Demonstration: STEAM activities workshops (robotics, programming and 3D printing)
During the school year, our team of educators has carried out different workshops to demonstrate all the activities we carry out, both extracurricular and curricular.
These small samples that we carry out in schools serve to publicize the activities carried out at the center. Taking advantage of the presence of our teachers, parents and students can consult and resolve any questions or comments they may have about the activities. Additionally, they can see and experiment with the tools and materials we use.
Usually, we always offer a sample of each type of activity we carry out: educational robotics, 3D digital manufacturing and programming.
Educational robotics
PLEO, the pet robot.
For the little ones, we always carry the motorized machine model PLEO.PLEUS is a pet robot in the shape of a dinosaur, Camarasaurus, that functions as a virtual pet. The robot is equipped with motors and sensors that give the robot the appearance of a living being. PLEUS, learns from experiences and modifies its behavior through sophisticated artificial intelligence. For the youngest ones it is useful, and for the older ones, it allows us to program it to give it movement, and depending on the level and age of the students, even program the different sensors and actuators, performing more complicated behaviors.
LEGO® Educations
For LEGO robotics workshops® Educations, we use several robots already assembled so that they can be programmed or play with the default programming that we install in IGNITE. Different types of sensors (gyroscopic, ultrasonic, color and touch) allow robots to be programmed and respond to reactions
Another more mechanical part and spatial knowledge that we use with LEGO® Machines and mechanisms. With this set of parts LEGO®, we can create simple and motorized machines that will help us understand physics (forces, movement, measurement, energy,...) in a palpable and practical way, more understandable for primary school children. Some of the constructions that we take to the samples are: cranes, windmills, scales.
MakeBlock
El mBot It is an easy-to-program robot, with several programmable elements: line-following and proximity sensors, IR (infrared) emitter/receiver, buzzer that emits musical notes, programmable button, LED lights.
This robot can be programmed with Scratch.
Micro:bit
Micro:bit It is an electronic board that can be programmed in an easy and simple way, designed so that students can learn to program without difficulties in a simple way. It has countless functions and applications and, in addition, we can program it with an editor Python, for older and more advanced students, or for younger or novice students, with the javascript editor of Micro:bit, with block programming, more visual.
3D digital manufacturing: 3D digital design and printing
For the demonstrations of this activity, we use the two basic hardware tools: a computer and a printer 3D, Ultimaker 2 +.
On the computer we show the program with several designs and 3D models already created, and we print them on the printer so that everyone can see the result. If we have time, and a child is encouraged during the demonstration, we offer the option of designing and printing an easy idea so that they can take the result home.
Programming and Virtual reality
Scratch
One of the most educational and intuitive ways to get started in programming is this tool. block programming, Scratch.
Children from 5-6 years old can start programming simple games. The friendly, easy and intuitive environment allows even the little ones to carry out small programs.
In this case, for the demonstration, we will only need: a PC, an Internet connection and the imagination and creativity of our little ones.
COSPACES Edu
With this creative platform we can create and show virtual environments, and interact with them through the glasses Virtual Reality.
Normally, in workshops or demonstrations of this tool, we already have a demonstration environment already prepared.
The necessary equipment is: a PC, an Internet connection and virtual reality glasses (glasses and mobile terminal), although the latter two are not strictly necessary.
