Beebot
Beep Beep! I'm a bee and a robot; I'm Beebot!
Beebot is brilliant for Early Years and Key Stage 1 children. It can even be used up to Key Stage 2 looking at a more complex sequence of instructions.
Beebot's great features:
Beebot is brilliant for Early Years and Key Stage 1 children. It can even be used up to Key Stage 2 looking at a more complex sequence of instructions.
Beebot's great features:
- Bright buttons for the children to input the instructions;
- It can remember up to 40 instructions in one turn;
- Sounds and flashing lights let the children;
- Beebot moves exactly 15cm and 90 degree turns for each increment;
- It is visually appealing to young children because of its bright colours and
- it can move on any flat surface and even a slight incline.
- Go through the Beebot lesson- what did etc.
- Beebot Ruler- can predict how many moves forward, then predict using the ruler and then have a go with Beebot.
What is Beebot used for?
Beebot enables children to improve their skills in directional language and programming through sequences of forwards, backwards, left and right 90 degree turns.
Year 2 lesson with Beebot
Background Information:
All children in the class were working below average. Most at Level 1 with 3 children on P-scales. It was found in a previous lesson that all children had difficulty with following a set of instructions and identifying left and right. This lesson was designed in mind of these factors.
Lesson Outline:
I introduced the lesson with a WOW introduction. I brought in 2 bee costumes (Wings, and headband) and children had the opportunity to dress up and the class in their talk partners had to predict how many steps a human bee would need to take to get from one side of the room to another. Through prediction and trial and error the class successfully directed the bees around the classroom. I then introduced Beebot.
In their ability table groups, the children were first required to predict and then test how many times Beebot needed to be pressed to move from one end of the table to another.
First they predicted unaided. They then refined their prediction after using a Beebot Ruler. Then they tested their prediction and refined their predictions until they were correct.
All children in the class were working below average. Most at Level 1 with 3 children on P-scales. It was found in a previous lesson that all children had difficulty with following a set of instructions and identifying left and right. This lesson was designed in mind of these factors.
Lesson Outline:
I introduced the lesson with a WOW introduction. I brought in 2 bee costumes (Wings, and headband) and children had the opportunity to dress up and the class in their talk partners had to predict how many steps a human bee would need to take to get from one side of the room to another. Through prediction and trial and error the class successfully directed the bees around the classroom. I then introduced Beebot.
In their ability table groups, the children were first required to predict and then test how many times Beebot needed to be pressed to move from one end of the table to another.
First they predicted unaided. They then refined their prediction after using a Beebot Ruler. Then they tested their prediction and refined their predictions until they were correct.
The children were then asked to create an obstacle course for their Beebot to move around. They were provided with straws/ lolly sticks and objects and were given 30 minutes to design a course and successfully get Beebot to move around. To further the challenge they had to input all the movements in a sequence so Beebot could independently move around the course. I showed the class a video from Youtube for some inspiration. At the end of the lesson they moved around the different groups looking at the work completed.
Pros:
- Brilliant for teaching children about directions whilst they are playing; learning through play
- Beebot can be used for D&T- design an outfit for Beebot, Design a floor mat for him to move around on (good for KS2 and say they are making it for the Foundation Stage children)
Cons:
- Most schools have often only have 3/4 Beebots and so it is difficult to use in a whole class activity as often all children want to be pressing the buttons. Does teach good group work skills though!
- Limited to 90 degree turns- suitable for lower years but for KS2, especially older, could do with 45 degree turns.
Future use of Beebot
I would use Beebot again in KS1 and Foundation Stage. It is fun and all the children enjoyed using it. As with all technology there are always improvements and newer models; as can be seen on the Floor Robots page there are already newer versions. I can certainly say that what ever floor robot the school has I would use it within mathematics and D&T as the pros outweigh the cons.
Beebot App- NEW
As mentioned, technology is constantly advancing and many schools have bought Ipads and Itouches. Beebot extends beyond a physical bee; children can direct a virtual Beebot along paths and routes. Children can play these games individually or in groups and are a brilliant resource if there are not enough physical Beebots in the classroom. Children will enjoy playing this game whilst learning about directions.
Lesson plan