Section outline

    • 🧭 Planning Your Robot – Step-by-Step

      Once you have an idea and understand the problem, it’s time to plan your robot. Planning helps you organize your thoughts before jumping into building. Think of it like making a map before going on an adventure!

      📋 Step-by-Step Planning Guide

      1. Define the Goal: What should your robot do?
        Example: Carry books, follow a light, sort colors, etc.
      2. Decide the Inputs: What will your robot sense?
        Example: Light, touch, sound, distance.
      3. Decide the Outputs: What actions will your robot take?
        Example: Move forward, stop, turn, make sound.
      4. Choose the Materials: What will you build with?
        Example: Cardboard, motors, sensors, paper, recycled parts.
      5. Sketch the Robot: Draw a rough picture with labels for sensors, wheels, body, etc.
      6. Create a Logic Plan: What is the step-by-step behavior?
        Example: “If light is detected, then move forward.

    • 📓 Sample Plan: Light-Following Robot

      • Goal: Follow a flashlight beam
      • Input: Light sensors
      • Output: Wheels turn toward light
      • Materials: Cardboard box, toy wheels, LED light sensors, basic motor
      • Logic: If left sensor detects more light, turn left. If right sensor detects more, turn right.

      🎒 Try This Planning Activity

      Pick a fun robot idea — like a robot pet or a robot alarm.

      • Write down your goal, inputs, outputs, and materials.
      • Draw a rough sketch of your robot and its actions.
      • Share your plan with a friend or classmate and explain how it works!
      💬 “A well-planned robot is halfway built!”