Unit Overview

Students use their understanding of how robots can help humans to design a program for a robot to retrieve an out-of-reach gem. Pairs well with Engineering Essentials: Designing Lighting Systems. 

  • Grade 1 
  • Setting: In school 
  • Computer Science focus: Computing Systems 
  • Technology: Robots 
  • 5 lessons (7 class sessions) 
  • Optional Math Extension: Addition and Subtraction

Standards alignment

We’ve developed each Computer Science Essentials unit with careful attention to educational standards in computer science, technology and engineering. View Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Students explore foundational concepts related to solving problems with computers. (50–60 min.)

The class reads a story in which Omar loses a gem from his costume for a school performance, and he programs a robot to retrieve it from under the stage. Students also explore writing an algorithm to tell a robot how to move. (60–85 min., 2 sessions)

Students investigate how to program a robot such as the Code & Go® Robot Mouse. (45–60 min.)

Students work together to program a robot to reach a lost item. (45–60 min.)

Students follow the steps of the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, and improve a program to make a robot navigate a maze. (70–100 min., 2 sessions)

Students extend their computational thinking skills to mathematical concepts as they practice strategies for addition and subtraction. (50–70 min.)

What's Included?

  • Teacher Guide (PDF)
  • Illustrated Storybook (PDF)
  • Print Materials (PDF)
  • Teacher Slides (Google Slides and PDFs)
  • Additional Resources