Programmable robots and on-screen robot simulations provide engaging practical learning in mathematics (shape, position and movement, angle, measurement & problem solving) in the primary classroom.

The trick, of course, in a primary classroom is to make the mathematics age and stage appropriate, and to set the required problem-solving in a context which will help engage all learners.  Thus the robot becomes whatever the creative teacher and pupils want it to be, and the journey or route for that robot then becomes a part of a story.  And so the fun begins!

Click here for a video showing one use of the Roamerworld online simulation of the Roamer programmable robot in the primary school, using UK and Europe map contexts.

Here you will find links to resources to support the use of Infant Video Toolkit software from 2Simple, Bee-Bot and Pro-Bot robots from TTS, Roamer robot from Valiant Technology, MSW Logo software and Roamerworld software.

Dr Techniko – for the youngest primary school pupils Nikos Michalakis on his Dr Techniko site has provided examples of how to introduce the concept of programming to the youngest children, without using any computers or other devices.

For a study on the effect of using programmable robots in the classroom see “Robotic toys as a catalyst for mathematical problem solving” in which Kate Highfield describes a series of tasks in which robotic toys are used to develop young children’s mathematical and metacognitive skills. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Robotic+toys+as+a+catalyst+for+mathematical+problem+solving%3A+Kate…-a0229718052

For an excellent guide for teachers on using the Bee-Bot in the primary classroom see the “ICT Learning Innovation Centre’s Guide to using Bee-Bots in the Early Phase” from the Queensland Government’s Department of Education, Training & the Arts. This resource has been developed to help teachers make Bee-Bots integral to learning in Early Phase Classrooms and was developed by Kristine Kopelke, Project Officer – ICT Learning Innovation Centre: http://elresources.skola.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/doc_669_2468_beebotguideA4v2.pdf

For a livebinder by 2Sparkley with ideas, links to blogs where the Bee-Bot is being used,  lesson plans and videos on use of BeeBot programmable robot see http://ow.ly/4cUdZ

The Macquarie ICT innovations Centre in New South Wales has a blog for teachers and pupils to post examples of early years classroom activities with Bee-Bots. http://web2.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/01001/

Click on the following link for resources for using a Bee-Bot created as part of a project: http://bee-bot.wikispaces.com/resources

For supplier details for the Bee-Bot, Constructa-Bot and Pro-Bot visit the  TTS Pro-Bot site http://www.tts-group.co.uk/shops/tts/Products/PD1723580/Pro-Bot/

For a Slideshow guide by Karen Fox to using Pro-Bot in the classroom see http://www.slideshare.net/foxkaren/probot-activity-guide

Simon Haughton has a series of lessons on using the ProBot in the primary classroom http://simonhaughton.typepad.com/ict/pro-bot-lessons/

Kent ICT website has a comprehensive range of resources supporting the use of the BeeBot, Roamer, Logo and much more – including a progression of skills, I-can statements, lessons, ready-made activities and resources http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/kentict/kentict_theme_cs_ind.cfm

Roamer has its own website at http://www.valiant-technology.com/uk/pages/roamer_home.php?cat=1&1

Roamerworld FAQ can be found at

http://www.easynoodle.co.uk/rw-faq

Hull Grid for Learning has also produced a step-by-tep printable guide to using Roamer in the classroom.  Click below for this resource:

http://www.hgfl.org/index.cfm?s=1&m=1&p=104,view_resource&start=501&kw=&el=&sc=0&id=1549

For a list of links to Logo tutorials see http://www.ecawa.asn.au/home/jfuller/logotut/logo20.htm

And at http://www.softronix.com/logo.html

And from Ambleside Primary school you will find an extensive guide to using logo in the primary classroom.  Resources are lid out in a structured way, there are a multitude of examples with step-by-step gudies.  there are also many links to further Logo resources.  And there is a good description of the benefits of using Logo in the primary clasroom with all ages and stages.

http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/logo/mswintro.htm

Simon Haughton has a great series of lessons for using Logo in the primary school, along with reflective comments on the purpose and benefits: http://simonhaughton.typepad.com/ict/logo-programming/

Online Logo is a free to use online tool for using Logo. It has descriptions of Logo commands and, in addition, has a series of challenges. Each challenge provides a link back to the command instructions, and users can jump to any challenge

Micro:Bits for Primary Schools – a great site by primary school teacher and university lecturer Neil Rickus which details how the BBC Micro:Bit can be used as a programmable device by learners in a primary school. There is a raft of resources (and suggestions for alternative devices too).