My students have loved using the Dash robots from Wonder Workshop so much that I thought they might enjoy some extra time with them over the summer. So, earlier this year, I devised a plan for an Undercover Robots Camp to be held at my house. Last week was the first session, “Spy School.”
Using 4 Dash robots, the campers were divided into teams of 3 for the week. Dash received a letter that he was invited to train to be a secret agent at spy school, and each team took their robot through the different spy courses, such as speaking in Morse code and surveillance. At the end of the week, their robots “graduated” from Spy School.
I’ve never done this before, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. Fortunately, I had a great group of campers who were willing to experiment along with me. Throughout the week, I sprinkled puzzles and crafts (such as creating undercover disguises for the robots) along with the programming challenges, so there were lots of opportunities for every team member to shine and get involved.
My favorite part of the week was the graduation ceremony. The students got so creative with my box of random stuff as they made graduation hats and gowns for their robots! And one of the teams leapt for joy when they finally were able to program their robot to join the graduation procession at the precise time and spot. (Sorry that the video below got prematurely cut when I ran out of space on my phone. Oh, and one robot got replaced right before the final ceremony due to low battery power!)
This week is our second session, where Dash has his first assignment as a bona-fide secret agent looking for the saboteur of a robot pageant. I’ll let you know next week how our undercover spies do in foiling the plot!
UPDATE 9/3/17: My Spy School curriculum is now available for purchase here!
That sounds so cool! What a great experience for them-I bet they had a blast!
I am having as much fun as they are having!
Would love to know more about the activities themselves. My son and daughter love their Dash and Dot robots, but I’m not super knowledgeable about how to expand their activities with them beyond what is offered on the iPad app.
Have you taken a look at the YouTube videos Wonder Workshop has? Those could give your kids some ideas. I am working on putting together the curriculum I’m making for the sessions, so I will share when it’s more organized. 🙂
I’m curious if you have completed this! I am debating starting an after school program with our robots and would love this curriculum!
Hi Traci, I haven’t made a publishable copy of my plans – it’s all in Terri-shorthand right now. Have you tried the Wonder League Clubs page? I believe they have resources. If not, feel free to e-mail me at engagetheirminds@gmail.com and I can send you some of the missions from their recent competitions, which are great for clubs.
Traci – I just published my Spy School plans here for purchase – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Undercover-Robots-Camp-Spy-School-3371957