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Module 6: Integrating Coding & Robotics in Your Teaching Practice

Lesson 2

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, teachers will be able to:

  • Design and complete a small Coding and Robotics project that aligns with CAPS and demonstrates computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Apply the engineering design process to plan, create, test, and refine a digital or unplugged learning product.

  • Choose an appropriate project format based on available school resources (unplugged, Scratch, Micro:bit, or virtual robotics).

  • Create a simple digital portfolio showcasing their project, reflection, and evidence of learning.

  • Reflect on their confidence, readiness, and next steps in teaching Coding and Robotics in Grades R–9

Final Classroom Project and Digital Portfolio.

This final lesson brings together everything you have learned throughout the course. You have explored computational thinking, unplugged coding, digital programming platforms, robotics concepts, and practical classroom applications. Now, you will design and complete your own small-scale Coding and Robotics project—just as you would ask learners to do in your classroom.

The purpose of this final lesson is not to assess “how advanced” your project is, but how clearly you can apply the concepts you’ve learned. Your project should demonstrate that you understand sequencing, problem-solving, and designing with a purpose. It should also reflect the realities of your classroom, whether you have full access to digital tools or rely on low-cost alternatives.

Whatever you choose, the aim is to produce something simple, meaningful, and teachable.

Step 1: Choose Your Project Type

You may choose one of the following project types, based on your context and phase:

Option A: Computational Thinking Activity

Design a short CT challenge for learners, such as a problem-solving task, pattern recognition activity, or simple algorithm.

Option B: Unplugged Coding Task

Create an unplugged activity using cards, arrows, grids, or storytelling.
Examples include:

  • A classroom maze

  • A “human robot” game

  • A story sequence using algorithmic steps

Option C: Scratch Mini Project

Build a simple Scratch activity such as:

  • An animation

  • A short story

  • A clicker game

  • A moving sprite challenge with loops

Option D: Micro:bit or Virtual Robotics Activity

Use the Micro:bit simulator or VEXcode VR to create a small program that:

  • Displays an image

  • Reacts to button presses

  • Moves a virtual robot through a pattern

Whichever option you choose, keep the project small, clear, and suitable for your teaching phase.

Step 2: Plan Your Project Using the Engineering Design Process

Your project must follow the same process that learners will use in the classroom:

  1. Identify the Problem
    What challenge are you trying to solve, or what skill do you want learners to practise?

  2. Explore
    What examples, tutorials, or resources did you check before building?

  3. Design
    Sketch your idea, outline your steps, or design your algorithm.

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  1. Create
    Build your activity, code your program, or construct your model.

  2. Test and Evaluate
    Does it work as expected? What needs fixing?

  3. Improve
    Make at least one improvement to your project.

Documenting this process will help you create your final portfolio.

Step 3: Build and Test Your Project

This is your hands-on creation stage. Depending on your chosen project type:

  • Run your Scratch program and check if sprites behave as intended.

  • Test your Micro:bit code on the simulator or device.

  • Act out your unplugged activity and check if the instructions are clear.

  • Run your virtual robot program in VEXcode VR and observe its movement.

Testing is not the end—it's a critical part of developing your project.
If something doesn’t work, debug and try again.

Step 4: Prepare Your Digital Portfolio

Your digital portfolio should include three essential components:

1. Description of Your Project

Explain what you created, why you chose it, and which phase (Grade R–9) it is designed for.

2. Screenshots or Photos

Include visuals such as:

  • Scratch coding blocks

  • Micro:bit simulator images

  • Photos of your unplugged activity

  • Shots of your virtual robot path

This shows evidence of your work.

3. Reflection on Your Learning

  • What you learned about Coding and Robotics

  • What was easy or challenging

  • How confident you now feel teaching this subject

  • How you would improve your project if you had more time

You are now ready to start designing meaningful Coding and Robotics learning experiences for the learners you teach!

Mini Quiz

  1. What is the purpose of following the engineering design process in a Coding and Robotics project?

  2. Name one type of project you can choose for your final task.

  3. What are two components that must be included in your digital portfolio?

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  • Add a short summary or a list of helpful resources here.