Note: The Blue-Bot needs to be charged before its first use. The power and sound switch need to be set to OFF in order for Blue-Bot to charge. The switches are located underneath the robot.

What do the different buttons do?

The Blue-Bot can move by four directional steps: forward, back, left or right, one step at a time. One step is equal to 15 centimeters (6 inches) or 1 length of the Blue-Bot. The Blue-Bot can make a left or right 90 degree turn. Making a turn is not the same as moving in a directional step.

Go Blue-Bot Go!

Overview : Students will determine the distance of 1 unit of Blue-Bot. This will be helpful when using the Blue-Bot and for solving future challenges.

Concepts

• Estimation
• Distance
• Measurement
  
  

Materials Needed

• Blue-Bot
• String or other resource for measuring such as yarn or ribbon
• Marker
• Scissors
  
  

Activity
Place the Blue-Bot on the floor. Have a student place one end of string next to the front of the Blue-Bot. Another student may press the Forward arrow button once and then press Go. The Blue-Bot will move forward one unit. Mark the string where the front of the Blue-Bot stopped. Cut the string where marked. This represents the distance of one unit of Blue-Bot.

Extension

• Have students create a name for the unit of measurement.
• Compare the string to a ruler and see how many inches/centimeters one unit of Blue- Bot represents.
• Estimate how many units it will take to move Blue-Bot to a designated location in the classroom. Try the program with the robot and see if you were correct, or if you underestimated or overestimated the distance.

Getting to Know You

Overview: Students will apply units of measurement to move the Blue-Bot to another location.

Concepts

• Estimation
• Distance
• Measurement
• Direction
  
  

Materials Needed

• Blue-Bot
  
  

Activity

Have the students sit in a circle. One student begins by choosing another student sitting across the circle and then estimates how many units it will take Blue-Bot to reach the selected student. The student who goes first will estimate, test, and adjust if necessary. Once the Blue-Bot reaches the other student, have that student answer a question before selecting yet another student to program the Blue-Bot to reach. The teacher can ask a question that is general such as what is their favorite animal, movie or book. Or you can incorporate questions from current units of study.

Extension

• Addition problems: Write each student's initial estimate on a chalkboard, dry erase board, or somewhere else where all can see. For example if a student estimates “forward 5”, write 5. If the estimate is too short, put a plus sign next to the 5, creating an addition problem where you can add the additional units needed to reach the desired location. Place the Blue-Bot back where it began, enter the additional units and select Go. (Blue-Bot remembers the previous entry.) OR clear Blue-Bot's memory by selecting the Clear (X) key, and then enter the new estimated total.
• Apply the same concept for subtraction. If the Blue-Bot goes too far students can use the back button to take away steps. Make sure you place the Blue-Bot back where it started.
  
  

Don’t forget that the Blue-Bot holds all previous commands entered. Unless the Clear (X) key is pressed, the Blue-Bot will include its previous commands, adding any new ones which you enter onto the end of the whole program. You can delete previous commands to start over with a fresh command sequence by selecting the Clear button (X).

Connect the Tactile Reader with Blue-Bot

The Tactile Reader sends directions to the Blue-Bot through the use of directional tiles placed in the tray.

Connect the Tactile Reader to the Blue-Bot. Turn the Tactile Reader and the Blue-Bot on. Press the connection button on Tactile Reader (this is the blue button). The Blue-Bot's eyes will turn blue, signifying it is connected to the Tactile Reader.

What is the distance of one unit of Blue-Bot?

One unit has a distance of 15 centimeters (6 inches) or 1 length of the Blue-Bot.

Best way to care for your Blue-Bot

Use this link https://doc.terrapinlogo.com/doku.php/robots:robotfaq and click on “How Do I Get Started with my 'Bot?”

How many commands can Blue-Bot hold?

The Blue-Bot can hold up to 200 commands at one time.

How do I clear the Blue-Bot's program?

If you are using the buttons on the back of the robot, press the “X” button. Doing this will clear all the commands which have been previously entered into the Blue-Bot.
If you are using Terrapin Logo software, type bluebot.clear into the listener window.

How do I charge the Blue-Bot?

Use this link https://doc.terrapinlogo.com/doku.php/robots:robotfaq and click on “How Do I Charge my 'Bot?”

My Blue-Bot won't charge

Use this link https://doc.terrapinlogo.com/doku.php/robots:robotfaq and click on “My Bee-Bot/Blue-Bot Won't Charge!”

What is the best way to maximize battery life?

Use this link https://doc.terrapinlogo.com/doku.php/robots:robotfaq and click on “How Do I Maximize Battery Life?”

Tips to troubleshoot robot problems

Use this link https://doc.terrapinlogo.com/doku.php/robots:robotfaq to get to the Troubleshooting Tips page, and click on the applicable headings.

user_guide_and_technical_specs_blue_bot.pdf

user_guide_and_technical_specs_tactile_reader.pdf