Terrapin Resources

Meet your Bee-Bot

What do the different buttons do?

Moving the Bee-Bot

The Bee-Bot moves forward and back, one step at a time. One step is equal to 6 inches, 15 centimeters, or 1 length of the Bee-Bot.

TRY IT: Press the Forward button one time, then press the GO button. The Bee-Bot will move forward one unit.

TRY IT: Press the X button to clear out those commands, and to put in a new set of commands. Press the Forward button two times, then press Go. The Bee-Bot will move forward two units, one at a time.

TRY IT: Clear the previous commands. Press the Back button two times, then press Go. The Bee-Bot will move backwards two units.

Press the X button to clear all previously entered commands. Otherwise each new command entered gets added to the end of what has already been entered.

The Bee-Bot moves right or left 90 degrees.

TRY IT: Press the Right button one time, then select Go. The Bee-Bot will turn right 90 degrees.

TRY IT: Combine at least three commands, for example, Forward 1, Left 1 , Back 1. Don’t forget to clear out your old program by selecting the X (Clear) button. Where did your Bee-Bot go?

Introductory Lesson Plans

What is the distance of one unit or step of Bee-Bot?

Overview

Students will determine the distance of 1 unit of Bee-Bot. This will be helpful when using the Bee-Bot and solving future challenges.

Concepts

  • Estimation
  • Distance
  • Measurement

Materials Needed

  • Bee-Bot
  • String or other resource for measuring such as yarn or ribbon
  • Marker
  • Scissors

Activity

Place the Bee-Bot on the floor. Have a student place one end of string next to the front of the Bee-Bot. Another student may press the Forward arrow once and then press Go. The Bee-Bot will move forward one unit. Now mark the string where the front of the Bee-Bot stopped. Cut the string where marked. This represents the distance of one unit of Bee-Bot.

Extension

  • Have students create a name for the unit of measurement.
  • Compare the string to a ruler and see how many inches/centimeters one unit of Bee- Bot represents.
  • Estimate how many units it will take to move Bee-Bot to a designated location in the classroom. Try the program with the robot and see if you were correct, or if you underestimated or overestimated the distance.

Getting to Know You

Overview

Students will apply units of measurement to move the Bee-Bot to another location.

Concepts

  • Estimation
  • Distance
  • Measurement
  • Direction

Materials Needed

  • Bee-Bot

Activity

Have students sit in a circle. One student picks another student sitting in the circle and estimates how many units it will take Bee-Bot to reach the selected student. The first student will estimate, test, and adjust if necessary. Once the Bee-Bot reaches the other student, have that student answer a question before selecting yet another student to program the Bee-Bot to reach. The teacher can ask a question that is general such as what is their favorite animal, movie or book. Or you can incorporate questions from current units of study.

Extension

Addition problems: Write each student’s initial estimate on a chalkboard, dry erase board, or somewhere else where all can see. For example if a student estimates “forward 5”, write 5. If the estimate is too short, put a plus sign next to the 5, creating an addition problem where you can add the additional units needed to reach the desired location. Place the Bee-Bot back where it began, enter the additional units and select Go. (Bee-Bot remembers the previous entry.) OR clear Bee-Bot’s memory by selecting the Clear (X) key, and then enter the new estimated total.

Apply the same concept for subtraction. If the Bee-Bot goes too far students can use the back button to take away steps. Make sure you place the Bee-Bot back where it started.

Don’t forget the Bee-Bot holds all previous commands entered, and adds new ones onto the end. You can delete previous commands by selecting the clear button.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance of one unit of Bee-Bot?

One unit is equal to 6 inches, 15 centimeters, of 1 length of the Bee-Bot.

Best way to care for your Bee-Bot

Use this link and click on “How Do I Get Started with my ‘Bot?”

How many commands can Bee-Bot hold?

The original Bee-Bot can hold up to 40 commands at one time. The newer See and Say Bee-Bot can hold up to 200 commands at a time.

How do I clear the Bee-Bot’s program?

Select the X button to clear all previous commands given to the Bee-Bot.

Where is the power switch for the Bee-Bot?

The power switch is located on the bottom side of the Bee-Bot.

Where is the battery located?

The battery is located on the bottom of the Bee-Bot.

How do I turn the sound off?

The switch to turn the sound on and off is located on the bottom side of the Bee-Bot.

How do I charge the Bee-Bot?

Use this link and click on “How Do I Charge my ‘Bot?”

My Bee-Bot won’t charge

Use this link and click on “My Bee-Bot/Blue-Bot Won’t Charge!”

What is the best way to maximize battery life?

Use this link and click on “How Do I Maximize Battery Life?”

Tips to troubleshoot robot problems

Use this link to get to the Troubleshooting Tips page, and click on the applicable headings.

Technical Specifications

Bee-Bot Rechargeable

Bee-Bot Battery Operated