Robotics

⏱️ Two-Minute Read

Building Thinkers with LEGO WeDo:Third Graders Explore Coding and Engineering

In Mrs. Sheldon's third-grade classroom, students are stepping into the roles of engineers, programmers, and problem-solvers through hands-on experiences with LEGO WeDo. This engaging unit blends creativity with technology, giving students the opportunity to design, build, and program their own moving models.

Using LEGO WeDo kits, students work collaboratively to construct models that incorporate motors and sensors. Once their builds are complete, they use a simple, block-based coding platform to bring their creations to life. From spinning fans to moving animals, students quickly see the connection between the code they write and the actions their models perform.

Throughout the process, students are not just building—they are thinking critically. They test their designs, troubleshoot when something doesn’t work, and make improvements based on what they observe. This cycle of creating, testing, and refining mirrors real-world engineering practices and reinforces the importance of perseverance and problem-solving.

Technology plays a central role in this learning experience. Students are introduced to foundational computer science concepts such as sequencing, cause and effect, and debugging. They also begin to understand how hardware (motors and sensors) and software (their code) work together to create interactive systems.

Collaboration is another key component of the unit. Students work in teams to share ideas, divide responsibilities, and support one another through challenges. These experiences help build communication skills while fostering a sense of shared accomplishment.

Through LEGO WeDo, students are not only learning how to code—they are developing the mindset of creators and innovators. By combining hands-on building with meaningful technology integration, this unit helps lay a strong foundation for future learning in computer science and beyond.

Essential Technology Questions

How can we use code to control and interact with physical objects?
What strategies can we use to test, debug, and improve our programs?
How do hardware and software work together to solve problems?

Massachusetts DLCS Standards Connections (Grades 3–5)

Computing and Society (CS)

3-5.CS.1: Demonstrate responsible use of technology systems and collaborative tools.

Digital Tools and Collaboration (DT)

3-5.DT.1: Use digital tools to create, communicate, and collaborate effectively.

Computing Systems (CS)

3-5.CS.2: Describe how hardware and software work together as a system.

Computational Thinking (CT)

3-5.CT.1: Create programs using sequences, events, loops, and simple conditionals.
3-5.CT.2: Decompose problems into smaller steps to design solutions.
3-5.CT.3: Test and debug programs to ensure they run as intended.

Robotics

Sphero Spectacular: A “Float-tastic” Fifth Grade Parade!

This week, fifth graders in Mrs. Cimmings's class brought the spirit of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade directly into the classroom—robot edition! As an introduction to Spheros, students designed their own balloon floats, attached them to the robots, and navigated their Spheros through a parade route.
This hands-on challenge allowed students to explore how robotics work, experiment with movement controls, and understand how physical design affects motion. Students brainstormed float ideas, engineered lightweight designs, and practiced carefully steering their Spheros so their creations could “march” the full parade route.
The activity combined creativity, collaboration, and emerging computer science skills. Laughter echoed around the room as students adjusted float designs, avoided “parade collisions,” and celebrated successful runs down the route.
What Skills and Standards Did Students Practice?Massachusetts Digital Literacy & Computer Science (DLCS), Grades 3–5.CS.a
Describe how computing devices follow input commands (students used the Sphero app controls).Demonstrate how robots respond to inputs and produce outputs (movement, lights).Compare and discuss solutions to improve robot navigation and float stability.Demonstrate perseverance and mindset when working through obstacles (wobbling floats, steering challenges).
Essential QuestionsHow do robots respond to the commands we give them?How does the design of an object affect how well it moves when attached to a robot?What strategies help us collaborate, troubleshoot, and improve our ideas?