Lego Robotics - Build & Code Basics (Term 4)

Program Introduction

Our 8-week LEGO Robotics – Module A: Build & Code Basics course is the ideal launchpad for your child’s robotics journey. Using genuine LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential kits, students will learn to design, build, and program robots through fun, hands-on projects and exciting challenges.

No prior experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore. By the end of Module A, your child will be confidently creating robots that move, react, and solve problems, building the foundation they’ll need to tackle the creative projects and mini-competitions in Module B: Creative Challenges & Mini Robotics League.

Age Range: Grades 3–5
Duration: 8 weeks for module
Cost: $40 per week, paid per term - $320
Format: Weekly 90-minute classes
Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Oct 23, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Oct 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 6, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 13, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Nov 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Dec 4, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Class Size: 20max, laptop and dedicated robotic kit between 2 for maximum engagement & teamwork. 

Why Parents Love It

Clear, Structured Pathway: Skills build each week, ensuring steady progress and confidence
Hands-On STEM Learning – Students learn by doing, not just watching.
Confidence & Teamwork: Small group work builds communication and collaboration skills
Future-Ready Skills: Coding, problem-solving, and design thinking that benefit them at school and beyond.

 

Benefits for Your Child

- STEM Skills: Science, technology, engineering, and maths in action.
- Creativity: Design and customise unique robot builds.
- Problem-Solving: Plan, test, and improve solutions.
- Resilience: Learn that testing and refining are part of the process.
- Social Skills: Share ideas, work as a team, and present to peers.


Learning Outcomes

On completing LEGO Robotics – Module A, your child will:

- Be confident building and programming robots with motors and sensors.
- Understand core coding concepts like loops, conditions, and sequences.
- Use the Colour Sensor and Force Sensor to make robots interactive.
- Apply precision control with rotations and degrees.
- Follow the engineering design process to solve challenges.
- Work in teams to complete a collaborative mission.
- Present their robot and code in a showcase session.
- Be ready for LEGO Robotics – Module B: Creative Challenges & Mini Robotics League, where they’ll take on advanced projects, integrate multiple sensors, design functional attachments, plan missions, and compete in a fun in-class robotics league.

 

What we will do each week

Week 1 – Introduction & First Build

Objective: Familiarise students with the SPIKE Essential hardware, software, and block-based coding.

Activities:

  • Unbox and identify parts (Hub, motors, sensors, LEGO bricks).
  • Connect the Hub to a device via Bluetooth.
  • Explore the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App interface.
  • Build a simple moving model (e.g., Merry-Go-Round).
  • Write a basic program to make it move.

Skills: Hardware recognition, software navigation, basic motion commands.

Outcome: Confidence with hardware and running a first program.

Week 2 – Motors & Movement

Objective: Understand how motors work and control movement precisely.

Activities:

  • Build a simple vehicle with 2 wheels and 1 motor.
  • Code forward, backward, and stop commands.
  • Experiment with speed and duration settings.
  • Introduce loops for repeated movements.
  • Challenge: Drive a set distance and stop accurately.

Skills: Motor control, loops, speed/distance relationships.

Outcome: Ability to move robots with precision and control.

Week 3 – Sensors 101 (Colour & Force)

Objective: Use sensors to make robots react to their environment.

Activities:

  • Build a model with a Colour Sensor.
  • Program robot to stop when detecting a specific colour.
  • Introduce the Force Sensor for start/stop actions.
  • Challenge: Colour-based obstacle stop game.

Skills: Sensor integration, conditional statements (if/then).

Outcome: Understanding of sensors and basic conditional programming.

Week 4 – Storytelling with Robotics

Objective: Combine mechanical design and coding to create interactive stories.

Activities:

  • Create a scene (e.g., a fairground ride or animal).
  • Program movement and sound effects.
  • Use loops and sensor triggers to interact with an “audience” or props.
  • Present creation to the class.

Skills: Creative problem solving, multi-step programming, teamwork.

Outcome: Combining coding and creativity in presentations.

Week 5 – Precision Programming & Debugging

Objective: Learn accuracy in coding and how to find/fix errors.

Activities:

  • Maze navigation challenge
  • Use motor rotations for precise turns.
  • Practice debugging by predicting and fixing errors in code.
  • Challenge: Complete maze in minimal steps.

Skills: Precision control, debugging, iteration.

Outcome: Improved accuracy and problem-solving skills.

Week 6 – Introduction to Engineering Design Process

Objective: Apply structured design thinking to robotics builds.

Activities:

  • Define a real-world problem (e.g., delivery bot for school supplies).
  • Plan design on paper before building.
  • Build, test, improve.
  • Document design changes.

Skills: Engineering process, iterative improvement, planning.

Outcome: Applying structured design thinking.

Week 7 – Team Challenge: The Robotics Mission

Objective: Apply skills in a collaborative, timed mission.

Activities:

  • Teams receive a “mission” (e.g., rescue a minifigure, deliver items, or knock over obstacles).
  • Use sensors, loops, and conditions to solve.
  • Limited time build & code session to simulate real-world constraints.

Skills: Collaboration, time management, integrating multiple functions.

Outcome: Collaboration, planning, and strategy.

Week 8 – Showcase & Reflection

Objective: Present and reflect on the learning journey.

Activities:

  • Teams present their robots and explain their code.
  • Live demonstrations for peers or parents.
  • Peer Q&A.
  • Reflection sheet: “What I learned, what I’d do differently, my favorite part.”

Skills: Public speaking, knowledge synthesis, self-assessment.

Outcome: Confidence in public speaking and readiness for Module B.
Whats Next - Our Learning Pathway

LEGO Robotics: (Module B)

8 Weeks – Grades 3–5
Builds on Module A by introducing more complex projects, multiple sensor integration, functional attachments, and mission strategy. Ends with a friendly in-class robotics competition.

In this module, students will:
• Refresh and extend core building and coding skills.
• Design and build functional attachments for specific tasks.
• Combine multiple sensors for smarter robot behaviours.
• Apply the engineering design process to themed challenges.
• Learn how to plan and prioritise missions on a challenge mat.
• Practise linking multiple missions into one run.
• Compete in a Mini Robotics League event under timed conditions.
• Reflect on learning and present their final robots.

Outcome:
Students graduate Module B able to design, build, program, and compete with robots in a mini-tournament format — ready to progress into LEGO Robotics Advanced for competition-level training.

LEGO Robotics Advanced: (Module A)

8 Weeks – Grades 4–6+
The first step into advanced robotics for students graduating from LEGO Robotics Module B or those with prior robotics experience. Using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime kits, students design robust, competition-ready robots and master the technical foundations needed for complex missions.

In this module, students will:
• Build a strong, stable, competition-ready driving base.
• Master precision movement with rotations, degrees, and the Gyro Sensor.
• Explore advanced navigation techniques for consistent performance.
• Design and integrate modular attachments for different missions.
• Learn gearing concepts for speed and torque optimisation.
• Program and refine a robot to complete single-mission challenges.
• Apply iterative testing to improve design and reliability.
• Present and demonstrate their robot in a showcase session.

Outcome:
Students finish Module A with a strong technical foundation, ready to tackle competition strategies and multi-mission runs in Module B.

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.