Robotics and Automation

What your school gets

Everything a teacher needs to teach Robotics and Automation this year.

In class

13 lessons, ready to teach Each one planned step by step, taught from the board with the same lesson open on each student's device.
Quizzes and assessments A short quiz with every lesson.
Progress and resultsWhat each student has completed, and how they did.
CertificatesFor portfolios, open days and reports home.
Try the first lesson: What is a Robot?

On paper

Teacher Resource BookThe whole course laid out for the teacher, lesson by lesson, ready to print.
The sample lesson's pages

The whole books come with the course, in each class's Resources.

The course, module by module

13 lessons in 4 modules. The lesson marked Sample opens in full.

1 Robotics Fundamentals 3 lessons · about 1 hour

This module introduces the core concepts of robotics, exploring the definition and functionality of robots, their historical development from ancient mechanisms to modern innovations, and future possibilities including AI integration and ethical considerations. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how robots shape industries, society, and daily life through practical applications.

2 Building Basic Robotic Systems 3 lessons · about 2 hours

This module introduces the fundamentals of constructing simple robotic systems. Students will assemble a traffic light using a Microbit kit, program sequences for its operation, and build a motor sensor car with various functionalities. Through hands-on activities, learners will explore basic coding and hardware integration for robotics.

Traffic Lights Project
4 Build your Traffic Lights Quiz
5 Microbit Traffic Lights Quiz
Assembling the Motor Car
6 Build your Move Motor Sensor Car Quiz

3 Programming Car Behaviours 4 lessons · about 4 hours

This module introduces students to programming vehicle behaviours using Microbit technology. Through hands-on lessons, learners will explore line-following techniques, distance measurement with sonar sensors, autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance, and remote control via tilt commands. Each lesson combines coding, testing, and optimisation for practical application on Move Motor cars.

Line Following and Measurement
7 Line Following Car Quiz
8 Move Motor Measure Quiz
Autonomous and Remote Control
9 Autonomous Car Quiz
10 Tilt Remote Control Car Quiz

4 Integration Projects 3 lessons · about 3 hours

This module focuses on practical coding and engineering projects using Microbits and robotic components. Students will program traffic lights and robot cars to communicate, assemble a Move Motor Sensor Car with a claw attachment, and code the claw's functionality. The lessons include step-by-step guidance and challenges to enhance problem-solving skills.

Communication Systems
11 Traffic Lights and Car Communication Quiz
Robotic Claw Extension
12 Attach the Move Motor Klaw Quiz
13 Robot Car Claw Quiz

What students learn

This module delves into the fascinating world of robotics, starting with the basics of what a robot is, its history, and its future. It then transitions into practical, hands-on lessons where students build and program their own robotic cars using Microbits. Teachers should ensure students understand the theoretical aspects before moving onto the practical components. Encourage creativity and problem-solving as students navigate through building traffic lights, programming sensors, and even creating a robot car claw. The module culminates in a Robot Showcase, where students can display their creations.

By the end of the course, students can

Understand and explain the concept, history, and future of robotics.
Construct and program traffic lights using a Microbit.
Build and program a Move Motor Sensor Car to follow lines and navigate around objects.
Utilise the accelerometer and radio in a Microbit to remotely control the Move Motor Car.
Assemble, attach, and program the Move Motor Klaw to a Move Motor Car.

What you'll need

Used in some of the lessons. Students can share in groups of two or three.

Chromebook/Laptop/PC Microbit Move Motor Car Move Motor Klaw Phillips Screwdriver Traffic Lights Kit

Build a full TY year around Robotics and Automation

This module is one of 10 Transition Year modules you can combine into a complete Year-Long TY Digital Skills Programme, shaped around your timetable and the students in front of you.

Run the same pathway for every student, or set different pathways for different groups. Students also get access to the modules they're not doing in class, which is ideal for the keen ones who finish early or want to explore further on their own time.

Prefer a deeper tech focus? Swap in Advanced Coding or Robotics and Automation. Each module is 10 to 16 lessons of 40-60 minutes, leaving room for school events, mid-terms and everything else TY throws at you.

Why TY coordinators choose it

One decision, a year's content

No more stitching resources together every term.

Flexible per class, per student

Run different pathways side by side.

Certificates after each module

Great for TY portfolios, open days and reports home.

Sets students up for Senior Cycle

Broad exposure so they choose subjects with confidence.

Sample Year Plan

ICT + Coding focus

Computer Skills
Gets everyone on a level footing
Introduction to Coding
Real, working projects from week one
Exploring Digital Media
Video, design and storytelling
Exploring Artificial Intelligence
The topic your students keep asking about
Enterprise and Business Basics
A pitch-and-launch project to close out the year