Artie Max The Coding Robot

Artie Max^TM includes the robot itself, a charger, a guide to getting started, a sheet of colorful stickers, and three felt tip markers. Users will need multiple sheets of plain white printer paper, scotch tape to tape down the edges of the paper, a clean, flat surface to place Artie on, and a computer with reliable wireless capability (WIFI). 

Artie Max^TM has a lot of personality packed into a little package. Once charged, children place the three provided felt tip markers into the marker carousel. After Artie Max^TM is turned on, they follow the provided guide to connect to wifi and open the programming terminal. Once in the terminal, users can use multiple programming languages, including Block and Snap programming, Javascript, C++, and Python, to draw shapes and pictures with Artie. Users can change Artie's movements and marker colors to create various drawings through programming. While there are inspiration drawings in the guide, users can truly create any drawing that can fit on an 8.5 by 11 piece of paper. More advanced programmers can also use Artie Max's sensors, including line sensors and color sensors, and change Artie's facial expressions, all within the provided programming terminal. 

Artie Max^TM is a fantastic introduction to programming. It allows new programmers to gain experience and understanding, moving to more advanced programming languages with time. The variety of programming languages also allow for exposure to multiple different types of programming. Artie Max^TM is genuinely entertaining for hours. 

The programming processes Artie Max^TM teaches can introduce users to multiple different types of programming and stimulate creative thinking as users draw a myriad of different designs. Additionally, users learn iterative design as they improve their code and make their drawings better. Finally, users of Artie Max^TM practice computational thinking as they put together sequences of actions that will effectively draw what they want using Artie Max. By drawing with Artie Max^TM the Coding Robot, users learn to use programming languages to develop iterative design skills while practicing creative thinking.

Framework Categories

Spatial Reasoning
Apply SEM Knowledge (SEM)
Processes of Design (POD)

Moore, T.J., Glancy, A.W., Tank, K.M., Kersten, J.A., Smith, K.A., & Stohlmann, M.S. (2014). A framework for quality K-12 engineering education: Research and development. Journal of Precollege Engineering Education Research, 4(1), 1-13.