Bee-Bot Robot - A Teaching Tool Available at CanadianClassroom.com | Toronto Teacher Mom

Bee-Bot Robot - A Teaching Tool Available at CanadianClassroom.com

Monday, December 11, 2017

Bee-Bot Robot - CanadianClassroom.com
Last week was Computer Science Education Week. It's one of my favourite times of the year because I get to play teach and share something I love so much - coding. This is the third year that I have participated in the Hour of Code and I love that students can easily switch the language to French on code.org. But sometimes, especially with my younger students, it can be a time-consuming task to have the students log on to the computers and get things started. Although it is easier on the iPads, they may already be reserved. And with 30 minute-periods, I want to take advantage of every minute I can get. This is why I was so thrilled to review a complimentary Bee-Bot programmable floor robot from Canadian Classroom.

Bee-Bot Robot - CanadianClassroom.com

I had first learned about Bee-Bot when I attended Steven Floyd's workshop at OECTA’s Technology Summit: Get Your Head Out of Your Apps conference last spring. I knew instantly that it would be the perfect tool for introducing programming to my primary French students. 

Bee-Bot Robot - CanadianClassroom.com

With the exception of the "GO" button, the commands are symbols so you can use the Bee-Bot in virtually any language class. In fact, not only did I create French sequence cards for my new Bee-Bot, I also translated them into Spanish at the request of a teacher who I connected with on Twitter. 

Bee-Bot Robot sequence cards
I printed them onto card stock and made multiple sets. Since I only have one Bee-Bot, the students could work in groups to collaborate on a possible sequence of commands (an algorithm) that will navigate Bee-Bot on the floor mat that I had created using two poster boards and black electrical tape to create a grid with 15cm by 15 cm squares. 

Bee-Bot Robot - CanadianClassroom.com

When I first brought Bee-Bot to class, the room was abuzz with excitement. On the second day, I brought in some chips or markers and gave one to each student. Then I created various algorithms and students had to predict where Bee-Bot would arrive. I then invited students one-by-one to input a single command as we went around the circle and then watched Bee-Bot follow the sequence. It was a lot of fun!

Bee-Bot Robot - CanadianClassroom.com

Aside from the fact that Bee-Bot's expression is irresistibly cute, what I love most about Bee-Bot is that it is so easy to use. There are two buttons on the bottom, one to power on the motion, the other turns on the lights and sounds. You will also find the charging port to be used with the charging cable that is included with the robot. Plus, you can find so many great resources and ideas online, such as  these Bee-Bot Teaching Cards and Bee-Bot Activities provided by Canadian Classroom.
  

Bee-Bot is available for purchase from Canadian Classroom for $123 and is suitable for children ages 3 years and up. And Bee-Bots are not only great for the classroom. They would make a great toy for the kids to explore at home, too! Check out this and other great teaching tools at canadianclassroom.com.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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13 COMMENTS

  1. This sounds different, and sorry honestly very confusing to me, must be my age..lol

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  2. This looks very interesting and educational.

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  3. WOW! I wish Bee-Bots was around when I was learning French. It's a very cool learning tool.

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  4. Now that would be a fun teaching tool.

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  5. Bee-Bot sounds like a great way for kids to learn about coding. I can well understand your students loving this and kids learn easily when it's fun.

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  6. A great way to introduce coding to kids.

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  7. I have never heard of Bee-Bot! I think my boys would love to have Bee-Bot in their classrooms!

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  8. It is a little bit expensive but I see that kids can learn coding with Bee-Bot much faster!

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  9. This would be such a fun toy to have.

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  10. Thanks for sharing what a great way to have fun and learn !

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  11. Looks liek a nice educational toy

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  12. https://padlet.com/daousta/p2xvrs1zahh4
    J'adore Monsieur Bee-Bot! We used them for both 1/2 and 3/4 Core French (les directions coupled with winter clothing). Here is a Padlet with some of our resources. Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for sharing! Will definitely check out your Padlet. Merci!

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