In this module, we will advance your Wizbot journey by introducing Picto Coding with Junior Blocks. This tutorial will provide a comprehensive guide on Picto Coding, including setting up the software, establishing Bluetooth connectivity with Wizbot, and engaging in hands-on activities.
Wizbot offers two distinct interactive coding experiences: Button Coding for screen-free engagement and Picto Coding for visual, block-based programming, enabling you to code Wizbot using laptops and mobile devices.
Setting Up Wizbot for Picto Coding
To prepare your Wizbot for Picto Coding:
Step 1: Slide the Power Button to the right.
Step 2: You will observe a blue LED light up, indicating that Wizbot is now ready for Bluetooth connection.
Please note: In this mode, the standard button coding functionality is deactivated. Instead, button functions can be assigned and customized within Junior Blocks.
Installing PictoBlox Junior Blocks
If you are new to PictoBlox, you will need to install the software.
- For PC users (Windows, Mac, Linux): PictoBlox software can be downloaded from thestempedia.com.
- For Android devices: The PictoBlox Junior Blocks app is available for download from the Play Store.
- Online Access: Alternatively, you can use PictoBlox online via pictoblox.ai.
Upon opening PictoBlox, select Junior Blocks. First-time users will be guided through an overview of the interface.
Junior Blocks Interface Overview:
- Stage: The area where your ‘sprite’ (object or character) performs actions based on your code.
- Sprite: An object or character that executes actions according to programmed instructions.
- Blocks: These puzzle-piece shaped objects contain predefined commands. They are connected horizontally to form a program in the scripting area.
- Scripting Area: The blank canvas where you assemble coding sequences by connecting blocks.
Connecting Wizbot to Junior Blocks
Once you are in Junior Blocks and have created a new project, you will enter your play space.
Step 1: First, select Wizbot from the list of available boards.
Step 2: Click on Connect. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your Wizbot and your device.
Step 3: For PC users: A ‘PictoBlox Link’ software is required for Bluetooth connectivity and can be downloaded from the website.
Step 4: You will then be presented with a list of unique Wizbot numbers. Select the number corresponding to your Wizbot.
Step 5: Upon successful connection, a buzzer sound will be emitted from the Wizbot.
You will now notice a new Wizbot icon appearing in your interface.
Exploring Wizbot Blocks in Junior Blocks
Click on the new Wizbot icon to explore its dedicated blocks:
- Mode Toggle: Here, you can easily switch between Grid Mode and Draw Mode.
- Button Assignment: This section allows you to select Wizbot’s physical buttons and assign custom functions to them within Junior Blocks.
- Directional Command Blocks: Blocks for forward step, reverse step, left turn, and right turn, mirroring the physical directional buttons.
- Set LED Block: This block, with various color options, allows you to program Wizbot’s LEDs to create diverse light combinations.
- LED Off Block: Turns off the Wizbot’s LEDs.
- Play Sound Block: Triggers a sound from Wizbot’s buzzer.
- Stop Robot Block: Halts all ongoing movements and actions of Wizbot.
Your First Picto Coding Project: Drawing a Square
Let’s begin with a simple task: coding Wizbot to draw a square!
Step 1: Under the Wizbot icon, select the forward step block and set it for one step.
Step 2: Then, add a right turn block.
Step 3: To repeat this sequence, navigate to the Control blocks icon and select the repeat block. Insert this block around the forward step and right turn blocks, setting the repeat count to 4 times (for a square).
Step 4: Finally, add the flag block from the ‘Events’ category. This means the program will execute when the flag icon is clicked.
Recreating Shapes: Drawing a Heart
Do you recall the heart shape we created using button coding? Let’s replicate this with Junior Blocks.
Step 1: From the ‘Files’ menu, open ‘Examples’.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Wizbot’, then select ‘Draw heart with Wizbot Example’.
Step 3: Exploring this example will provide insight into the underlying logic of the code.
You may notice a new icon: Wizbot Advance Blocks. These blocks offer more precise movement control and advanced functions. To access them, click on ‘Extensions’ and choose ‘Wizbot Advance Blocks’. We also have Wizbot Line Following extension blocks, which will be explored in subsequent videos.
Now, let’s proceed to create our heart shape:
Step 1: Toggle Wizbot to Draw Mode.
Step 2: Do not forget to insert the brush pen.
Step 3: Click the flag icon to run the code.
Further Learning and Exploration
To learn more about Junior Blocks and become proficient with its interface, please refer to the additional modules provided.
