When you picture a robotics lesson, what subject are you imagining? If you answered computer science or math, you’re not alone. But did you know that robotics can be a powerful tool for helping students learn in language arts, world language, art, and more? No, really! Let’s explore how the Finch Robot can be used in multiple academic subjects to bring deep and joyful hands-on learning to your students. It might surprise you!
A Quick Introduction to the Finch Robot 2.0
The Finch Robot 2.0 is a robot that brings computer science to life by providing students a hands-on representation of their code. Kids from kindergarten to college learn by programming the robot’s embedded lights, sensors, and motors in a variety of programming languages.
From icon- and block-based coding to advanced text-based programming, the Finch is a tool for elementary school, AP computer science, and every class in between. This low floor, high ceiling tool includes materials designed for teachers who are new to coding so they can meet the needs of students at all experience levels.
Did you know that, through the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and the Reach Them All Program, 92% of middle and high schools in Tennessee have a Flock of Finches in their buildings right now?
Robotics in music class or homeroom? But how does that work? We’re so glad you asked! Read the lesson summaries below and click the links for more details!
SEL: Explore Feelings with the Finch
Students will explore how to represent emotions using colors, lights, and movement. They’ll learn about basic emotions and how colors are often associated with different feelings. Students will then use code to program their Finch robot, making its beak and body lights change color and its movements change to express various emotions.
Students will code the Finch turn specific fractions of a circle, build unit fractions, compare fractions, and visualize equivalent fractions. The students will learn how to make the Finch demonstrate the addition and subtraction of fractions as well as explore multiplying and dividing fractions by considering distances and turns of the Finch robot.
Tour a New Country or Continent
Utilize the skills learned in the Finch Line Tracking Module to take the Finch on a tour of a new country or continent! Students will learn how to use the Finch robot’s line sensors to follow a dark line on a light surface. This module includes conditional statements (like “if..then”) to control the Finch’s movements, making it turn and adjust as needed to stay on course. As the Finch travels, students can share information about each of the landmarks where the Finch stops!
Students will code the Finch to transform their stories into engaging performances. Students can either write their own stories or retell existing ones, with the Finch becoming a main character. They’ll learn the basics of storytelling while using code to program the Finch’s movements, lights, and sounds to correspond with their narrative.
Students will choose a favorite piece of music and then use code to choreograph a “dance” for their Finch. They’ll program the Finch to move, turn, and change its light colors in time with the music, creating a unique performance. To go further with this lesson, students can pair up and code their robots to dance together with Synchronized Finching!
Animal Adaptations with the Finch
Students will explore how animals have unique features and behaviors that help them survive in their environments, choosing an animal to research its habitat and adaptations. Students will then learn how to use sensors, movement, and sound effects to code the Finch to behave like their chosen animal.
The Finch Jousting lesson turns the classic medieval sport into a robotics challenge. Students will design and build jousting attachments for their Finch robot, aiming to knock a target off a surface. They’ll practice programming their Finch for accuracy and force, refining their designs and code through trial and error.
What a fun day of computational thinking! For more resources on integrating the Finch Robot 2.0 visit the Start Teaching page on our website!
Explore more flocking amazing Finch resources:
Finch Activities with Block-Based Coding