Bee-Bot is an exciting robot designed specifically for use by young children. The colorful, easy-to-operate, and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, and just having fun! Directional keys are used to enter up to 40 commands which send Bee-Bot forward, back, left, and right. Pressing the green GO button starts Bee-Bot on its way. Bee-Bot blinks and beeps at the conclusion of each command to allow children to follow Bee-Bot through the program they have entered and then confirms its completion with lights and sound.
Since you can customize the mat you are using for Bee-Bot, you can teach or reinforce any concept. Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies can all be practiced using Bee-Bots. Buy a mat online or make one using butcher paper. Each square should be 6″ x 6″. Make your own cards for any subject you are teaching. Here are some ideas from other teachers.
- Make a number line. Students will use it to program the Bee-Bot to add (go forward) then using the same numbers to subtract (go back). They can compare the two types of equations and write them on white boards. (Number line cards are in the lesson documents)
- Learn computer science terms such as algorithm and debugging. Students use directional cards to plan a sequence to get the Bee-Bot from a starting box to an ending box. Make it fun by making cards with food or toys on them. Add obstacles for a challenge for older kids.
- Put letters or numbers/operations on cards and place on the mat. Write sight words or math problems on index cards to be drawn out or a box or bag. If you are doing sight words, they have to spell the word with the Bee-Bot. If you are doing math, they have to have the Bee-Bot copy the problem and then go to the answer.
- Practice teen numbers. Create two sets of laminated cars. One set has the teen numeral and the second set has the teen value in base ten frames. Students can draw out the numeral and go to the spot that matches it or you can put both types out and have the students find matches by programming the robot to them.
- Teach science vocabulary and principles by creating cards to show a match or a cycle/process or a group.
- Make cards to teach parts of speech or practice the sequence of a story.
- Put out “fires” by programming the robot around the country road map. Students practice creating algorithms and counting. (Fire image is in the lesson documents.)
Check out the lesson documents for lessons on introducing Bee-Bots and for additional activities.
from terrapinlogo.com
Where to get a Bee-Bot?
- Bee-Bots can be found online at either Amazon.com or Terrapinlogo.com
What grades can use Bee-Bot?
- Bee-Bots are most engaging for grades K-3
How does a Bee-Bot Work?
- Refer to the user guide found in the lesson documents at the bottom of this page.
