Xtreme STEM
DashX

 

BrickHackerZ

 

 
Course Description
  • Unleash your inner inventor with BrickHackerZ - PetBot! 
  • Build your own robotic pet using LEGO bricks and BitBloX electronic components. 
  • Learn drag-and-drop programming with mBlock to make your pet interactive! 
  • Incorporate BrainBlock (Arduino brain), BlinkBlock (LED lights), WiggleBlock (motor movement), and LightBlock (light sensor).
  • Students will design, build, and program their unique robotic pet from scratch!
  • Students will keep everything they build and take pride in their creation.
  • Perfect for all students - no prior experience required!

Students will create unique robotic pets that they can take home and show off!

Course Details

 

Date
Electrochemistry LabLocations
Ages
  • Junior class: ages 6 - 12
  • Senior class: ages 12 - 17
Length
  • 5 Weeks
  • 1.5 hours per week
Time
  • Mudjimba: Fridays 
    10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (RobotiX - All ages) 
  • See the Schedule Page for detailed dates and class times
Price
  • $40/week - See pricing for details

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STEAM / STEM

STEAM

Robotics teaches

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM)
all together in a synergetic combination.

It is like taking five classes in one!

BitBloX Components

PetBot

This is not your ordinary LEGO robotics class! In BrickHackerZ, students will learn robotics at a deeper level by crafting each BitBloX component from scratch, rather than assembling pre-made kits.

Students keep everything they build!

Participants will gain hands-on skills by drilling holes in plastic blocks, gluing electronic components, and assembling their own BitBloX creations.

Students have the freedom to design a unique robot—whether it's a robotic pet, dinosaur, spaceship, or anything they can imagine!

Each PetBot will incorporate four BitBloX components:

  • BrainBlock: An Arduino microcontroller to power the robot.
  • BlinkBlock: An LED-equipped block that lights up.
  • WiggleBlock: A motorized block that turns 180° back and forth.

Students will program their robots using their own laptops with mBlock.

No prior experience required.

Why Choose DashX?

BrickHackerZ is not your ordinary robotics class – students will not just assemble existing LEGO kits, but will Density Lablearn robotics at a deeper level by building each BitBloX component from scratch.

Students will keep everything they make!

Students will learn hands-on skills as they drill, glue, design, assemble, solder, and program their robotic pets!

BrickHackerZ is different; students not only gain skills, they take pride in building their own unique pet robot.

DashX provides challenging opportunities. Many students will struggle, and then find incredible joy and confidence as they overcome obstacles.

Children love to learn when it is done right!

Notes, videos, and links are online.
Students can catch-up or dive deeper at home if they miss a lesson or want to do more with it.
(See this term's Lesson Plans)

 

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Pricing

Only $40/week!
5 Week Course

Pricing Weeks Price Total
Tuition 5 $40 $200

 

10% Family Discount for families with 2+ kids

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Materials Needed

BitBloX
  • Laptop Laptop
  • Pencil Pencil
  • Eraser Eraser (rubber)
  • Notebook Notebook (paper)
  • Ruler Ruler

 

Materials Details

Laptop Laptop - Mac or Windows - iPads won't work
Limited laptops will be available to borrow.
Nothing fancy is needed, any laptop new or even very old will work.

Students will build and keep their BitBloX PetBot project.
BitBloX components include: BrainBlock (Arduino), BlinkBlock (LED), WiggleBlock (motor), MagBlock (sensor).

 

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Weekly Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics

Learn the basics of robotics and get introduced to BitBloX components. Explore what makes a robot and brainstorm pet robot ideas.

Week 2: BrainBlock & Programming

Build the BrainBlock (Arduino microcontroller) and learn basic programming with mBlock drag-and-drop interface.

Week 3: Movement with WiggleBlock

Add the WiggleBlock motor component to make your pet robot move. Learn about gears and mechanical motion.

Week 4: Sensors & MagBlock

Incorporate the MagBlock sensor for interactive responses. Program your pet to react to magnetic stimuli.

Week 5: Final Assembly & Customization

Combine all components, add BlinkBlock lights, and customize your unique PetBot. Present your creation!

Key Concepts

Circuits & Electronics

Understanding basic circuits, LEDs, motors, and sensors in robotics.

Programming Logic

Learning programming concepts through visual drag-and-drop coding.

Mechanical Design

Building and assembling mechanical components for robot movement.

Robotics Integration

Combining hardware and software to create interactive robotic systems.

Problem Solving

Debugging and troubleshooting to overcome challenges in building.

Creativity & Design

Designing unique robotic pets and expressing creativity through building.

Safety Information

Electrical Safety: Students will work with low-voltage electronics and batteries. Adult supervision required for soldering and wiring.

Tool Safety: Use of drills, cutters, and assembly tools. Safety glasses and proper handling techniques will be taught.

General Safety: No running in the workshop area. Keep small parts away from young children. Wash hands after handling electronic components.

All safety protocols will be explained at the start of each class.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can parents attend with students?
GateBotA: Absolutely! In-fact we encourage it.

Q: What if I don't have a laptop (or only have an iPad)?
A: There are laptops available to borrow during class (by prior arrangment)

Q: My child has trouble reading/writing will they still be able to participate?
A: Absolutely! We work with students of all ages and abilities. Parents can also attend to assist.

Q: What is my child loves technology, but has little or no experience?
A: We work with students at all ages and ability levels. No prior experience is required.

Q: Do students need to bring LEGO bricks?
A: Basic LEGO bricks are provided. Students may bring additional pieces to customize their PetBot.

Q: What programming language will we use?
A: We use mBlock, a visual drag-and-drop programming language based on Scratch. No coding experience needed!

 

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