What is Wonder Workshop?
Wonder Workshop is the creator of the Dash, Dot and Cue robots! Wonder Workshop combines the materials and resources for teachers to implement coding and robotics into their classroom. Through this program, teachers are given all the resources and professional development in one place. No experience needed! The robots provided through this program are age appropriate and students are able to collaboratively use problem solving skills and learn together. Students and teachers love the ability to personalize these robots through FREE software and apps. Students can complete puzzles and challenges. Finally, teachers can explore standards based lesson planning. Oh, and an added BONUS… Once you and your students excel through the programs and curriculum, you can also enter a Robotics League! How cool!
Wonder Workshop teaches Coding and Robotics!
Wonder Workshop provides resources for teachers to teach students coding and robotics. There is a Learn to Code Curriculum provided that covers 6 coding concepts and uses project based assessments. Every lesson builds upon one another to advance students to the next level of coding and robotics.
Coding and Robotics is taught to students in a variety of forms. For example, teachers will start with the scope and sequence provided in the curriculum. Then you will find multiple activities that are cross curricular allowing students to apply skills to STEAM related content. There are a variety of leveled apps, challenge cards, notebooks and even an applied robotics curriculum.
What is the Cue Robot?
As a 5th Grade teacher in a 1:1 classroom, I was given the opportunity to program and work with my students using the Cue Robot. Cue is geared for ages 11+ and students who are ready for text-based coding.
The Cue features are mind blowing! Everything is included from the powered wheels, motors, transmitters, sensors, microphone, speakers, real-time bluetooth and more!
There are multiple accessory packages available for the Cue to enhance engagement and learning! This was probably my students favorite part because we had an opportunity for the first time to DRAW WITH THE ROBOT! YES! You read that correctly, we were in shock! The robot holds markers and draws off of the program commands. This was definitely the coolest thing! There are other available accessories such as constructing, launching and building. 100%, this was new to my students and they loved it!
My FIRST Experience with the Cue Robot!
Some of my students have been a part of my school’s Stem Club and have had experience working with the Dash Robot previously. So needless to say, they were super excited for a summer gathering to test out our new friend!
The set up was easy, as Cue already came charged. It took about 15 minutes to download the app and get started.
We first began by chatting on the app with Cue and deciding on the Avatar. Then off Cue went as my students used their tablet to control Cue like a remote control car! This was using the Wonder platform in the app. Like I said, they have had experience using Wonder Workshop robots in Stem Club.
Then my students began some block-based challenges through the app. It was a great opportunity not only to practice their skill set, but to collaborate as well. The app also provides examples of challenges and tracks the students progress.
After we had time discovering and programming through the app, we then moved onto the drawing accessory I spoke of before. WHOA! I don’t know how to explain it but we all were so impressed with this accessory and the fact that we drew shapes with a robot!
How Do I plan on Implementing the Cue Robot in my 5th Grade ELA Classroom?
There are a variety of ways for teachers to implement robotics into their classroom. Also, Wonder Workshop provides tools and suggestions to do so.
I am going to implement Cue into my classroom this year in a few different ways to see in which manner fits best. I am an 5th Grade ELA teacher with two classes during the day (50+ students).
So here’s what I am going to try:
- Friday afternoon is Coding Day. I am going to implement Cue on a rotation to small groups. Here is where I will use the apps, challenge cards, and obviously the awesome accessory… the drawing kit!
- During my Reading block I am going to use Cue as a Reading station. Students will be able to collaborate through STEAM challenges.
I will definitely take the first few weeks of school to introduce Cue during our morning meetings whole group and model some basic coding lessons using my tablet and the app under my projector for all to see. During this time I will follow the scope and sequence in the curriculum.
Is there Professional Development to teach Wonder?
As a teacher, in which ways to you like attending professional development? I ask because, Wonder Workshop offers a variety of professional development tools and ways for teachers with no experience to learn. Such as:
So trust me, you will be given a variety of professional development routes that fit your needs.
The Wonder Workshop course modules are fantastic! They are self paced and allow you time to learn, pause, try and return to learn more. I especially love the videos! I am currently working my way through the course modules in the online course. It is fantastic for me, as a teacher mama, to be able to pause and come back to the course as needed. The course provides articles, videos, examples and more to help you wrap your brain around operating and implementing robotics into your classroom.
Giveaway Time!
Wonder Workshop is giving away TWO prize packages on WeAreTeachers. The winners get to choose between two amazing prize options.
Giveaway Option #1:
The Elementary Wonder Pack: Comes with Wonderโs award-winning Dash and Dot robots, accessories, and curriculum guides. Accessories, like a Xylophone, Launcher, Building Brick Connectors, Sketch Kit, and an Accessories Kit, all help students use their imagination and problem solve. Plus, it includes a one-year subscription to Wonderโs Digital Activities Library for more project ideas. New and included in the Elementary Pack: The Gripper Building Kit an easy-to-build set of functioning arms that expand your robotโs literal reachโand potential!
Giveaway Option #2:
The Middle School Wonder Pack: This bundle will encourage design thinking with its two (2) award-winning Cue robots and the new Gripper Building Kit. Also, notebooks for creative writing, game design, and innovation. Plus, a one-year subscription to Wonderโs Digital Activities Library for more skill building for middle school students. New and included for the Middle School Pack: The Gripper Building Kit and the new Blaster Power for Cue (above) bring the fun as a motorized projectile-launching accessories!
*Giveaway ends August 14, 2019 @ 11:59 p.m. central time.
