Autobotic STEM Education in collaboration with Makerspace@UM
Beginner Course
Level 1
Module 1: Block coding 1
Key concepts
-
Sequencing
-
Recognizing patterns
-
Using loops and conditional logic
-
Creating scenes with sound and music
-
Keyboard controls
-
Motion and animation basics
-
Broadcasting messages
-
Adding fun special effects
What students will learn?
-
Create fun, interactive scenes with characters, backgrounds, and music
-
Design cool animations using loops
-
Program movement on both x- and y-axes
-
Build algorithms with if/then logic
-
Understand how to run scripts at the same time
-
Make music with notes, tempo, and instruments
-
Add unique effects and different scenarios to games
-
Share their projects online
-
Troubleshoot and fix simple bugs
Module 2: Block coding 2
Key concepts
-
Geometric patterns
-
Angles
-
Projectile physics
-
Physics engine
-
Gravity
-
Hit boxes
-
Collisions
-
Bouncing
-
Static platforms
-
Impulse
-
Velocity and force
-
Timers
-
Interactions between objects
-
Special effects​
​What students will learn?
-
Draw shapes and patterns using pen drawing commands
-
Program fluid motion with keyboard control
-
Control Actors using messaging
-
Define and use functions with parameters
-
Build physics projects using gravity, impulse, and velocity
-
Build their own versions of classic arcade games
Key concepts
-
Video control
-
Simple events
-
Basic math
-
Conditionals
-
External events
-
Simple sound playing
-
Simple physics
-
Advanced physics
-
Expert physics
-
Advanced costume handling
-
Delays​
Module 3: Basic
augmented reality
This course features 10 lessons where students are introduced to special AR blocks that let them control the webcam, take screenshots, and create cool effects. They’ll explore important AR concepts like motion sensing, color calibration, gesture detection, and tracking movement. In the last four lessons, they’ll apply everything they’ve learned to build fun AR versions of classic games like Fruit Ninja, Pong, Brick Breaker, and even a boxing game!
​
-
Simple variables
-
Simple loops
-
Simple motion
-
Simple drawing
-
Pen color
-
Color detection
-
Direction and turning
-
Simple messaging
-
Screen bounds
-
Actor properties
-
Cloning
-
Advanced motion
Module 4: Electronics (Microbit)
Key concepts
-
Micro:bit command library
-
Variables
-
Deploying code to the micro:bit
-
Types of loops
-
Reading sensor values
-
Conditional logic
-
Programming the LED grid
-
Lists and arrays
What students will learn?
-
Program Micro:bit button-click events
-
Display a scrolling message on the micro:bit
-
Create animated LED displays using loops
-
Simulate a coin toss using conditional logic
-
Create a virtual die using random numbers
-
Detect gestures using the motion sensor
-
Learn to use math operators and expressions
