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WeDo 2.0: A Fun and Educational Way to Learn Coding and Robotics with LEGO
If you are looking for a way to introduce your kids or students to coding and robotics, you might want to check out WeDo 2.0 by LEGO Education. This is a robotics set that combines LEGO bricks, easy-to-use software, and engaging STEM projects to teach elementary students simple programming skills. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about WeDo 2.0, including what it is, what you can do with it, what are its benefits, and what are some alternatives.
What is WeDo 2.0?
WeDo 2.0 is a robotics set that was launched in 2016 as an upgrade of the original WeDo set from 2009. It is designed for children aged 7 to 12 years old, and it can be used at home or in the classroom.
A brief introduction to WeDo 2.0 and its features
WeDo 2.0 consists of three main components:
- The core set, which contains over 800 LEGO bricks, a programmable smarthub, a medium motor, a motion sensor, and a tilt sensor.
- The software, which lets you access the curriculum pack, program your models, access the digital building instructions, and use the documentation tool.
- The app, which is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows 10, and Chromebook devices, and allows you to control your models via Bluetooth.
WeDo 2.0 is compatible with other LEGO products, such as LEGO Technic and standard LEGO bricks, so you can expand your kit and create more complex models. You can also code it on other platforms like Scratch to extend its possibilities.
How to download and install WeDo 2.0 software and app
To get started with WeDo 2.0, you need to download and install the software and app on your device. You can find the links for both on the LEGO Education website. The software is free for Windows PC and Mac OS X computers, while the app is free for tablets and Chromebooks.
Once you have downloaded and installed the software or app, you need to pair your device with the smarthub via Bluetooth. The smarthub is powered by either two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack (sold separately). You can follow the instructions on the LEGO Education website or watch this video to learn how to connect your device to the smarthub.
What can you do with WeDo 2.0?
WeDo 2.0 offers a lot of fun and educational activities that you can do with WeDo 2.0, such as:
Explore the curriculum pack and lesson plans for STEM learning
The curriculum pack is a collection of 17 projects that cover various science topics, such as life, physical, earth, and space sciences. Each project has a real-world problem to solve, a set of learning objectives, a list of materials, a building guide, a programming guide, and a teacher’s guide. The projects are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for math and literacy.
The lesson plans are designed to help teachers implement the curriculum pack in their classrooms. They provide detailed instructions on how to prepare, conduct, and assess each project. They also include tips on how to differentiate instruction, facilitate discussions, and manage the classroom.
Build and program your own models with LEGO bricks and electronic components
If you want to unleash your creativity and imagination, you can also build and program your own models with WeDo 2.0. You can use the digital building instructions to follow the steps for creating different models, such as animals, vehicles, machines, and more. You can also modify the models or create your own designs with the LEGO bricks and electronic components.
To program your models, you can use the drag-and-drop interface of the software or app. You can choose from different blocks that control the motor, the sensors, the sounds, the lights, and the logic of your model. You can also use loops, variables, timers, and events to make your model more interactive and responsive.
Use the documentation tool to record and share your projects
Another feature of WeDo 2.0 is the documentation tool, which allows you to record and share your projects with others. You can use the camera or microphone of your device to capture photos, videos, or audio of your model. You can also add text or drawings to annotate your work. You can then save your project as a PDF file or upload it to the LEGO Education community website.
The documentation tool is a great way to reflect on your learning process, showcase your achievements, and get feedback from others. You can also use it to create portfolios or presentations of your work.
What are the benefits of WeDo 2.0?
WeDo 2.0 is not only fun but also beneficial for your learning and development. Some of the benefits of WeDo 2.0 are:
Develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills
WeDo 2.0 helps you develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills by challenging you to think logically, systematically, and creatively. You have to analyze the problem, break it down into smaller parts, design a solution, test it, debug it, and improve it. You also have to use algorithms, sequences, conditions, loops, events, variables, and data structures to program your model.
Enhance creativity and collaboration
WeDo 2.0 also enhances your creativity and collaboration by encouraging you to experiment with different ideas, explore different possibilities, and express your originality. You can also work with others, share your ideas, give and receive feedback, and learn from each other. You can also participate in online challenges and competitions to showcase your work and connect with other WeDo 2.0 users around the world.
Have fun and enjoy learning
Most importantly, WeDo 2.0 helps you have fun and enjoy learning. You can play with LEGO bricks, create your own models, program them to do what you want, and see them come to life. You can also discover new concepts, learn new skills, and apply them to real-world situations. You can also have fun with your friends, family, or classmates, and share your passion for coding and robotics.
What are some alternatives to WeDo 2.0?
WeDo 2.0 is not the only option for learning coding and robotics with LEGO. There are other products and kits that you can try, depending on your age, level, interest, and budget. Here are some of the alternatives to WeDo 2.0:
A comparison of WeDo 2.0 with other LEGO products and robotics kits
Some of the other LEGO products and robotics kits that you can compare with WeDo 2.0 are:
- LEGO Boost: This is a robotics set that is similar to WeDo 2.0 but aimed at children aged 7 to 12 years old. It has more than 800 LEGO bricks, a programmable hub, a motor, a color sensor, a distance sensor, and a tilt sensor. It also has a free app that lets you access the building instructions, program your models, and use the documentation tool. You can build five different models with LEGO Boost, such as a robot, a cat, a guitar, a rover, and a factory.
- LEGO Mindstorms: This is a robotics set that is more advanced than WeDo 2.0 and aimed at children aged 10 years old and above. It has more than 600 LEGO Technic elements, a programmable brick, three motors, five sensors (touch, color, ultrasonic, gyroscopic, and infrared), and a remote control. It also has a free software that lets you access the curriculum pack, program your models using different languages (such as Scratch or Python), and use the documentation tool. You can build more than 10 different models with LEGO Mindstorms, such as a humanoid robot, a snake, a scorpion, a tank, and a guitar.
- Makeblock mBot: This is a robotics kit that is not made by LEGO but compatible with LEGO bricks. It is aimed at children aged 8 years old and above. It has an aluminum chassis, a programmable board, a motor, an ultrasonic sensor, a line-following sensor, and a light sensor. It also has a free app and software that lets you program your model using graphical blocks or text-based code (such as Arduino or Python). You can build different models with mBot, such as a car, a robot, a cat, and a piano.
A table summarizing the pros and cons of each alternative
To help you decide which product or kit is best for you, here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of each alternative:
| Product or Kit | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| WeDo 2.0 | – Easy to use and suitable for beginners – Has a curriculum pack and lesson plans for STEM learning – Has a documentation tool to record and share projects – Compatible with other LEGO products and platforms |
– Limited number of models and sensors – Requires Bluetooth connection and batteries – Expensive compared to other kits |
| LEGO Boost | – Similar to WeDo 2.0 but more versatile and fun – Has more models and sensors to choose from – Has a voice control feature and a personality test for the robot model – Compatible with other LEGO products and platforms |
– Requires Bluetooth connection and batteries – Does not have a curriculum pack or lesson plans – Expensive compared to other kits |
| LEGO Mindstorms | – More advanced and challenging than WeDo 2.0 – Has more models and sensors to choose from – Has more programming languages and options to choose from – Has a remote control feature and a community website |
– Requires USB connection and batteries – Does not have a documentation tool – Very expensive compared to other kits |
| Makeblock mBot | – Cheaper than LEGO products but still high quality – Compatible with LEGO bricks and Arduino platform – Has more programming languages and options to choose from – Has an infrared remote control feature |
– Does not have a curriculum pack or lesson plans – Does not have a documentation tool – Has fewer models and sensors to choose from |
Conclusion
WeDo 2.0 is a fun and educational way to learn coding and robotics with LEGO. It is easy to use, has a curriculum pack and lesson plans, has a documentation tool, and is compatible with other LEGO products and platforms. However, it also has some limitations, such as the number of models and sensors, the Bluetooth connection and batteries, and the price. Therefore, you might want to consider some alternatives, such as LEGO Boost, LEGO Mindstorms, or Makeblock mBot, depending on your preferences and needs.
If you are interested in WeDo 2.0 or any of the alternatives, you can visit their websites or online stores to learn more or purchase them. You can also watch some videos or read some reviews to see them in action. We hope this article has helped you understand what WeDo 2.0 is and what it can do for you.
FAQs
What is the difference between WeDo 2.0 and WeDo 1.0?
WeDo 2.0 is an upgrade of WeDo 1.0, which was launched in 2009. Some of the differences are:
- WeDo 2.0 has more LEGO bricks (over 800) than WeDo 1.0 (over 150).
- WeDo 2.0 has a programmable smarthub that connects via Bluetooth, while WeDo 1.0 has a USB hub that connects via cable.
- WeDo 2.0 has two sensors (motion and tilt) that can be used separately or together, while WeDo 1.0 has one sensor (motion) that can only be used alone.
- WeDo 2.0 has a free software and app that can be used on different devices, while WeDo 1.0 has a paid software that can only be used on computers.
- WeDo 2.0 has a curriculum pack that covers various science topics, while WeDo 1.0 has four themes that cover basic concepts.
- WeDo 2.0 has a documentation tool that allows you to record and share your projects, while WeDo 1.0 does not have this feature.
How long does it take to build and program a model with WeDo 2.0?
The time it takes to build and program a model with WeDo 2.0 depends on the complexity of the model, the skill level of the builder, and the amount of guidance available. However, a rough estimate is that it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete a project from the curriculum pack, and about 15 to 30 minutes to create your own model from scratch.
What are some examples of projects that you can do with WeDo 2.0?
Some examples of projects that you can do with WeDo 2.0 are:
- A frog that jumps and croaks when you clap your hands.
- A helicopter that flies and lands when you tilt your device.
- A recycling truck that sorts and dumps different colors of bricks.
- A rover that explores and collects samples on a simulated Mars surface.
- A windmill that generates electricity and lights up an LED.
How can I get help or support for WeDo 2.0?
If you need help or support for WeDo 2.0, you can visit the LEGO Education website or contact the LEGO Education customer service. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions, download user guides, watch tutorials, and access online resources on the website. You can also join the LEGO Education community to connect with other WeDo 2.0 users, share your projects, and get feedback.
Where can I buy WeDo 2.0?
You can buy WeDo 2.0 from the LEGO Education online store or from authorized LEGO Education distributors in your country. You can also find WeDo 2.0 in some retail stores or online platforms, such as Amazon or eBay. However, be careful of counterfeit or damaged products and check the seller’s reputation before buying.
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