Coding Robots for Creative Expression

When I say "robot," what image comes to mind?

Take a moment to picture a robot and what it's doing. 

Is it assembling parts in a factory? Perhaps it's vacuuming floors or delivering packages? Maybe it's even performing surgery or exploring Mars?

If you imagined a robot engaged in a task focused on efficiency, precision, or problem-solving, you're not alone. The vast majority of people envision robots solving problems. They think of robots as machines designed to make our lives easier by taking on repetitive, dangerous, or complex tasks.

Few people envision robots who can dance, create art, or express emotions?  But robots today are being used for creative expression. Check out this robot dancer and robot artist. 

By tweaking the prompts we use to introduce computer science to include creative computing challenges, we can engage a broader and more inclusive audience with computer science  education. 

When we integrate creative expression into computer science education, we not only teach technical skills but also foster innovation, artistic thinking, and cross-disciplinary connections.   This is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Finch Robot, 

If you are an educator  looking to bring creativity to computer science,
let me introduce you to  the Finch Robot.  

The Finch Robot was developed at Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab, specifically designed to make computer science education more engaging and interactive. It's a small, two-wheeled robot with bird-like features that can be programmed by beginners to perform various actions, like talking, dancing, or drawing.   But don't be fooled by it's cuteness!  The Finch Robot can be used with students are young as Kindergarten, but can also be used to engage advanced high school students learning object oriented languages such as Java.    

How can ONE adorable robot deliver on this promise? 

It does this by offering multiple platforms for coding it on all types of devices ranging from tablets to chromebooks to laptop computers.   How you use the Finch robot depends on your educational goals and the age of your students.  

For my UVM computer science class project, I explored  5 different ways to  introduce age appropriate computer science concepts using the Finch Robot.

• Kindergarten to 2nd Grade: Block-based FinchBlox introduces computational thinking concepts through simple visual programming
• Upper Elementary: Web-based Snap! platform builds on block programming with more advanced capabilities
• Middle School: MakeCode provides a hybrid experience, letting students transition between blocks and text-based JavaScript as they build confidence
• High School: Text-based Python programming offers robust capabilities for more complex projects
• Advanced AP Computer Science: Java programming introducing students to object oriented programming
  
  
  

Each of the Lessons below  uses the same Essential question. 

Each of the Lessons starts with the same "Hook". or Inspire Videos of robots engaging in creative expression.   Each of the Lessons below includes a couple skill builders that guide you towards the initial setup of the platform most appropriate for each level of students.  In each of the lesson is a skillbuilder to teach you how to  code your robot's movement as well as the LED lights in the robots tail and beak.  The skillbuilder is unique to the platform that is best suited for students of different ages. 

Lesson 1             Finch Blox Slides  Introducing Computer Science to Younger Learners using Finch robot & FinchBlox CS Lesson Plan  FinchBlox with younger learners

Lesson 2 Finch  Intro to Blocked Based with Snap Slides  Introducing Computer Science to Upper Elementary using Finch robot and Block based Coding via the SNAP Plastform.  CS Lesson Plan  Snap

Lesson 3  Finch Using MakeCode JavaScript Slides Introducing Computer Science to Middle School students using Finch robot and MakeCode (Block Based and Javascript) MakeCode/JavaScript Lesson Plan

Lesson 4 Finch Using Python Slides Introducing Computer Science to High School students using Finch robot & Python Python Lesson Plan

Lesson 5  Finch With Java Slides  Introducing Object Oriented Computer Science to Advanced High School/ College students using Finch robot & Java Java Lesson Plan

Following the initial skillbuilders, the lessons all end with the same Paired Programming Challenge, where students can use there new skills and CS platform to complete one of the three challenges below.

Even though the beginning "inspiration'. and the ending "Challenge" are the same for each lesson I created, the "how to Skillbuilders are specific to the CS educational goals appropriate for that level. on the different platform I recommend for that level sudents. 

There is a big difference between how a Kindergarten students interacts with Finch and a high school students learning object oriented programming using Java.

No matter where your students are in their computer science journey—from beginners taking their first steps into coding to advanced learners preparing for computer science careers—I believe that the Finch Robot provides an engaging platform for learning  to code a robot for creative expression.

If you'd like to learn more register for CSTA Vermont's Spring Event and join  Joe Bertellini and I as we introduce you to teaching computer science concepts using the Finch robot.  

Join CSTA Vermont members for their  annual Spring Event

Click here for More Info and Registration LINK