MY ROBOT INVENTOR NOTEBOOK
This notebook belongs to an amazing young robot inventor!
Keep inventing, keep exploring, keep creating!
Name: ________________________________________________________
Thank you for choosing to build robots with us this summer! We hope you enjoyed your time with us! Use this notebook to continue your journey and be sure to send us picture of your new inventions! - The Club Scientific Team
Inside this notebook you'll find:
Camp Learning
Cool things you learned at Robot Inventor Camp with diagrams and instructions for building your robots
Fun Challenges
Exciting robotics challenges to try at home that will test your skills and creativity
Design Space
Space to design your next amazing invention and sketch out your brilliant robotics ideas
Resources
Helpful resources to continue your robotics journey long after camp is over
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • My Camp Achievements Track what you learned and accomplished.
  • Basic Electronics & Circuits How electricity powers your robots.
  • Micro:bit Basics Programming your pocket-sized computer.
  • Crickit Expansion Board Giving your Micro:bit superpowers.
  • LEGO Spike Prime Building and programming advanced robots.
  • FIRST LEGO League Continue your robotics journey through competition.
  • Design Your Next Robot Plan your own amazing creation.
  • Coding Reference Guide Quick help for programming.
  • Robotics Glossary Important words to know.
  • Continue Your Robot Journey Resources for learning more.
  • For Parents & Guardians Supporting your young inventor.
  • Notes & Ideas Space for your thoughts and designs.
MY CAMP ACHIEVEMENTS
Check off what you accomplished at Robot Inventor Camp!
  • Built my first circuit
  • Programmed a Micro:bit
  • Created pixel animations
  • Made sounds with code
  • Used radio communication
  • Connected a Crickit board
  • Controlled motors and servos
  • Built a cardboard robot
  • Assembled a Spike Prime robot
  • Completed a robot mission
  • Wrote JavaScript code
  • Designed my own robot
  • Worked as part of a team
  • Solved a tricky problem
  • Taught someone something new
My favorite thing I made was:
The most challenging thing I learned was:
One thing I want to try next:
BASIC ELECTRONICS & CIRCUITS
What Makes Robots Work?
All robots need electricity to function. During camp, you learned about:
Basic Circuit Components:
Power Source
(batteries) provides electricity
Conductors
(wires) carry electricity
Load
(LEDs, motors) uses electricity to do something
Switch
controls the flow of electricity
Simple Circuit Diagram:
Battery (+) → Wire → LED → Resistor → Wire → Battery (-)
Try This! Circuit Troubleshooting
If your circuit isn't working, check these things:
  • Is the battery connected correctly? (+ to + and to -)
  • Are all wires connected firmly?
  • Is your LED in the right direction? (long leg to +)
  • Does your circuit have a complete path?
  • Is your battery charged?
Remember:
  • Electricity always needs a complete loop (circuit)
  • LEDs always need a resistor to protect them
  • Different components need different amounts of power
Draw Your Own Circuit:
Use the space below to design a circuit with a battery, switch, and two LEDs:
Challenge:
Can you explain to someone how electricity flows through your circuit?
MICRO:BIT BASICS
What is a Micro:bit?
The BBC Micro:bit is a tiny computer that you can program to make amazing things! It has:
  • 5x5 LED display
  • 2 buttons (A and B)
  • Motion sensors
  • Temperature sensor
  • Compass
  • Radio communication
  • Connection pins
MICRO:BIT SAFETY GUIDE
Keeping Your Micro:bit Safe
Electrical Safety:
  • The Micro:bit operates at a safe 3V level
  • Never connect to wall outlets or higher voltage sources
  • Use only recommended battery packs (3V coin cell or AAA battery packs)
  • Remove batteries when storing for long periods
Physical Handling:
  • Hold the Micro:bit by its edges to avoid touching components
  • Keep away from water and extreme temperatures
  • Store in anti-static bags or plastic containers
  • Avoid bending or flexing the circuit board
Connection Safety:
  • Use only recommended cables and connectors
  • Ensure proper orientation when connecting to expansion boards
  • Turn off power before making or changing connections
  • Don't force connectors or bend pins
Project Safety:
  • Keep small parts organized and away from young children
  • Use caution with scissors and tools when building robot bodies
  • Ensure moving parts on robots cannot pinch fingers
  • Follow proper soldering safety with adult supervision
Pixel Play
You learned how to create animations and images on the LED display:
basic.showString("Hello!")
basic.showIcon(IconNames.Heart)
basic.showLeds(`
# . # . #
. # # # .
# # # # #
. # # # .
# . # . #
`)
Making Sounds
The Micro:bit can play tones and melodies:
music.playTone(262, music.beat(BeatFraction.Whole))
music.startMelody(music.builtInMelody(Melodies.Birthday), MelodyOptions.Once)
Using Buttons
You can make your Micro:bit respond to button presses:
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function() {
    basic.showIcon(IconNames.Happy)
})

input.onButtonPressed(Button.B, function() {
    basic.showIcon(IconNames.Sad)
})
Radio Communication
Micro:bits can talk to each other wirelessly:
radio.setGroup(1)

input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function() {
    radio.sendString("Hello!")
})

radio.onReceivedString(function(receivedString) {
    basic.showString(receivedString)
})
JavaScript Coding
You can also write code in JavaScript:
basic.forever(function() {
    if (input.buttonIsPressed(Button.A)) {
        basic.showIcon(IconNames.Heart)
    } else {
        basic.clearScreen()
    }
})
CRICKIT EXPANSION BOARD
What is the Crickit?
The Adafruit Crickit (Creative Robotics & Interactive Construction Kit) breakout board for the BBC micro:bit is a versatile robotics and creative electronics platform designed specifically to extend the capabilities of the micro:bit. Here’s a kid-friendly and instructor-friendly explanation of what it is and what it can do:
🎛️ What Is the Adafruit Crickit for micro:bit?
The Crickit board is like a robot brain helper for your micro:bit. While the micro:bit can read sensors and run simple programs, Crickit gives it superpowers to control motors, lights, and sounds—perfect for robots, interactive art, and mechanical contraptions.
It connects to the micro:bit by sliding it into a special slot on the board.
🚀 What Can It Do?
Here are the main things Crickit adds:
  • Motors: Control up to 2 DC motors (like for wheels or fans)
  • Servos: Move up to 4 servo motors (great for making arms, tails, or eyes move)
  • Lights: Plug in Neopixel (RGB) LEDs for colorful light shows
  • Sensors: Connect buttons, switches, or other sensors
  • Sound: Built-in amplifier and speaker output for sound effects
  • Touch Sensors: It has capacitive touch inputs so parts of your project can react when touched
🧠 How Does It Work with micro:bit?
The Crickit doesn't replace the micro:bit—it just expands what it can do.
  • You write programs for the micro:bit using MakeCode, a block-based coding environment.
  • Adafruit provides a special MakeCode extension that adds Crickit blocks to the editor.
  • Once coded, your micro:bit sends instructions to Crickit to control the hardware connected to it.
Connecting Your Crickit
Follow these steps carefully to properly connect your Crickit expansion board to your Micro:bit. The Crickit significantly expands what your Micro:bit can control, from motors to servos and much more!
Step 1: Connect your Micro:bit
Insert your Micro:bit into the edge connector on the Crickit board. Make sure the LED display is facing up and the pins match properly with the connector. The Micro:bit should click into place when properly seated. Double-check that it's firmly connected, as loose connections can cause intermittent problems.
  • Ensure your Micro:bit is turned off before connecting
  • Check that no pins are bent or damaged
  • The Micro:bit's LED display should be visible when connected
Step 2: Power Up
Connect a 4xAA battery pack to the DC barrel jack on the Crickit. Turn on the power switch. You should see the power LED on the Crickit light up, indicating it's receiving power. The Crickit requires 4-5V DC power to operate properly, and the 3xAA battery pack provides about 4.5V, which is perfect.
  • Fresh alkaline batteries are recommended
  • You can also use a 5V DC power adapter
  • Make sure the power switch is in the "ON" position
  • Check that the power LED illuminates
Step 3: Add the Crickit Extension in MakeCode
The Crickit needs special code blocks in MakeCode to function. Follow these steps to add the extension:
  • Start a new project
  • Click on "Advanced" in the block menu
  • Click on "Extensions" at the bottom
  • Search for "crickit" and add the extension
  • Wait for the extension to load - you'll see new purple blocks appear
  • The Crickit blocks will now be available in the "Crickit" section
Step 4: Test Your Connection
Now let's make sure everything is working properly with a simple test program:
  • In MakeCode, create a new program using a Crickit block
  • Try a simple command like turning on an LED or moving a servo
  • Download your program to the Micro:bit
  • If the connected component responds, your setup is working!
If you encounter problems, check your connections and make sure the Crickit is receiving power. The most common issues are loose connections or insufficient power supply.
Once your Crickit is properly connected, you'll be able to control motors, servos, LEDs, and much more!
Controlling Motors
DC Motors:
Connect DC motors to the motor terminals on the Crickit. Use these blocks to control them:
crickit.motor1.run(50) // Run motor 1 at 50% speed
crickit.motor1.stop() // Stop motor 1
crickit.motor2.run(-50) // Run motor 2 backward at 50% speed
Servo Motors:
Connect servo motors to the servo ports on the Crickit. Use these blocks:
crickit.servo1.setAngle(90) // Set servo 1 to 90 degrees
crickit.servo2.setAngle(180) // Set servo 2 to 180 degrees
crickit.servo3.setAngle(0) // Set servo 3 to 0 degrees
Continuous Rotation Servos:
For servos that spin continuously:
crickit.servo1.run(50) // Run continuous servo at 50% speed
crickit.servo1.run(-50) // Run continuous servo backward
crickit.servo1.stop() // Stop the servo
Try This!
Design a robot movement sequence using motors or servos:
Challenge:
Can you create a program that makes your robot move forward, turn right, and then move backward?
Lego Spike Prime
During camp, you built the Advanced Assembly Drive - a powerful robot base with:
Strong chassis design
Two drive motors for movement
Wheels positioned for stability
Space for attachments
Building Tips with Spike Prime:
  • Make sure motors are firmly connected
  • Check that wheels turn freely
  • Keep weight balanced over the wheels
  • Secure the hub so it doesn't shift
Programming with Spike Prime
You used block-based programming to control your robot:
Set Movement Motors
When program starts
Set motor speed to 50%
Move forward for 2 rotations
Turn right for 90 degrees
Move forward for 1 rotation
How would you modify your robot to complete a mission like pushing a block into a target zone?
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
What is FIRST LEGO League?
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting robotics competition for kids! Teams design, build, and program LEGO robots to solve real-world problems and compete in fun challenges.
Three Parts of FLL:
Robot Game
Program your robot to complete missions on a special field
Innovation Project
Research and solve a real-world problem
Core Values
Work as a team and show good sportsmanship
How It Connects to What You Learned
The Spike Prime robots you built at camp are similar to what teams use in FIRST LEGO League! Your experience with:
  • Building sturdy robots
  • Programming movement
  • Creating attachments
  • Solving missions
  • Working in teams
All these skills will help you succeed in FLL!
How to Get Involved:
Ask your school if they have a team
Check with local libraries or community centers
Visit firstlegoleague.org to find teams near you
Form a team with friends (you'll need an adult coach)
FLL Age Divisions:
FIRST LEGO League Discover
Ages 4-6
FIRST LEGO League Explore
Ages 6-10
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Ages 9-16
What to Expect:
  • Weekly team meetings
  • Fun, hands-on learning
  • Friendly competition
  • Making new friends
  • Learning from mentors
  • Celebrating what you create!
Would you like to join FIRST LEGO League?
If you're interested, talk to your parents about finding a local team!
DESIGN YOUR NEXT ROBOT
Robot Design Worksheet
My Robot's Name: _______________________________________
What will my robot do? (Circle all that apply)
  • Move around
  • Pick up objects
  • Follow lines
  • Avoid obstacles
  • Make sounds
  • Display messages
  • Respond to light
  • Detect motion
  • Other: ____________________________
Materials I'll need:
What will I use for each part of the robot?
How will I program my robot? (What will it do when...)
One challenge my robot might solve is…
CODING REFERENCE GUIDE
Block Coding vs. JavaScript
During camp, you used both block coding and JavaScript:
Block Coding
Drag and drop colored blocks
JavaScript
Type text commands
basic.forever(function() {
  basic.showIcon(IconNames.Heart)
  basic.pause(500)
  basic.clearScreen()
  basic.pause(500)
})
Common Micro:bit Blocks
Display
basic.showString("Hello") // Show text
basic.showIcon(IconNames.Heart) // Show built-in icon
basic.showLeds(`....`) // Create custom pattern
basic.clearScreen() // Turn off all LEDs
Input
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function() {}) // Button press
input.onGesture(Gesture.Shake, function() {}) // Motion
input.onPinPressed(TouchPin.P0, function() {}) // Pin touch
Logic
if (true) {} // If statement
if (true) {} else {} // If-else statement
while (true) {} // While loop
for (let i = 0; i < 4; i++) {} // For loop
Variables
let myNumber = 0 // Create variable
myNumber = 5 // Set variable
myNumber += 1 // Change variable
Common Spike Prime Blocks
Movement
Set Movement Motors
Move forward for [2] rotations
Turn right [90] degrees
Set motor speed to [50]%
Stop all motors
Control
Repeat [4] times
Wait [1] seconds
If [condition] then
Repeat until [condition]
Sensors
When color sensor detects [red]
When distance is [<] [10] cm
When hub is [shaken]
ROBOTICS GLOSSARY
Robot Words to Know
Algorithm - A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task
Attachment - A tool or mechanism added to a robot to help it complete specific tasks
Circuit - A complete path that electricity can flow through
Code - Instructions that tell a computer or robot what to do
Conductor - A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily
Debug - To find and fix problems in your code or robot
Input - Information that goes into a computer or robot (like button presses or sensor readings)
Iteration - The process of testing, learning, and improving your design
LED - Light Emitting Diode - a small light that can be controlled electronically
Loop - Code that repeats over and over again
Microcontroller - A small computer on a single chip (like the Micro:bit)
Motor - A device that converts electricity into movement
Output - Actions a robot takes based on its programming (like moving or lighting up)
Program - A set of instructions that tells a robot what to do
Prototype - An early model built to test an idea
Resistor - A component that controls the flow of electricity in a circuit
Sensor - A device that detects changes in the environment (like light, sound, or distance)
Servo - A motor that can move to precise positions
Variable - A container in code that stores information that can change
Can you think of other robot words?
Add them here:
CONTINUE YOUR ROBOT JOURNEY
Keep Learning at Home!
Online Resources for Micro:bit
Official Micro:bit Website
  • Free projects, tutorials, and lesson plans
  • MakeCode editor online
  • Community sharing of projects
Adafruit Crickit Resources
  • Detailed guides for Crickit projects
  • Wiring diagrams and code examples
  • Advanced project ideas
Online Resources for LEGO Spike Prime
LEGO Education
  • Lesson plans and activities
  • Building instructions
  • Programming tutorials
FIRST LEGO League
  • Competition information
  • Team resources
  • Challenge details
Even more resources!
Cardboard Robots!
https://cardboard.lofirobot.com/
Cirkit Designer (not to be confused with Crickit)
https://learn.cirkitdesigner.com/
Books to Check Out
Make: Electronics: Learning by Discovery: A hands-on primer for the new electronics enthusiast
Micro:bit for Mad Scientists: 30 Clever Coding and Electronics Projects for Kids
"Electronics for Kids"
by Øyvind Nydal Dahl
The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit (Invent to Learn Guides)
by Pauline Maas (Author), Peter Heldens (Author), Gary S. Stager (Contributor)
Try These Projects at Home:
Build a cardboard robot with moving parts
Create a Micro:bit digital pet
Make an electronic greeting card
Design a robot that responds to light
Program a game using Micro:bit buttons
What will you create next?
FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Supporting Your Young Inventor
What Your Child Learned at Camp
Your child has spent the week learning foundational robotics concepts through:
  • Basic electronics and circuit building
  • Programming with the BBC Micro:bit
  • Controlling motors and servos with the Adafruit Crickit
  • Building and programming LEGO Spike Prime robots
  • Problem-solving and design thinking
These activities have developed skills in:
Computational thinking
Engineering design
Logical reasoning
Creativity and innovation
Teamwork and communication
Continuing the Learning at Home
Micro:bit Resources
YouTube Channels
  • Micro:bit Educational Foundation
  • Adafruit Industries
  • Make: Magazine
Safety Considerations
Supervise soldering activities
Ensure proper battery handling and storage
Monitor online activities when using programming platforms
Help with proper tool usage for building projects
Questions or Need Help?
If you have questions about continuing your child's robotics journey, please contact:
  • Camp Director: Tyler Burley 904-287-8603
  • Your local First Lego League or Robotics Club
Supporting Without Special Equipment
Even without purchasing additional equipment, you can encourage your child's interest in robotics through:
  • Cardboard construction projects
  • Free online coding platforms like Scratch
  • Library books on robotics and engineering
  • DIY science experiments
  • Robotics videos and documentaries
Thank you for supporting your child's interest in robotics and engineering!
NOTES & IDEAS
Use these pages to write down your robot ideas, draw designs, or take notes on what you learn!