Activity 30: BeeBot Garbage Collection

Teaching manual control and sequencing with BeeBot robots through a fun garbage collection challenge.

Description

Students program a BeeBot robot to collect “garbage” from different locations on a map using directional buttons. This hands-on activity teaches sequencing, manual control, and how computers follow step-by-step commands in order.

Time Required

• Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Materials Required

• BeeBot robots (1 per group of 2-3 students)
• BeeBot garbage collection attachment (small basket or container that attaches to the top)
• Map/Grid mat (can be printed or drawn on poster board - 4x4 or 5x5 grid)
• “Garbage” items (small plastic pieces, pom-poms, blocks, or printed paper trash)
• Starting point marker (green square or sticker)
• “Trash can” marker (blue square or recycling bin image)
• Optional: Colored tape to create grid lines on the floor

About BeeBot Robots

BeeBot is a bee-shaped robot with directional buttons: Forward (⬆️), Backward (⬇️), Left (⬅️), Right (➡️), Go (green), and Clear (X). It remembers up to 40 commands in sequence.

Connection to Computing

This activity teaches: Sequencing (order matters), Algorithms (step-by-step plans), Debugging (testing and fixing), Manual Control (programming each movement), and Input/Output (button presses create actions) - the same concepts used in computers, tablets, and video games.

Map Setup

Place a green START square, 3-5 “garbage” pieces, and a blue TRASH CAN square at different locations on the map.

Steps to Conduct the Activity

Set-Up

Divide students into groups of 2-3. Give each group a BeeBot with garbage attachment and a map with 3 garbage pieces. Demonstrate the buttons and how BeeBot remembers commands in order (like a recipe). Show example: Forward, Forward, Go → moves 2 spaces.

Difficulty Breakdown

Beginner (Kindergarten)

Challenge 1: Collect one piece 2-3 spaces away. Plan, press buttons, test, and debug if needed.
Challenge 2: Collect garbage and return to trash can. Practice reverse planning.
Challenge 3: Collect 2-3 pieces one by one, breaking the problem into smaller steps.
🔍 Focus Skills: counting, sequencing, trial and error

Intermediate (1st Grade)

Challenge 1: Collect 3 pieces using the FEWEST button presses. Draw route first, then test.
Challenge 2: Add obstacles between START and garbage. Plan around them using turns.
Challenge 3: Team race - who can collect all garbage first? Discuss planning vs. rushing.
🔍 Focus Skills: optimization, spatial reasoning, strategic thinking

Discussion & Reflection

Gather students for discussion:

• What happened when BeeBot didn’t go where you wanted? How did you fix it?
• What was the hardest/most fun part?
• How is BeeBot like a computer? What else follows step-by-step instructions?
• Why is order important when giving commands?

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Use directional commands to control BeeBot
• Create and test command sequences
• Understand that order matters in programming
• Debug by testing and fixing errors
• Plan movement across a grid
• Work collaboratively to solve problems