Sample of use in education with students with IDD
Connecting robotics to personal expression and creativity engages underrepresented students and builds empathy, design-thinking, and motivation.
Activity Title: "My Helpful Robot Friend"
Target Group:
Students aged 10–16 with mild to moderate IDD
Group size: 2–4 students per team (peer-assisted setup)
Learning Objectives:
Identify real-world problems and design simple robotic solutions
Express ideas through storytelling and basic programming
Develop communication, collaboration, and fine motor skills
Use accessible robotics kits (e.g., LEGO WeDo, Bee-Bot, Dash & Dot)
Materials Needed:
Visual story prompt cards (pictures of home, school, park, etc.)
Robotics kit (LEGO WeDo, Bee-Bot, or similar)
Tablet/laptop with block-based programming interface (Scratch, Blockly)
Large drawing paper, markers, printed robot face templates
Optional: audio-recording tools (for non-verbal students)
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Warm-Up (15 minutes)
Show 2–3 visual story prompts (e.g., a school cafeteria with spilled food)
Ask: “What kind of robot could help here?”
Use symbol-supported communication boards if needed (PCS, PECS)
2. Create the Story (20 minutes)
Students choose or draw a character (the robot) and setting
Support them in developing a short story:
“This is MaxBot. He helps clean up the cafeteria when lunch is over.”
Use storyboards or voice-recording for students with limited writing skills
3. Design the Robot (30 minutes)
Students assemble a simple robot to match their story (appearance + function)
Use visual instructions or pre-built modules to reduce cognitive load
Add “faces,” stickers, or decorations to personalize their robot
4. Program the Robot (30 minutes)
Using block-based code, create simple sequences:
Move forward
Turn left
Play a sound
Program actions that match the story (e.g., move to the spill, beep to signal cleanup)
Provide choices between 2–3 blocks to scaffold learning (using yes/no prompts or symbols)
5. Present the Story (15–20 minutes)
Students act out their story with the robot
For non-verbal students: story can be told with recorded narration, signs, or pictures
Encourage peer applause and positive reinforcement
