Magic Wands with LEGO hardware - NFC-based, screen-free programming

One of the newest additions to the wands is the interaction with the LEGO hardware (from the Science and CS&AI kits)

CSTA Computer Science Standards

• E1-ALG-PS-01: Decompose a problem or task into individual parts to develop an algorithm.
• E2-ALG-PS-01: Create an algorithm that includes sequence, events, and iteration to solve a
  problem or express an idea.
• EK-PRO-PD-04: Create a sequence of commands to solve a problem or express an idea.
• E1-PRO-PD-04: Create code from an algorithm that includes sequence to solve a problem
  or express an idea.
• E2-PRO-PD-04: Create code from an algorithm that includes sequence, events, and
  iteration to solve a problem or express an idea.

Activity 1 - Program building 

Using NFC tag technology, the wands can be used to code a sequence of actions interacting with the LEGO motors and sensors to allow kids to do computerless coding. 

Custom LEGO Cards

Activity 2 - Algorithm comparison  

Using similar technology, the pucks further extend the screen-free programming by adding custom behaviors to control the LEGO hardware. 

By just tapping the required hardware to the respective puck, the LEGO hardware will pair up and act with the selected behavior. 

In addition to creating a sequence of actions, the Magic Wands also allow the user to use cards to program new behaviors. (Hardware can be paired with only one behavior at a time. Turn it off and on again to pair with a different behavior)

Interactive DEMO

Visit this website to try a digital version of the algorithm comparison activity

Challenge - Design a robot to safely rock a baby to sleep 

There are 3 pages of possible behaviors. Once the required LEGO hardware is connected, the different behaviors will activate and light up for you to select. 

Other (non-LEGO) activities with the wands 

By changing individual NFC tags, it is possible to create an unlimited number of games in just a few minutes 

• ESP32C6 microcontroller
• Custom PCB
• 5x5 LED matrix 
• NFC reader
• Button 
• Accelerometer 
• Buzzer 
• Light sensor

• ESP32C6 microcontroller
• Custom PCB
• NFC tag (equivalent to the LEGO NFC cards)