Using our M-Bots

Our Mbots are ready to be programmed.  Here is a link to the getting started guide, this might help you when you get a bit stuck.

If you are really interested in getting to grips with our MBots you can download the free software here to practice at home.

Unmaking space

So for an interesting twist on the ICT club we thought we would unmake some old technology that we have lying around school.

What's inside?

Memory - Something that ‘remembers’
Fan, Motor - Something that spins
Processor - Something that ‘thinks’
Copper/Metals/Crystals - Something shiny
Circuit boards - Something pretty
Wires - Something that connects
Magnets - Something that attracts
Mechanical Parts:, e.g. disc hub, tray - Something that moves
LEDs or Lasers - Something that flashes and shines
Ports - Something you can plug into
Keys or Buttons - Something you can press
Gears - Something that turns

So why? 

• To have fun
• To see what is inside- to let ourselves inquire 
• To develop fine motor skills - some of the parts are trick to take apart
• To  develop an appreciation of how technology is the sum of many parts
• To see how all the components work together and how they can be interchangeable
• To develop oral language skills - we need to communicate with each other to help and discuss. 
• To develop problem solving strategies, and to be able to de-bug just like we do when we are programming. 

Some safety tips

Never plug anything in
Be aware of sharp edges
Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
Keep your work space tidy
Focus on what you are doing
Be aware of what is happening around you
Keep all the bits in a contained area