WeDo 2.0 - summer investigations

During Term 4 last year we started using the WeDo 2.0 robots.  I worked with 2 student groups from Coronet (a mix of year 2 and 3 students).  We explored the 'Getting Started' creating Milo the Science Rover.  We followed the instruction and how to program guide and then 'tweeked' and experiment with different blocks to allow for more open ended exploration.  So this summer I've decided to spend some time getting to know the WeDo 2.0 further.

Today I looked at the on of the 'Guide Projects'; 'Plants and Pollinators'.   The WeDo 2.0 teacher's guide states that "The Guided Projects will help you set the scene and facilitate the learning experience. The Guided Projects should build your students’ confidence and provide the foundations necessary for success."

Pros for this guided project were: 

• the build, in particular used the bevel gears to change the axis of the rotation - this would provide a good discussion about different types of mechanism and could be used in future creative builds
• it provides one challenge to create and build a different organism that pollinates plants
• links well to researching about plants and their pollinators
• would be a great 'model' for students to explain pollination in a presentation 

WeDo 2.0 Plants + Pollinators from Emma Watts on Vimeo.

Cons for this guided project were: 

In my brief tinkering today I found limited programming exploration:

• the sound can be changed
• the algorithm can be added into a loop
• speed can be changed; the 'bee' does not stop accurately when speeded up - although this would create a good discussion

What I've loved about playing today and completing the WeDo 2.0 teacher elearning programme is learning more about the core set in greater detail.

There are 4 different types of parts in the core set.

1. structural parts 
2. connecting parts 
3. parts that produce movement 
4. decorative parts

Electronic parts:

1. sensors - a tilt sensor and a motion sensor
2. motors - to make things move 
3. smart hub - executes programming 

The WeDo 2.0 uses several parts to produce movement.  The types of motion include:

1. hub/pulley 
2. beam (to create pistons) 
3. gears
4. bevel gears (to change the axis of rotation) 
5. gear racks (to create pinions - that create a linear motion) 
6. wheels (rotates on axis to produce propelled movement) 
7. worm gear (functions as a break)

Milo the Science Rover from Emma Watts on Vimeo.