Teachtopia teaches robotics
The Blockly App for the Dash and Dot Robot
Coding with blocks is an engaging way for students to learn many fundamental principles of coding.
Blockly is available on as an iOS app, Android app, and also as a web-based app for Chromebooks. There are several types (categories) of blocks that we use in Blockly to give the robot instructions. When we learn coding, it is important to know that the robot was designed to execute the instructions given to it. The more intricate the instructions, the more exciting it is to see the Dash in action. We have created this guide to give you a brief tutorial on the purpose of each category. When you are ready to code, we encourage you to do our Coding Challenges for Dash and Dot using Blockly
The Categories
The Start Category of Blocks
The Start Category of Blocks are green. They are often essential to the beginning or ending of a program. The are also used to call upon a function. A function is a group of blocks that are put together to form a specific task. For example, you could create a function to make a square. (forward 50 turn right 90 four times).
The Drive Category of blocks.
The Drive Category of blocks is essential for the movement of the robot. Note that wheel forward and backwards movements are measured in the metric system (centimeters). Left and Right Movements are measured in degrees with 360 being a full circle 180 being a half circle 90 being a quarter of a circle etc.
The Look Category of Blocks
The Look category of blocks refers to where the robots head is going to look. This is one of the very interesting set of blocks because the looks to voice command is great for having the robot interact with the human by looking towards the voice.
The Light Category of Blocks
The Light Category of Blockly refers to the led lights. This includes the ears, eyes, and front lights.
The Sound Category of Blocks
One of the unique things about the sound category in Blockly is that you could record your own sounds.
The Animation Category of Blocks
The animation category is an interesting in that it leads to preset functions.
Control Blocks
These control blocks are essential for looping.
The Variable Blocks
These variable blocks are all about implementing math in Blockly.
The Accessories Blocks
These accessories blocks are only used if you have the optional accessories.