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Educational robotics is a highly engaging way to teach STEM subjects in primary schools. It helps children to understand abstract concepts by transforming them into tangible, interactive experiences that combine their natural curiosity and love of play with fundamental skills in Computing, Science, Design Technology and Maths.

It’s easy to think of educational robotics as a resource that belongs in Computing, so in this article we’ll explore how VEX GO can be used to support the teaching of all STEM subjects in Key Stage two. We are also conscious of the fact that not all teachers will consider themselves STEM specialists. To help all teachers to be able to deliver these subjects, VEX GO is supported by STEM Labs and Activities - comprehensive plans that guide you through each lesson step-by-step and require no specialist knowledge.

Computing

Let’s start with the most obvious subject. With coding as a core part of robotics, Computing is where most of us would expect robotics to fit into the curriculum.

VEX GO supports the primary computing curriculum by introducing key programming concepts such as:

Creating algorithms

One of the more clear-cut concepts VEX GO can introduce is Creating Algorithms. To make their robots move and perform specific tasks, students must plan sequences of instructions. Once this is completed on paper, they can then input their code into the robot.

Decomposition

Next is Decomposition, something which will occur while students are creating their algorithms. Whether it occurs naturally or after prompting if they are struggling, students will break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. I.e, separating a robot's movement into individual steps.

Debugging

Robotics is a great way for students to visually observe and identify the bugs (errors) in their code. By seeing how their code moves the robot when compared with what they were expecting, students can then work backwards to find the error and fix it.

Programming Languages

VEXcode GO is a block-based coding interface that is intuitive for young learners, gradually introducing concepts like sequence, loops, conditionals, and variables.

But VEX GO doesn’t stop there - children with more advanced programming skills can code VEX GO using Python or the innovative Switch programming language which integrates Python into the block interface to help students transition from block to text coding.

Computational Thinking

One of the outcomes of teaching students the concepts of algorithms and debugging is a development in thier computational thinking skills - i.e the ability to apply logical reasoning to solve problems and design solutions.

These problem solving skills are vital in Computing, but are also vital in tackling various complex challenges in school and in life.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

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