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Programming Robots

Workshop Description: Do you want to enjoy exploring robotics with a bird? Come and join us on Friday October 28th from 1pm to 3pm for an introductory workshop to cover the software and hardware aspects in robotics using Finch! Scratch programming will be used to interact with Finch and grade level activities, and project ideas will be provided to explore Finch's sensors and movements at varying levels.

The Finch is a small robot designed to inspire and delight students learning computer science by providing them a tangible and physical representation of their code.  Developed for computer science education by Carnegie Mellon University, Finch has support for over a dozen programming languages including Scratch, Snap, Java, and Python for students as young as five years old!  It was developed to catalyze a broad range of computer science learning experiences, from entry into the basics of computational thinking all the way to writing richly interactive programs. Built into Finch is a suite of environmental sensors for light, temperature and obstacle detection. A beginner level student project would include programming the Finch to change the color of its beak and speak few words when bumping into objects on the floor. Learn more at their website.The workshop is free and requires no experience. 

Instructor biography: Nikhil Sharma, a student at Lakewood High School's STEM/CAT program and founder of FLAStem -- an educational, STEM outreach program here in Pinellas County, Florida.

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This workshop is geared to 5th through 9th graders, but we are flexible if you don't fit into that category. Do you have basic computer knowledge (e.g., how to use a mouse, file management etc.)?

 

Please list any technologies, projects, resources etc. that you'd like to see the Innovation Lab offer.
 

If you have comments about this form or questions regarding how to complete this form, please contact Chad Mairn at mairn.chad@spcollege.edu or call (727) 394-6917.

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