SMART Squad: Build your own robo-pet

Build your own Robo-pet with this coding and robotics program for beginners!

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

Tuesday 11 March, 2025 | 4.00pm to 5:15pm
Tuesday 18 March, 2025 | 4.00pm to 5:15pm
Tuesday 25 March, 2025 | 4.00pm to 5:15pm
Tuesday 1 April, 2025 | 4.00pm to 5:15pm
Tuesday 8 April, 2025 | 4.00pm to 5:15pm

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

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

Payment: Online via Humanitix only.

Contact: Please contact the SMART Program with any questions via 0488 231 356 or smart@newcastle.edu.au

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

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.