Robot shape-up

How do you ‘drive’ an Edison robot? By programming the robot with code! In this lesson, you will learn how to write text-based code to get Edison moving.

About this lesson

Introduce the key computational concepts of definite loops and variables using Edison robots and EdPy, a text-based programming language based on Python. Students practice using definite loops (the ‘for’ loop) and pattern recognition by programming the Edison robot to drive in a square. They then extrapolate what they have learned in order to drive other familiar regular polygons before taking on the challenge of less common regular polygons and irregular shapes. 

This 1-hour lesson is designed to allow students to work independently through three parts:

• Part 1: What is a variable?
• Part 2: What is a ‘for’ loop?
• Part 3: How do you drive a different shape?

An extra ‘artist pen challenge’ attached to this activity offers students an opportunity to mix computer programming and physical engineering to use their robots to create geometric masterpieces. 

Prerequisite knowledge

To be successful with this activity, it is recommended that you:

• Have used Edison and EdPy
• Understand sequence and sequential programming
• Understand inputs and input parameters
• Are familiar with polygon shapes and using degrees as a measurement for angles

Is this your first time using Edison?

If this is your first time using Edison or EdPy, there are a few things extra things you need to know. This Getting started with Edison and EdPy set will help you get the most out of Edison, EdPy and this activity. Inside you will find:

• step-by-step help for setting up your robots and programming devices plus
• a hands-on introduction activity for students.