Friday 17 June 2011

Bee Bots

I recently purchased some Bee-Bots for the school. Programming robots is an area of ICT that we were not really hitting - and it's one of the most exciting!!


So that I could inspire our teachers I asked on Twitter if there are any Bee-Bot resources out there. @ianaddison recommended @simonhaughton and @bevevans22


Simon recommended: 
http://simonhaughton.typepad.com/ict/2010/11/learning-to-control-the-bee-bot.html
http://simonhaughton.typepad.com/ict/2010/06/an-introduction-to-control-technology.html
These are blog posts written by Simon - real practical ideas for using the robots.
http://y22011.leamoreblogs.net/2011/01/31/tombot-jerry-bot-tts-x-factor-competition-entry/
An amazing demonstration of how Bee-Bots can grip children's imagination.

http://vimeo.com/18591377
How Bee-Bots can be used in the classroom


Bev recommended:
http://technostories.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/go-beebot-crazy/
An excellent post about how Bee-Bots have transformed Key Stage One.
http://www.communication4all.co.uk/http/BeeBot.htm
There are excellent Bee-Bot resources here - these particularly enthused the staff.


Bee-Bots seem to be primarily used in Foundation and Key Stage One but I believe they have a use in Year Three too. Here are some ideas that we will be trying:

  • Creating a map of the local area for Bee-Bots to navigate
  • Exploring compass directions and making a course for Bee-Bots to explore
  • Investigating negative numbers


Here are some other Bee-Bot links:
http://bee-bots-downunder.blogspot.com/
http://www.terrapinlogo.com/bee-bot.php
http://edtechlounge.com/bee-bot-activity-center/


There is software available from Focus Educational which allows children to programme an on-screen robot.


Does anyone else use Bee-Bots in Year Three? What sorts of activities do you do?

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