MRS.FLECK.COM
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop

Ozobots!!

3/18/2021

 
Picture
A tool that I have been using for the past few years to teach students about computer science, coding, and robotics, is the Ozobots. I have used the Ozobots in both a classroom and STEM Lab setting, with students in grade kindergarten through 8th grade. I really like using these tiny robots for a few different reasons.
  1. They are easy to figure out, for both students and teachers. The thought of using robots in the classroom is pretty intimidating for many elementary teachers. With the Ozobots, it can be as simple as creating codes with paper and markers, then letting these little bots roll around on the table or desk to test the "code."
  2. They are SUPER durable! The Ozobots come with a little protective case that keeps these little bots safe. I've had students drop them off the table and accidentally kick them, and all of my bots have survived. They also bring a "cute" factor to your computer science or coding lesson.
  3. Computer programming, simplified. The Ozobots demonstrate computer programming in a very simple, easy to understand format. Students draw the code, then test the code with Ozobot. If Ozobot stops or does something wrong, students must look at their code to troubleshoot and find any "bugs." This demonstrates that computers and robots can only do what their programs tell them to do, and cannot think for themselves.
    Throughout my years of using Ozobots, I have created various tools and lessons to support student learning with these incredible robots. You can check out the video below to see a preview of some of the resources for Ozobots that I have available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store Love-Fleck EdTech


Picture
  • My various Ozobot resources are also available as an Ozobot: Activities (Bundle) in my store as well. 
  • The included activities  will help you get started with Ozobots in your classroom today!

Ozobots in the Classroom

1/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
A tool that I have been using for the past few years to teach students about computer science, coding, and robotics, is the Ozobots. I have used the Ozobots in both a classroom and STEM Lab setting, with students in grade kindergarten through 8th grade. I really like using these tiny robots for a few different reasons.
  1. They are easy to figure out, for both students and teachers. The thought of using robots in the classroom is pretty intimidating for many elementary teachers. With the Ozobots, it can be as simple as creating codes with paper and markers, then letting these little bots roll around on the table or desk to test the "code."
  2. They are SUPER durable! The Ozobots come with a little protective case that keeps these little bots safe. I've had students drop them off the table and accidentally kick them, and all of my bots have survived. They also bring a "cute" factor to your computer science or coding lesson.
  3. Computer programming, simplified. The Ozobots demonstrate computer programming in a very simple, easy to understand format. Students draw the code, then test the code with Ozobot. If Ozobot stops or does something wrong, students must look at their code to troubleshoot and find any "bugs." This demonstrates that computers and robots can only do what their programs tell them to do, and cannot think for themselves.​

Picture
Throughout my years of using Ozobots, I have created various tools and lessons to support student learning with these incredible robots. You can check out the video below to see a preview of some of the resources for Ozobots that I have available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store Love-Fleck EdTech.
  • My various Ozobot resources are also available as an Ozobot: Activities (Bundle) on my store as well, which will help you get started with Ozobots in your classroom today!

0 Comments

Putting the "A" in STEAM

4/5/2019

0 Comments

 
I will be the first one to tell you that I am not always the best at integrating Art into STEM. Many teachers can do this seamlessly, but I am not one of them. Recently I was invited to participate in "Art Discovery Day" at one of the elementary schools that I support. I jumped at the chance to open the STEM Lab for some "STEAM" and to challenge myself to create Art activities in the STEM Lab.

I decided that I wanted to include robots in the Art Discovery Day, so I grabbed some Ozobots and Spheros and came up with a plan. From my experience, students really love drawing the line codes for Ozobot to follow, and often don't get enough time in the STEM Lab to do so. So, with this in mind, I pulled some giant butcher paper and brought brand new markers. The paper was set up on the ground, with the markers, Ozobots, and a copy of the Ozocodes. The directions given to students were simply to draw line codes for Ozobot to follow, and work together with your group.
Picture
Picture
With the Spheros, I've always wanted to paint with them, but never had the perfect opportunity, until now. I put together a big box to keep the Sphero contained, and pulled more big butcher paper. With dots of paint scattered around the paper, students were told to drive the Sphero and spread the paint. I set a timer for 2 minutes for each student, and that seemed to work really well.
Picture
Picture
In addition to the Ozobots and the Spheros, I opened up a few computers for the "Ozobot Shape Tracer" game which is my favorite way to introduce students to Ozoblockly coding. Not all students want to get down on the floor and draw or paint, so offering a third option of computer coding worked out really well.

The Art Day sessions were successful and students moved between activities on their own, when they felt they were ready to change. I didn't hear any complaints from the students that attended my sessions, and it appeared that most of them were having a blast!

​If you are planning to integrate some "A" in to your STEM, I highly suggest these open-ended activities that really give students the chance to create and play with the robots in a different and unique way.
  • Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Love-Fleck EdTech
  • Twitter: mrslovefleck
  • Instagram: mrslovefleck
  • Pinterest: Love-Fleck EdTech
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    DiscLaimer:

     All thoughts, opinions, reflections, and ideas are that of Heather Love-Fleck, and not the school district that employs her. She reserves the right to change her thoughts, opinions, reflections, and ideas at any time. Subscribe below!

      Built with ConvertKit

      Categories

      All
      3rd Grade
      Apps
      Benchmark Advance
      Conference Review
      Digital Citizenship
      ELA
      G Suite
      Inquiry Based Learning
      PLTW
      Robots
      Social Studies
      STEM
      TOSA
      VIPKid

      RSS Feed

    Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
    • Home
    • Blog
    • Shop