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4-H Robotics Project

Program Contact: Yakima County 4-H Program Coordinator
(509) 574-1600 • yakima.4h@wsu.edu

Youth who are interested in science and technology would be a perfect fit for a robotics project! Learn the hands on skills needed to design and build robots, while exploring the science behind them.

The 4-H Robotics Curriculum is comprised of three tracks; each is designed to meet the diverse requirements of 4-H clubs, after-school programs, individual youth and school enrichment activities. The curriculum was developed for all levels of expertise: from beginning to advanced.

Objectives

Youth will:

  • Build an understanding of basic science concepts related to robotics
  • Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design
  • Build skills in science, engineering and technology
  • Use the tools of technology to enhance their learning
  • Explore related careers in these fields
  • Apply the skills and knowledge they are developing to new challenges

A LEGO WeDo robot with a yellow and green forklift style front, eyes on a blue forward-facing platform, and a blue "body" with a gray sensor on top and wheels at the bottom

4-H Robotics Curriculum

Available from the Extension office or online.

Junk Drawer Robotic Level 1: Give Robotics a Hand

In the Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum, youth are challenged to build robots from everyday items. None of the levels requires or uses computers. There are Facilitator Guides for three levels. Youth use a Robotics Notebook to record their learning experiences, robotic designs and data from their investigations. One facilitator guide is needed per group, while each youth should have their own notebook.

In Level 1 – Give Robots a Hand, youth explore and learn about robot arms. Concepts covered include pneumatics, arm designs, and three-dimensional space. Big ideas include form and function, scientific habits of mind, and engineering design.

Junk Drawer Robotics Level 2: Robots on the Move

In Level 2 – Robots on the Move, youth learn about locomotion through exploring, designing, and building mobile robot ROVs and other subsystems. Youth learn about friction, electronic circuits, mobile robots, simple machines, and buoyancy.

Junk Drawer Robotics Level 3: Mechatronics

In Level 3 – Mechatronics, youth will explore sensors and analog and digital systems. The track introduces simple electronic components; youth will build basic circuits to see how the components work. They will investigate basic elements of programming and instructions for robotic computer control.

Junk Drawer Robotics: Youth Robotics Notebook

There is one Robotics Notebook for the three levels of the Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum. The notebook encourages youth to think and act like scientists and engineers. In their notebook, youth will record their ideas, collect data, draw designs, and reflect on their experiences. It also provides specific information for the challenges. Each youth should have his or her own Robotics Notebook.

Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide (PDF)

Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide Activity Supplies (PDF)

Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide “What’s in Your Toolbox?” (PDF)


Robotics Essentials

Not all robots are the same, but they do share some basic features. Choose from two recommended platforms (LEGO® SPIKE® or VEX®) to learn what a robot is, how to build one, and how to program it. See ohio4h.org/robotics for details. A computer for running the programming software and internet access for watching videos are required.

Robotics 1 with EV3 (PDF)

This curriculum is not on Shop 4-H – this PDF comes from the Ohio 4-H Robotics Project.

Robotics 2: EV3N More

This second book in this series guides youth through new robot configurations and programming challenges with activities in the book and with instructional videos online. The LEGO® EV3 robot constructed for Robotics 1 with EV3 is required (no new LEGO® purchase is necessary). A computer for running the programming software and Internet access for watching videos are required.


DIY Make & Build – Robotic Maker Project Guide

4-H is taking emerging technologies by storm. We’ve added new projects which will spark the imagination of builders, makers, and tinkerers of all ages.

Over the last decade, Do-it-yourselfers have shown the world that you do not need to be an engineer or computer scientist to create useful, innovative devices, gadgets, and gizmos through what is known as the Maker Movement. In fact, with very little background, and a can-do attitude, almost anyone can enter the Maker world and create anything their imagination guides them to.

This year, Illinois 4-H has brought the Maker Movement to your doorstep through a Multi Media curriculum experience called DIY Make & Build!

DIY Make and Build is an opportunity for youth to learn about design, engineering, manufacturing, electricity and computer programming while being innovative and imaginative. While each activity has a specific goal in mind, this guide is to be used as a starting block to expand on each of the concepts and ideas presented here.

This activity guide is designed to guide you in creating a sustained learning experience for youth using readily available materials purchased both online and locally, as well as common items found around the house. These activities are accompanied by video guides that can be used by youth independently (or at home) as well as in group settings. In addition, youth are encouraged to perform “Online Reconnaissance Missions” to research topics not explicitly covered in this guide. These will be marked as “ORM”. Each day can be done independently but could also be done in succession for a sustained learning experience. There are suggested activities in each of the topic related days. There are several online resources with similar activities that can be added to extend the time or others can be used in place of the ones listed.

Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides

For youth members

Coming soon!

For adult helpers and club leaders

Coming soon!

State 4-H Robotics Project Resources State 4-H STEM Project Resources
A line art drawing of a robot in green at left next to the title "Robotics"; at right, industrial robots overseen by a person with a tablet

Helpful Resources

Activity Ideas

Can-Can Robot

Robots are the future—and the present! In this activity, create a robot that draws on paper. You will learn how moving and non-moving parts interact when building a machine.  A free Clover account is required to view lesson plans.

Coding and Robotics Activities from Discover Engineering

K-12 STEM Curriculum:  Robotics – Teach Engineering

How to Make a Robot – Lesson 1:  Getting Started – RobotShop

Tech in Agriculture:  Tractors – University of Minnesota Extension

In this lesson, youth learn how technology is used in agriculture by creating self-steering “tractors” using Ozobots or similar robots.

Building STEM Skills with Sphero

Sphero EDU

Robotics Task List (PDF)

Junk Drawer Robotics Activity A:  Think like a Scientist (PDF)

Junk Drawer Robotics Activity M:  Chopsticks & O:  Hold On (PDF)

ScratchJr

Coding is the new literacy! With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.

Scratch

Scratch is the world’s largest free coding community for kids.  Hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Washington Specific Reference Material

FIRST Robotics Washington

With the help of community and industry, FIRST Washington offers the most comprehensive STEAM program in the state – Designed to inspire kids to be future leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Other Reference Material

From 4-H Programs

Robotics – National 4-H

4-H Robotics Year-Round Training Guide (PDF)

Robotics Project:  Building Blocks of Bots – Texas 4-H (PDF)

Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash:  Volunteer Facilitator Guide – Mississippi 4-H (PDF)

Snow-Tastrophe is a program from Mississippi Extension aimed at 4-H Cloverbud youth.

Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash:  Storybook – Mississippi 4-H (PDF)

Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash:  Evaluation Guidelines – Mississippi (PDF)


From Higher Education Institutions

 


From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals

Robotics Alliance Project – NASA

Industrial Robots have Transformed the Manufacturing Industry – A Galco TV Tech Tip (YouTube video)

There are many different types of automation applications that industrial robots are equipped to handle. Often, robots are designed or integrated with a specific task in mind and tailored to meet the unique needs of that task. Some common forms of industrial robotic automation include: welding, material handling & packaging, pick & place, dispensing, and cutting.

Medical Robots are the Future of Surgery (YouTube video)

Teacher Projects with Dash & Dot from Wonder Workshop – Pinterest

Ohio 4-H Robotics Resources

Ohio 4-H Robotics

Robotics with LEGO SPIKE Prime

Robotics with LEGO Mindstorms EV3

Robotics 1 with EV3

Robotics with VEX IQ

Welcome! The materials and videos on this page support the Robotics Essentials project when it’s done with VEX® IQ. Let’s get started!


SPIKE Prime Instructional Videos

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Programming Overview (YouTube video)

You know about some Move blocks in LEGO SPIKE Prime, but there’s so much more!

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Move Blocks (YouTube video)

You will have complete control when you learn more about LEGO Spike Prime Move blocks for your Robotics Essentials project.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Light Matrix (YouTube video)

This easy programming step is the first of many in Robotics Essentials from Ohio 4-H. The light matrix on your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot’s hub is useful and fun.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Move Forward (YouTube video)

Onward! Start your Robotics Essentials programming adventure by—what else?—moving forward.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Move Backward (YouTube video)

Moving a LEGO SPIKE Prime robot backward is just as easy as moving forward. You’ll see. It’s one click away!

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Turn (YouTube video)

Your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot can turn left, right, and in circles. Robotics Essentials explains how.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Turning (YouTube video)

Spinning or pivoting, it’s all about turning your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Color Sensor (YouTube video)

The LEGO SPIKE Prime color sensor sees 8 colors, any one of which can be part of your program.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Distance Sensor (YouTube video)

The LEGO SPIKE Prime distance sensor uses sound waves —and your programming—to give your robot amazing capabilities.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO Force Sensor (YouTube video)

Get started with sensors by programming your LEGO SPIKE Prime force sensor.

4-H Robotics Essentials/LEGO File Management (YouTube video)

Stay organized so you can easily find programs you’ve written for your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot.

Indiana 4-H Robotics Resources

Dino Bot (PDF)

Dizzy Drills (PDF)

Farm to Fork (PDF)

Incredible Machine (PDF)

Obstacle Course​ (PDF)

Obstacle Course 2 (PDF)

Parking Space Challenge (PDF)

Random or Not (PDF)

Robo Racer (PDF)

Robot Scotland Games (PDF)

Stop for Pedestrians (PDF)

LEGO Robotics Resources

EV3 Task List 1 (PDF)

EV3 Task List 2 (PDF)

LEGO Spike Robots

Welcome to the World of Robotics

LEGO Spike instructions and lesson plans.

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Introduction to programming LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Curriculum is a curriculum module designed to teach core computer programming logic and reasoning skills using a robotics engineering context. It contains a sequence of 10 projects (plus one capstone challenge) organized around key robotics and programming concepts.

Introduction to Programming LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Teacher’s Guide (PDF)

Part of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy curriculum.

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime:  What’s in the Box? (YouTube video)

Explore the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime set which includes 11 new elements, a programmable, multi-port Hub, distance sensor, force sensor, color sensor, large motor, and two medium motors.

Explore the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Sensors

Explore the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime sensors which have accurate performance and are easy to use.

Driving Base for SPIKE Prime (PDF)

Driving Base with Color Sensor for SPIKE Prime (PDF)

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Drive Base Building Instructions (YouTube video)

Lego SPIKE Prime -Basic Driving module building instructions (YouTube video)


 

Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H

National 4-H Robotics Curriculum Collection

Junk Drawer Robotics Activity Bundle

Challenge youth to build robots from everyday items. With the Junk Drawer Robotics Activity Bundle, youth explore and learn about robot arms. None of the levels requires or uses computers. There are Facilitator Guides for three levels. Concepts covered include pneumatics, arm designs, and three-dimensional space. Big ideas include form and function, scientific habits of mind, and engineering design. Youth use a Robotics Notebook to record their learning experiences, robotic designs and data from their investigations.

Eco-Bot Challenge Kit

In the Eco-Bot Challenge, youth build and test an autonomous robot, called an Eco-Bot, to clean up a simulated environmental spill.

4-H Super Wiggle Bot

Wiggle-Bots are motorized contraptions that are designed and built entirely by kids.

Wiggle-Bots are more than a fun activity – they truly inspire. Watch eyes widen as wires are connected and Wiggle-Bots start to move. See how understanding and design evolves through experimentation and tinkering. Appreciate the challenge of going beyond step by step instructions and creating something completely new and innovative. It’s an incredible experience. How will you wiggle? Your Wiggle-Bot can be designed to do many cool things.

Joystick Robotic Arm Activity Kit

This innovative robotic arm applies different mechanical basics. After building, watch how the inner parts work in tandem, such as connecting rods to pilot the planetary gear system or gear movement to activate transmission.

Unlock the safety switch and turn on the red power button, the robotic arm enters stand-by mode and the rumbling of operation leads you to a mechanical gaming experience. This new arm can be operated by two joysticks to control the 4 axes toward 8 directions simultaneously and easily. Maximize the types of objects to grab by opening the ends, with the interchangeable 2-claws and 4-claws grippers. It can even work as a claw machine! By assembly and hands-on doing, kids can build mechanical knowledge and problem-solving skills. This STEM robotic arm is educational and fun!

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