Published November 6, 2014
By Marcus Topham and Dave CatlinThis feature was first published in April 1991. In it teacher Marcus Topham explains how sensors transform the capabilities of a robot. In the original article Marcus explained what sensors mean to a robot and how where you find sensors in the animal world and in machines and some suggestions of how to introduce sensors to children. Of course things since those days the “connected world” has arrived and sensors are everywhere. However, the basic ideas behind sensors has not changed, so we have taken the opportunity to update the article.
Published November 21, 1998 By Dave Catlin and Trevor ThomsonThis is not a Roamer or a robotic project. However, it does epitomises the constructivism teaching style that works best with Roamer. We got a call from Roamer enthusiast Trevor Thomson, head teacher of a small primary school in rural Lincolnshire. The Design Technology show invited Fleet School to show their work at the 1998 exhibition. His Year 6 Class (10 to 11 years old) would spend 3 days at the exhibition showing visitors the quality of their work. They had six weeks to put their display together. The children decided they wanted create circus full of automata. Right from the start their imagination outstripped their knowledge. Trevor didn’t know either, but he never let that stop him – he sought help. They had worked with us on Roamer projects in the past and now used our Inventa Design and Make product. Trevor called for our help. So began one of the most amazing, and for me inspiring and illuminating experiences.
Published May 18, 1993 By Desi DonnelyDesi Donnelly, Advisory Teacher for the South Eastern Education and Library Board, Northern Ireland, is a great exponent of the Roamer and Roamer control. Here he passes on some ideas that he has developed through his work with teachers and pupils. (more…)
Published October 15, 1992 By Kate HudsonThe Roamer Design Competition culminated in displays set up by children from around Britain at the Science Museum, London. In the last issue of GO we looked at the Key Stage 1 finalists. This edition concentrates on the Key Stage 2 finalists. (more…)
Published September 15, 1992 By Kate HudsonOn June 10, schools from around Britain converged on The Science Museum, London, to take part in the finals of the Roamer Design Competition. This issue of GO looks at the Key Stage 1 (5 and 7 years-old) finalists (more…)
