The holiday season is a perfect time to sprinkle some festive cheer into learning! Why not transform your classroom into a winter science wonderland to explore physics lessons for kids and learn about fundamental concepts through engaging hands-on activities? Instead of just reading about forces and motion, let them experience these ideas by designing their own miniature sleds and icy tracks. This creative project combines the magic of the holidays with the excitement of STEM learning.
What is Bobsledding?
Bobsledding is a thrilling winter sport. Teams race down an icy track in a small, aerodynamic sled. They use gravity and momentum to gain speed, while skillful steering helps them navigate the twists and turns of the track to achieve the fastest times.
Drawing Olympic Rings with the MatataBot Coding Set
(Time: 60 minutes | Age: 7 to 9 years)
What you’ll Need to get started:
- A class kit of the Matatalab Pro Set with Animation Add-On Accessories
- Markers for MatataBot in the Olympic colors (black, red, green, yellow, blue)
- A roll of white craft paper (one large sheet per group)
- Tape and scissors
- Reference images of the Olympic Rings (printed or pre-downloaded)
Group Setup
Students collaborate in pairs or small groups of three, promoting teamwork and shared problem-solving. Each group should have sufficient room on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, to work comfortably with their MatataBot Coding Set. The setup should ensure enough space for smooth movement as students collect materials and test their coding solutions.
How It Works: Coding the Olympic Rings
The challenge is to use MatataBot to draw the iconic five interlocking circles of the Olympic Rings. This activity helps students understand coding, geometry, and motion control. Here’s how they do it:
- Understanding Circle Properties: Students start by reviewing what they know about circles – such as how all points on the circle are the same distance from its center and how it has no edges or corners. They’ll discuss these properties and learn how to code a circle by controlling MatataBot’s wheel speeds.
- Experimenting with Blocks: Using Set Speed blocks, students control each wheel of the MatataBot independently. The left wheel & the right wheel move in different speeds. When one wheel moves faster or slower than the other, it causes the robot to follow a curved path. This mechanism enables the MatataBot to draw precise circles. By adding number blocks, participants can determine the size of the circle. Number block 3 will make a larger circle, as compared to number block 2, and so on.
- Hands-On Practice: Students practice coding small circles without markers first. Once confident, they attach the appropriate markers to MatataBot and start drawing. Each group plans carefully to ensure their rings fit together correctly, matching the original logo.
- Adding Color: In the final stage, students add the Olympic colors to their rings, ensuring each is drawn with precision.
Extension Activities
Want to take it further? Here are some additional challenges for curious coders:
- Create the Olympic Flag: Once the rings are complete, students program MatataBot to create a rectangle surrounding them, outlining the flag.
- Adding LED Light: Students can program the MatataBot to navigate through each ring, synchronizing its LED lights to change colors to match the ring it passes through.
These activities not only deepen understanding but also spark creativity.
Exploring the Elements of a Great Logo
Once students have coded the Olympic Rings, they can take their learning further by talking about how logos work in the real world. They can explore how logos work as symbols for companies and organizations. A good logo is simple, easy to remember, and uses colors that have meaning. Students can discuss what makes a logo effective and design their own logos for imaginary companies.
The ‘Coding of Olympic Rings’ lesson plan blends STEM, art, and media literacy into one exciting challenge. By using the MatataBot Coding Set to recreate the Olympic Rings, students don’t just learn—they gain practical skills in coding and reinforce their knowledge of shapes. All this happens while fostering teamwork and creativity, making it a truly interdisciplinary experience. This hands-on approach also highlights how STEM education in schools across Dubai can be combined with art and media literacy.
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