Meet Your Bee-Bot
What do the different buttons do?
The “See & Say” Bee-Bot has three switches underneath, for power, sound, and sensor.
Moving the Bee-Bot
Bee-Bot moves forward and back, one step at a time. One step is equal to 6 inches, 15 centimeters, or 1 length of Bee-Bot.
TRY IT: Press the Forward button one time, then press the GO button. 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. 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. 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.
Bee-Bot moves right or left 90 degrees.
TRY IT: Press the Right button one time, then select Go. 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 Bee-Bot go?
Introductory Lesson Plans
Lesson 1: 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 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 Bee-Bot on the floor.
- Have a student place one end of string next to the front of Bee-Bot.
- Another student presses the Forward arrow once and then presses Go. Bee-Bot will move forward one unit.
- Now mark the string where the front of 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.
Lesson 2: Getting to Know You
Overview
Students will apply units of measurement to move 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 Bee-Bot reaches the other student, have that student answer a question before selecting yet another student to program Bee-Bot to reach. The teacher can ask a question that is general, such as what their favorite animal, movie or book is. 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 that 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 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.
Subtraction problems: Apply the same concept for subtraction. If Bee-Bot goes too far students can use the back button to take away steps. Make sure you place Bee-Bot back where it started.
Don’t forget that Bee-Bot holds all previous commands entered, and adds new ones onto the end. You can delete previous commands by selecting the X (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 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 & Say” Bee-Bot can hold up to 200 commands at a time.
How do I clear the Bee-Bot’s program?
Press the X button to clear all previous commands given to the Bee-Bot.
Where is Bee-Bot’s power switch?
The power switch is located on the bottom side of 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 Bee-Bot.
The “See & Say” Bee-Bot has three switches underneath, for power, sound, and sensor.
How do I charge 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.
Additional Support Information
Specifications and User Guides
Use this link for specifications and user guides