introduced.
Topics covered:
– programming EdScratch
– sequence
Estimated time needed: 15-30 minutes
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 5: Let’s explore driving Edison
Learn more about lesson 5
Overview: Use the ‘drive’ category of blocks to drive Edison through a track and mini maze. Includes a bonus maze challenge.
Topics covered:
– computational thinking
– sequence
– ‘drive’ blocks
Estimated time needed: 30-45 minutes (plus 15-45 minutes for bonus challenge)
Additional information: Optional – supplies required for making your own tracks. Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 6: Let’s explore Edison’s outputs
Learn more about lesson 6
Overview: The input-process-output cycle is introduced and then experimented with. Explore the ‘LED’ and ‘Sound’ categories of blocks in EdScratch. Includes a bonus maze challenge.
Topics covered:
– inputs/outputs
– ‘LED’ and ‘Sound’ blocks
Estimated time needed: 30-60 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes for bonus challenge)
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 7: Let’s explore input parameters
Learn more about lesson 7
Overview: Further explore the concept of input parameters.
Topics covered:
– inputs
– computational thinking
Estimated time needed: 15-30 minutes
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 8: Teach Edison to count to 9
Learn more about lesson 8
Overview: This activity offers programming challenges which put some of the skills students have been developing to use including an understanding of the input-process-output cycle. Includes a bonus challenge activity.
Topics covered:
– inputs/outputs
– sequential thinking
-‘Drive’ blocks
Estimated time needed: 30-45 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes for bonus challenge)
Additional information: Optional – supplies are required for making your own digital display numbers. Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 9: Let’s explore Edison’s musical talents
Learn more about lesson 9
Overview: Use sequence and inputs-outputs to create musical tunes with Edison.
Topics covered:
– inputs/outputs
– sequential thinking
-‘Music’ blocks
Estimated time needed: 45-60 minutes (plus 30-45 minutes for bonus challenge)
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 10: Let’s explore bugs and debugging
Learn more about lesson 10
Overview: The fundamentals of debugging are introduced in this lesson, and the practice is applied to the EdScratch environment.
Topics covered:
– debugging
Estimated time needed: 30-45 minutes
Additional information: Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Lesson 11: Let’s explore Edison’s motors
Learn more about lesson 11
Overview: Students further explore how Edison’s motor outputs are controlled through drive blocks and learn that the motors can operate, and be controlled, independently.
Topics covered:
– debugging
– inputs/outputs
– sequential thinking
– input parameters
Estimated time needed: 45-60 minutes (plus additional time for bonus challenge projects – 2 options available)
Additional information: Additional resources such as maker-space/crafting supplies and EdCreate kits/LEGO bricks are required for these two bonus challenge projects. Refer to the parent guide for more information on this lesson.
Skill challenge
Learn more about these skill challenge options
Overview: Choose from two challenges and have students apply sequence and their learning to a project.
Topics covered:
– debugging
– inputs/outputs
– computational thinking
– sequence
Estimated time needed: N/A – Project
Additional information: Additional resources, such as maker-space/crafting supplies are required for these projects. Refer to the parent guide for more information on these challenges.
What’s next?
Completed these lessons and keen to continue your coding journey? You can keep learning with EdScratch and Edison, learning new coding skills as you go. You can find all the EdScratch lessons on our website, available as a free download. If you’ve finished all of lessons in unit 1 and 2 here, we suggest you pick up the lessons from Unit 3: Got loops?
You can also check out the other learn-at-home pathways for more options. If you have any questions for our team in the meantime, you can always contact us.
Did you create something amazing? Have an idea for a project we could share? Send us your ideas, pics and videos at social@microbric.com or add them to the online community of Edison awesomeness on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
