Lego Robotics Advanced - Mechanisms & Programming (Term 4)

Program Introduction

Our 8-week LEGO Robotics Advanced – Mechanisms & Programming course takes students beyond the basics into the world of larger, more capable robots. Using the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime system, students build a robust, competition-ready driving base, explore precision control techniques, and design advanced mechanisms to complete single-mission challenges.

This module is perfect for graduates of LEGO Robotics - Module B: Creative Challenges & Mini Robotics League or students with prior robotics experience who are ready to tackle more complex builds, advanced coding concepts, and real-world engineering problem-solving.

Age Range: Grades 4-6

Duration: 8 weeks for module
Cost: $40 per week, paid per term - $320
Format: Weekly 90-minute classes (Mondays)
Oct 13, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Oct 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 3, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 10, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 17, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Dec 1, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Class Size: 20max, laptop and dedicated robotic kit between 2 for maximum engagement & teamwork. 


Why Parents Love It

Bigger Builds, More Possibilities: Students use the advanced SPIKE Prime kit to create stronger, faster, and more versatile robots.
Serious Skill Growth: Introduces gearing, advanced attachments, and multi-sensor programming.
Pathway to Competition: Prepares students for Advanced Module B and eventual LEGO League events.
Real-World Applications: Lessons simulate the problem-solving challenges of real robotics competitions.

 

Benefits for Your Child

Engineering Skills: Learn stability, gearing ratios, and reinforced construction.
Advanced Coding: Apply variables, loops, and conditionals to complex programs.
Sensor Mastery: Use multiple sensors for precise autonomous navigation.
Problem-Solving: Tackle complex missions with strategic thinking.
Team Collaboration: Work effectively in pairs or small teams to achieve a common goal.


Learning Outcomes

On completing LEGO Robotics Advanced – Mechanisms & Programming, your child will:

- Be confident building robust, competition-ready robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime.
- Understand advanced building concepts such as chassis stability, gearing ratios, and reinforced construction.
- Apply precision control using rotations, degrees, and the Gyro Sensor for accurate navigation.
- Design and integrate modular attachments for specialised mission tasks.
- Explore gearing and mechanical advantage to optimise speed and torque.
- Program and execute single-mission challenges using variables, loops, and conditionals.
- Refine robot performance through iterative testing and improvements.
- Present and explain their robot design and coding decisions in a showcase session.
- Be ready for LEGO Robotics Advanced Module B – Competition Prep & Multi-Mission Strategy, where they’ll link multiple missions, develop advanced strategies, and simulate full competition matches in preparation for LEGO League.

 

What we will do each week

Week 1 – Introduction & Competition -Ready Driving Base

Objective: Familiarise students with the SPIKE Prime hardware and begin building a robust, competition-ready driving base.

Activities:

  • Identify and organise SPIKE Prime parts (Hub, motors,
    sensors, beams, gears).
  • Connect the Hub to a device via Bluetooth.
  • Explore the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App interface.
  • Learn about chassis design principles for stability and
    strength.
  • Begin building a competition-ready driving base.

Skills: Hardware recognition, software navigation, foundational chassis engineering.

Outcome: Understanding of SPIKE Prime hardware and the start of a stable, competition-capable robot
base.

Week 2 – Precision Control with Rotations & Degrees

Objective: Learn to program precise and repeatable robot movements using motor rotations and degrees.

Activities:

  • Complete driving base build.
  • Program forward and backward movements using motor rotation
    counts.
  • Program exact turns using degrees.
  • Test and adjust for accuracy on a flat surface.
  • Compare timed movements vs. rotation-based movements.

Skills: Motor control with precision, distance/turn calibration, accuracy testing.

Outcome: Ability to program the robot for consistent, predictable movement.

Week 3 – Gyro Sensor Navigation

Objective: Use the Gyro Sensor to improve turning accuracy and maintain heading during runs.

Activities:

  • Attach and configure the Gyro Sensor in the Hub.
  • Calibrate the Gyro before movement.
  • Program 90° and 180° Gyro turns.
  • Maintain a straight path using heading correction.
  • Compare Gyro-based navigation with rotation-only control.

Skills: Gyro calibration, accurate turning, straight-line heading correction.

Outcome: Reliable turns and straight driving for improved mission accuracy.

Week 4 – Advanced Attachments

Objective: Design and integrate attachments for completing specific mission tasks.

Activities:

  • Learn different attachment mounting methods (axle-based,
    pin-based, modular).
  • Build at least one functional attachment (e.g., pusher,
    grabber, lifter).
  • Program robot to use the attachment in a simple mission.
  • Test and refine for stability and repeatability.

Skills: Mechanical design, attachment integration, functional testing.

Outcome: Ability to build and use mission-specific attachments effectively.

Week 5 – Gearing & Mechanical Advantage

Objective: Understand and apply gear ratios to change speed or torque
for specific mission needs.

Activities:

  • Learn gear ratio basics using gear trains.
  • Build examples for increasing torque vs. increasing speed.
  • Apply gearing to an existing attachment.
  • Test performance changes with and without gearing.

Skills: Mechanical
advantage, gear ratio calculation, application to robot functions.

Outcome: Understanding
of when and how to use gears to improve mission performance.

Week 6 – Single-Mission Programming

Objective: Program the robot to autonomously complete one full mission
from start to finish.

Activities:

  • Choose a simple mission from a challenge mat.
  • Plan the build, attachments, and navigation needed.
  • Program the sequence from base to mission and back.
  • Use loops, conditionals, and sensors to increase reliability.
  • Test and refine for consistent results.

Skills: Sequencing, integrated programming, mission execution.

Outcome: Ability to complete a mission autonomously with reliability.

Week 7 – Mission Testing & Refinement

Objective: Improve mission consistency and optimise performance through iteration.

Activities:

  • Analyse mission performance results from Week 6.
  • Identify sources of error (mechanical, coding, alignment).
  • Apply improvements one step at a time.
  • Test multiple consecutive runs for consistency.

Skills: Troubleshooting, iterative improvement, reliability testing.

Outcome: Increased
mission success rate and reduced errors.

Week 8 – Showcase & Review

Objective: Present the robot and demonstrate technical skills learned
throughout the module.

Activities:

  • Prepare robot for final demonstration.
  • Present build features, attachment designs, and programming
    logic.
  • Run the mission for an audience or peers.
  • Reflect on progress and identify next steps.

Skills: Public speaking, technical explanation, performance demonstration.

Outcome: Confidence in
explaining and showcasing advanced robotics work, readiness for competition
strategy in Advanced Module B.
Whats Next - Our Learning Pathway

LEGO Robotics Advanced: (Module B)

8 Weeks – Grades 4–6
Builds on Module A by focusing on competition readiness. Students master multi-sensor decision-making, advanced navigation, modular attachments, and mission strategy, culminating in a full in-class competition event.

In this module, students will:
• Plan mission order and develop strategies for maximum points.
• Refine complex line-following with proportional control.
• Combine multiple sensors for adaptive, reliable mission runs.
• Design quick-swap attachments for efficiency between missions.
• Link multiple missions into one continuous program.
• Optimise speed and accuracy through refinement sessions.
• Simulate official LEGO League-style matches with scoring and rules.
• Compete in a final tournament and present their design and code.

Outcome:
Students graduate Module B competition-ready, equipped with the skills, strategies, and confidence to join FIRST® LEGO® League or other competitive robotics events.
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FAQs

Can I leave my child?

Yes you may leave your child or you are welcome to stay for the session, there working space for laptops and guest WIFI.

Who will host the session?

An experienced team member from PCE will run the session. We have educational experience and a passion for chess. Every team member at PCE holds an active WWC check, and Pop Culture Essentials adheres to strict WWC guidelines.

Is PCE "Working With Children Compliant"?

Yes Pop Culture Essentials is registered with the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian and all team members are Working With Children certified.