Build A Robo-Pet with this coding and robotics program for beginners!

Perhaps you’ve done some coding activities at school (eg, Scratch), or you’re just keen to try coding but don’t know where to start. This Build A 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 use a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 rover to do the following:

🎰 Start using block coding to help your robot navigate through a maze

🐰 Add sound and other features to customise the 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 the 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, including homeschool)

When: 5 consecutive Tuesday afternoons, with drop-off from 4:00pm:

Tuesday 14 October | 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 21 October | 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 28 October | 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 4 November | 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 11 November | 4:15pm - 5:30pm

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

Payment: Online via Humanitix only.

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

Contact: Please contact the SMART Program with any questions via 0448 846 261 or smart@newcastle.edu.au

Please note: this is a beginners program for students with limited previous coding or robotics experience. If your child is already confident with coding, this program is probably not suitable for them.

Enrolments:

Limited to 20 students, based on order of registration via Humanitix. A waitlist will be created if 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

SMART Squad is made possible due to funding from the Australian Government's Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement Grants, providing opportunities for young people in the Lake Macquarie region to engage with STEM.