SMART Squad: Build your own robo-pet

Next date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 | 04:00 PM to 05:15 PM

Perhaps you’ve tried some coding activities at school (eg, Scratch), or you’re just keen to try it but don’t know where to start. This Build your own Robo-pet program will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need get started on your coding and robotics journey.

Across five weeks, you will build a mechanical rover using LEGO® then pair it with a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Intelligent Brick to transform it into a robot. By the end of the program, you will have created your own unique Robo-pet and programmed it using block coding. Sessions will include:

Start using block coding to help your robot navigate through a maze
Add sound to the robot and begin designing accessories for your Robo-pet
Incorporate an ultra-sonic sensor and experiment with coding loops
Attach a mechanical arm and continue coding your robot to respond to sensors
Decorate your Robo-pet and explore more advanced coding functions

There will be plenty of time for open-ended exploration and creativity each week, so you can work at your own pace with support from the SMART* Program’s expert educators.

Ages: 8-12 years (limited to students enrolled in primary school years 3, 4, 5 & 6)

When: 5 consecutive Tuesday afternoons, with drop-off from 3:45pm

Cost: $125 per student (incl. GST) for the 5 sessions

Host: The University of Newcastle's SMART Program and Lake Mac Libraries

Contact: Please contact the SMART Program with any questions via 0488 231 356 or [email protected]

Enrolments:

Limited to 20 students, based on order of registration via Humanitix. A waitlist will be created when all tickets are sold.
Restricted to primary school or registered homeschool students currently enrolled in Years 3, 4, 5, or 6.
Families enrolling 2 or more students are invited to use the discount code FAMILY#25 at checkout and will receive a $25 discount