STREAM Activity: Robotics

Learn about the foundation of coding!

Activity best for children age 4-8

Did you know that robots can speak? Robots speak the language of computers. The language of computers is called code! Today, we’ll learn some basic coding language together.

STREAM means Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math! Today’s activity focuses on Technology, BUT we are going to combine all 6 components of STREAM to learn some basic coding!

Materials you’ll need:

 Paper

Marker

Scissors

Optional: A friend or family member (to help you by pretending to be a robot)

Directions

STEP 1
SCIENCE: Think scientifically about what type of path you want your “robot” to take and gather activity supplies.

Image 4 16 21 At 7.40 AM

STEP 2
ART: Create a design on the floor using colorful paper.

Image 4 16 21 At 7.40 AM (1)

STEP 3
READING: Write or draw instructions for your “robot” to follow on pieces of paper. (Tip: Instructions like forward, turn, backwards, etc. are really fun!)

Image 4 16 21 At 7.40 AM (2)

STEP 4
ENGINEERING: Engineers are problem solvers. Have your “robot” follow your written instructions to move from the start to the finish line. (Hint: Robots can only do EXACTLY what the instructions say! Good engineers will go back and improve their instructions if they are missing something!)

Image 4 16 21 At 7.40 AM (3)

STEP 5
MATH: Redesign your Maze and add a new pattern!

Image 4 16 21 At 7.40 AM (4)

STEP 5
TECHNOLOGY: Today we used paper to code. But real robots need the help of computers! Check out some resources to help you learn more about how you can learn more about coding: