Exploring Math with Blue-Bot
Exploring Math with Blue-Bot engages students in an exciting, dynamic, and fun environment as they code robots to practice key math skills. The lessons and online activities are based on the K-3 Common Core State Standards Initiative for Math. Even if your state has adopted different math standards, the skills likely connect directly to the ones you use, making this curriculum a perfect addition to your STEM program!
TOC - View a PDF of the Table of Contents
PREVIEW - View a selection of sample lesson pages
ACCESS - Log in to Exploring Math with Blue-Bot
Exploring Math with Blue-Bot activities focus on Blue-Bot, but most are also compatible with Bee-Bot. Each of 10 chapters includes a set of lessons that progress from easier to more difficult concepts.
- Counting
- Add & Subtract
- Place Value
- Measure & Compare
- Shapes
- Time
- Money
- Showing Data
- Remote Coding - for Blue-Bots only
- Advanced Topics
The 77 lessons include multiple activities that use the floor robot as well as the Blue-Bot Online Emulator that runs in any browser. Many of the 250+ emulator activities use enhanced features not available in the free version, thus expanding the learning experiences for students.
Some lessons use Blue-Bot’s special features, such as 45° turns and repeat loops, available in the Online Blue-Bot Emulator and when using the TacTile Code Reader and TacTile Code Reader Extension Tile Pack. Students who are familiar with Bee-Bot may be excited to try some of these new features. Some Remote Coding activities do not apply to Bee-Bots, as Bee-Bot is not Bluetooth-enabled and can’t connect to the TacTile Code Reader.
Using these classroom and online tools, young students practice counting and place value, learn to estimate and measure distances, and investigate time and money. Older students can explore the perimeter and area of shapes, take classroom surveys and create bar graphs of the results, and compare fractions—all with their favorite robot. The Teacher Guide explains how to make all activities easier or more challenging to accommodate all students.
Recommended Materials for each chapter include the Card Mat, available from Terrapin, along with other math manipulatives commonly found in the classroom, such as rulers, dice, and dominoes. The TacTile Code Reader with the Extension Tile Pack allows students to control Blue-Bot remotely with more turns and loops. These materials are not required, but give students a more complete experience.
Resources include PDFs that you can download and print. Their images and text labels are perfect to use with the Card Mat. Also included is a Student Record Form to keep track of student progress.
Exploring Math with Blue-Bot is available as a site license for one, two, or three years. All teachers in your school can use the same access code. Students use a 4-digit code to access the online activities.
