Course Overview

As part of this development track we will learn to work with the Edison including the EdCreate robotics extension pack. As we work through the various tutorials included in this track, we will explore the different capabilities of the Edison robot, create a few different robots using the EdCreate robotics kit for Edison while learning to program the Edison robot to perform different movements. This development track is based on EdScratch ( www.edscratchapp.com), EdPy (www.edpyapp.com) and is suitable for kids  8+ years old. Edison is a programmable robot designed to be a complete STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students from 4 to 16 years of age. The Edison robot is a powerful, engaging tool for teaching kids computational thinking and computer programming in a hands-on way. With more built-in sensors than any robot in its class as well as lights, sounds and autonomous behavior capabilities, Edison makes true robotics education accessible to students of all ages.

This development track allows you to code using EdPy or EdScratch. EdPy is a highly versatile text-based programming language for the Edison robot. EdPy is based on Python, a popular computer programming language renowned for being easy-to-learn with high readability. EdScratch is a vertical block-based visual programming language based on Scratch. EdScratch combines the ease of drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility.

This is an introductory robotics track but we would highly recommend that you complete some of the other development tracks before you consider taking up this one.

1. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch I
2. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch II
3. Introduction to coding concepts with the BBC micro:bit I
4. Introduction to coding concepts with the BBC micro:bit II

Prerequisites –

1. This tutorial makes extensive use of the Edison Robot
2. If you haven’t purchased a Edison Robot  yet you might want to head over and pick one up now.

About Edison

Edison is a programmable robot designed to be a complete STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students from 4 to 16 years of age. The Edison robot is a powerful, engaging tool for teaching kids computational thinking and computer programming in a hands-on way. With more built-in sensors than any robot in its class as well as lights, sounds and autonomous behavior capabilities, Edison makes true robotics education accessible to students of all ages.

Not just a remote-controlled robot, Edison can:

• Respond to light and sound
• Follow lines and avoid obstacles
• Communicate with other Edison robots
• Connect to other Edison robots and LEGO bricks
• And so much more!

Edison’s robotics capabilities can be unlocked with ease through simple barcode programs. Students can then progress their robotics, coding and STEM education journeys using Edison with three progressive programming languages.  Edison can also be used to build and invent as the programmable base for an incredible range of engineering and STEM projects thanks to Edison’s expandable robotics system which works with the EdCreate construction kit and any other LEGO brick compatible building system. Read more about Edison here – <Edison Website>

About EdPy

EdPy is a highly versatile text-based programming language for the Edison robot. EdPy is based on Python, a popular computer programming language renowned for being easy-to-learn with high readability. Programmers use Python to develop everything from the latest apps to business software. Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest are just some of the many applications that use Python! EdPy makes text-based programming fun by letting students see their code come to life in their Edison robot. With EdPy, students are learning the core of a real programming language and are able to take their exploration of robotics and coding to a more advanced level.

The online EdPy programming environment has a range of features designed to help students learn texted-based programming. These features include:

• Line help – provides a plain-English explanation of valid lines of code
• Autocomplete – automatically offers matched option suggestions as a user starts typing in code
• Popup help – help box assistance providing a description of the code which appears as you type
• Help text and examples – inbuilt help text and examples native inside the programming space

You can access EdPy online at www.edpyapp.com

About EdScratch

EdScratch is a vertical block-based visual programming language based on Scratch. EdScratch combines the ease of drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility. The result is a robot programming language that is easy to learn and offers a robust platform for computer science education. The online EdScratch programming environment is designed to deliver meaningful computer science education through an easy-to-use interface. EdScratch’s intuitive layout and the simplicity of block-based coding makes EdScratch an ideal programming language for students aged 10 and up. Helpful features, like the built-in bug box, make the transition to using more complex programming structures approachable even with no prior coding experience. As students gain confidence in coding, they can do even more by controlling inputs, manipulating data, and creating and utilising variables, making EdScratch a perfect platform to use Edison’s features in engaging, creative ways.

You can access EdScratch online at www.edscratchapp.com