How many kids are in a group
An average of 18 per group, some classes have 25 students, other has 15
How was the Matatalab robot(s) used?
MatataLab was used in Robotics’ classes, with groups of 1st and 2nd grade. It was used to trans computational thinking skills with students, articulating mostly with Maths tasks. In 3rd and 4th grade classes, it was used in English classes, in order to consolidate knowledge and train different sentence structures. Students got familiar with the robot and then used it to train vocabulary skills and develop different abilities in Computational thinking, through the development of pedagogical projects. Students are developing two different projects, “Back to the Moon”, after Tintin’s adventures, and “Around the World in Eight Chapters”, after Jules Verne’s book. In this projects students cover different items of the curriculum, and they added MatataLab to improve their projects. In the first one they designed a game, using 2 dice and the robot to go through the Solar system and learn more about it. In the second one they are discovering different countries around the globe, traveling through a map with our little friend. Students revealed increasing motivation to acquire competences and learn concepts, with the robot, which is a great benefit for them. Both projects were presented at Science on Stage Portugal festival, and “Around the World in Eight Chapters” project was selected to represent Portugal in Science on Stage Europe festival, where we’ll share ideas using MatataLab. In English classes, 3rd and 4th grade students are developing ideas, after the "Colour Monster" book, which can be shared later.
What skills did it develop?
The skills most developed were related to Computational Thinking, analysis, abstraction, automation and debugging, which can be transposed to every learning area. It also contributed to develop communication competences, students’ critical thinking, collaboration spirit and creativity. All these competences will be essential for the next century future jobs.
What worked best and what was challenging?
The most challenging was to create routines to use the robot, as we have large classes, a group of 4 students per robot is the ideal average. Otherwise everything went very well, students got familiarised with the tool, as it is very intuitive, and started developing ideas and collaborating with eachother in planning different mats.
How did students respond?
Students were very responsive and motivated
Share your comments upon the class using Matatalab
I believe this is an awesome tool to introduce offline coding and teach Computational Thinking essentials to students. Afterwards it is a great tool for students to use in an autonomous way, developing their own projects and ideas, either to present new content to colleagues or to consolidate knowledge.
