Launch the Engage Section
ACTS is what the teacher will do and ASKS is how the teacher will facilitate.
- InstructInstruct students that they are going to have new robots in class. Show the 123 Robot and poster. Gather ideas about what a classroom “robot” might be - what it might look like or what it might do. Demonstratively take out each component of the set (suggestion: Charger and 123 Robot) and gather ideas about what each part might be or do. Save the 123 Robot itself for last.
materials as they are unboxed. Allow students to handle the materials and pass them around.
- FacilitateFacilitate active listening and engagement with one another by taking notes about their initial impressions of the robots on the board. Note what things are of particular importance to them, or what questions they have that may be answered in the Play section.
- OfferOffer positive reinforcement for creative ideas and impressions, as well as careful observations.
- Organize your 123 components before the big reveal. Is there an order in which you want to unveil each component? While making it seem like you’re “unboxing” the components for the first time with the children, it may be helpful to do this for yourself ahead of time in preparation for the lab. In doing so, you can make sure that you have all the components ready to go.
- The 123 Robot usually has enough of an initial charge for the unboxing, but you may want to plan charging routines. For more information about how to use the 123 Robot, see the Using the VEX 123 Robot VEX Library article.
- If students are older, teach a synchronized lesson: one where the students each follow along with the teacher with their own 123 Robots and complete individual Feature Charts and Wonder Boards.
- Students are likely going to be excited and eager to touch and play with the robots. This unit is laid out to honor that enthusiasm, while putting parameters on how those initial interactions go, in order to set the students up for success with their 123 Robots.
- Remind students frequently that they will all have a chance to test and play with the 123 Robots, and that learning the basics will help them be successful down the road.
- Positively reinforce patience and good turn-taking skills among students. Offer those listening extra “jobs” or turns throughout the labs.
- After completing the initial introductory labs, have the 123 Robots during “Choice Time” or “Center Time” in your classroom, for students to continue to play out their ideas.