Testing New Badge Ideas

Blog Post


#edtech #edbadges I am constantly getting ideas for new elementary tech badges, and if that ideas sticks around in my head long enough I might turn it into a new tech badge. 


For the past couple of years I have wanted to improve the LEGO Robotics badge. I have to admit, mine was pretty boring. I started off teaching kids the basics of programming the robot. The kids would do it, but I could always tell that they wanted more. I was trying to prepare them to join a team and compete in the FIRST LEGO League. But truth be told, only a few of my students ever stuck with robotics long enough to join a FLL team. Since my tech badges program is basically the tech curriculum for my elementary school, I knew there had to be something better.


It was then when stumbled across SumoBots being done by a 4-H group.


WOW!


It was fun, and fast. I felt my kids would really get into it since they’re into watching Battle Robots on TV.
So the next step in my process is to create an after school elective for the kids to join and for me to refine the process to I can make a badge out of it.


I’ve got to say, we’ve been having a blast. The students are motivated to learn new engineering and programming to make their robots the best.
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Here is a video from yesterday’s trials…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl3z-Qjc-DA


Sorry it is a little fuzzy, I’ll post a HD version soon.