Turn, (With Time, with Power, 180 Degrees)

The steps for learning turns with CoDrone Blockly Jr. include:

1. Programming Turn Commands: Use blocks to program the CoDrone to turn left or right.

2. Setting Turn Duration or Angle: Specify the duration or angle for the turn using appropriate blocks.

3. Combining Turns with Other Movements: Integrate turn commands with other flight movements like forward or backward.

4. Practicing with Challenges: Apply the learned turning skills in practice challenges, such as making the drone turn at specific intervals or angles while flying.

For detailed instructions, visit Robolink's Flight Directions.

Practice Exercise 1: Basic Turns

Let's PRACTICE!

1. Take Off: Use the "takeoff" block.

2. Hover: Add a "hover" block for stability.

3. Turn Right: Insert a "turn right" block set for 2 seconds.

4. Hover: Add another "hover" block to stabilize after turning.

5. Land: End with the "land" block.

Practice Exercise 2: Square Flight Pattern

1. Take Off: Use the "takeoff" block.

2. First Side: Move forward for 2 seconds, then turn right 90 degrees.

3. Second Side: Move forward for 2 seconds, then turn right 90 degrees.

4. Third Side: Move forward for 2 seconds, then turn right 90 degrees.

5. Fourth Side and Land: Move forward for 2 seconds, turn right 90 degrees, and land.

Practice Exercise 3: Zigzag Pattern

1. Take Off: Use the "takeoff" block.

2. First Move: Move forward for 2 seconds, then turn left 45 degrees.

3. Second Move: Move forward for 2 seconds, then turn right 90 degrees.

4. Repeat Pattern: Repeat the forward and turn sequence for a total of three zigzags.

5. Land: Stabilize with a hover and then use the "land" block.

For more detailed instructions, visit Robolink's Flight Directions.

Challenge: Shapeshifter

A Challenge that Codrone includes in its curriculum is to create shapes in flight!

A triangle’s angles add up to 180 degrees. 🔼

• A quadrilateral’s angles add up to 360 degrees.

• A pentagon’s angles add up to 540 degrees.

• A hexagon’s angles add up to 720 degrees.

• An octagon’s angles add up to 1080 degrees.

Motivational Message: Roger Bannister's achievement reminds us that breaking barriers requires pushing past limits. Apply this mindset to your drone projects, pushing yourself to achieve what seems impossible.

"My mission is to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature." - Jane Goodall

What are Conditionals?

Conditionals are statements that help programs make decisions based on whether a condition is true or false. In Blockly, conditionals include if, else if, and else statements. You use conditionals to make decisions in everyday life. Here are examples:

If Statements:

• If it is raining, then I will take an umbrella.

• If I am hungry, I will eat lunch.

If-Else Statements:

• If it is raining, then I will take an umbrella. Else, I will wear sunglasses.

• If I am hungry, I will eat lunch. Else, I will wait until dinner.

If-Else If-Else Statements:

• If it is raining, then I will take an umbrella. Else if it is cloudy, I will take a jacket. Else, I will wear sunglasses.

• If I am hungry, I will eat lunch. Else if I am thirsty, I will drink water. Else, I will continue working.

Conditionals in Blockly

In Blockly, conditionals are used similarly:

• If Statement: If the CoDrone's battery is low, then the CoDrone will land.

• If-Else Statement: If the CoDrone's battery is low, the CoDrone will land. Else, the CoDrone will continue flying.

• If-Else If-Else Statement: If the CoDrone's battery is low, the CoDrone will land. Else if an obstacle is detected, the CoDrone will hover. Else, the CoDrone will continue flying.

Practice Exercise 1:

Simple Addition Check

Objective: Program the CoDrone to react based on a math condition.

1. Condition: If 3 + 2 equals 5.

2. Action: Then, the CoDrone will take off.

3. Else: The CoDrone will stay on the ground.

4. Test: Run the program to check if the CoDrone takes off.

5. Modify: Change the addition equation and observe the behavior.

Practice Exercise 2:

Greater Than Comparison

Objective: Program the CoDrone to react based on a comparison.

1. Condition: If 7 is greater than 4.

2. Action: Then, the CoDrone will flash its LED lights.

3. Else: The LED lights will remain off.

4. Test: Run the program to see if the LEDs flash.

5. Modify: Change the numbers in the comparison and test again.

Practice Exercise 3:

Equal Value Check

Objective: Program the CoDrone to react if two values are equal.

1. Condition: If 10 - 3 equals 7.

2. Action: Then, the CoDrone will spin in a circle.

3. Else: The CoDrone will hover in place.

4. Test: Run the program to see if the CoDrone spins.

5. Modify: Change the subtraction equation and test the reaction.

History Lesson: On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, achieving a time of 3:59.4.

Quote: "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." — Roger Bannister

Motivational Message: Roger Bannister's achievement reminds us that breaking barriers requires pushing past limits. Apply this mindset to your drone projects, pushing yourself to achieve what seems impossible.

What are Variables?

Variables are used to store information that can be referenced and manipulated (used) in a program. In Blockly, variables are like containers that hold values, which can change as the program runs. You use variables in daily life to keep track of changing information. Here's how you might use a variable, typically seen as “set ____ to ____”:

• Set my age to 10.

• Set the temperature to 75°F.

Variables can also be updated as conditions change:

• Set my age to my age + 1 on my birthday.

• Set the temperature to the current temperature reading every hour.

In Blockly, variables allow dynamic control and data management. For example:

• Set Variable: Set altitude to 10 meters.

• Update Variable: Set altitude to altitude + 1 meter every second.

Practice Exercise 1:

Setting X and Y Variables for Movement

Objective: Program the CoDrone to move right and forward using variables.

1. Create Variables: Create variables named "x" and "y."

2. Set Initial Values: Set "x" to 3 and "y" to 2.

3. Move Right: Use the "x" variable and Flight Directions to move right by 3 units.

4. Move Forward: Use the "y" variable and Flight Directions to move forward by 2 units.

5. Test: Run the program to see the CoDrone move right and then forward.

Practice Exercise 2:

Using Variables in Movement

Objective: Program the CoDrone to move based on variable values.

1. Create Variables: Create variables named "x" and "y."

2. Set Initial Values: Set "x" to 10 and "y" to 10.

3. Move Command: Use the "x" and "y" variables to control the CoDrone's movement distance.

4. Change Values: Adjust "x" to 15 and "y" to 5.

5. Test: Run the program to see the CoDrone move accordingly.

Practice Exercise 3:

Conditional Movement with Variables

Objective: Program the CoDrone to decide movement based on variable values.

1. Create Variables: Create variables named "x" and "y."

2. Set Initial Values: Set "x" to 7 and "y" to 7.

3. Condition Check: If "x" is equal to "y," move forward.

4. Change Values: Set "x" to 10 and "y" to 7.

5. Test: Run the program to observe the CoDrone's behavior based on the condition.

For more detailed instructions, visit Robolink CoDrone Blockly Jr. Variables.

Science Lesson: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, published in "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, fundamentally changed our understanding of life on Earth.

Quote: "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." — Charles Darwin

Motivational Message: Darwin’s work teaches us the importance of adaptability and understanding our environment. As you develop your drone skills, be open to learning and adapting, always respecting the natural world around you.

"Make your life a mission - not an intermission." - Arnold H. Glasgow Introduction to Loops

Loops allow you to repeat sections of code efficiently. Blockly has three types of loops:

• For Loops: Repeat code a specific number of times.

• While Loops: Repeat code as long as a condition is true.

• Until Loops: Repeat code until a condition is true.

Using For Loops

For loops repeat code a set number of times. Blockly offers two for loop blocks:

• Repeat _ times: Specify a number directly or use a variable.

• Count with: More advanced, using a variable to count within a range.

Access Blockly: Open the CoDrone Blockly interface.

• Find the For Loop Block: Locate the "Loops" category in the Blockly toolbox. Drag the "repeat _ times" block or the "count with" block to the workspace.

• Set the Loop Count: For "repeat _ times": Enter the number of iterations directly. For "count with": Define the variable, start value, end value, and step size.

• Add Actions: Place the actions you want to repeat inside the loop block. Examples include moving the drone, changing LED colors, or playing sounds.

• Run the Program: Upload the code to your drone and observe the repeated actions.

• For more detailed examples and instructions, visit Robolink's CoDrone Blockly Jr Loops Lesson

While Loops

While loops repeat code while a condition is true. Use them to perform actions repeatedly based on dynamic conditions.

Until Loops

Until loops function like while loops but run until a condition is true, useful for tasks needing repetition until a specific event occurs.

Explore more at Robolink's CoDrone Blockly Jr Loops Lesson.

While Loops

1. Access Blockly: Open the CoDrone Blockly interface.

2. Find the While Loop Block: Go to the "Loops" category in the Blockly toolbox. Drag the "while" block to the workspace.

3. Set the Condition: Define the condition that needs to be true for the loop to execute. Example: while (battery level > 20%).

4. Add Actions: Place the actions you want to repeat inside the while block. Examples: move forward, turn left, etc.

5. Run the Program: Upload the code to your drone and observe the repeated actions until the condition is false.

Practical Examples

• Program a Stair-Climbing Drone: Use for loops to make the drone ascend steps without touching the steps or with landding on each step.

• Shape-Flying Drone: Use while loops to fly in geometric patterns this time with loops instead of repeating steps of code over and over.

• Disco Drone Challenge: Use loops to create dynamic LED light patterns on the drone, like a disco ball. Add music to make it more interesting.

What is an LED? 💡

An LED (Light-Emitting Diode) is a small electronic component that emits light when electricity passes through it. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use a filament that heats up to produce light, LEDs use a semiconductor to emit light. This makes LEDs much more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.

What is an LED? 💡

An LED (Light-Emitting Diode) is a small electronic component that emits light when electricity passes through it. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use a filament that heats up to produce light, LEDs use a semiconductor to emit light. This makes LEDs much more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.

LEDs on Your CoDrone

The CoDrone has 6 RGB LEDs: one on each of the four arms, one for the eyes, and one for the tail. These LEDs can be programmed to display a wide range of colors, not only making the drone look cool but also providing important feedback. For example, the tail light shows the drone's connection status: a solid green means it's connected, while a flashing green means it's in pairing mode. While the tail light's color is fixed, you can program the other LEDs to display any color and pattern you want.

Parameters for CoDrone LED Controls

CoDrone allows you to control the arm LEDs, eye LEDs, or both through the Lights menu. Each LED block has several parameters:

• Color: Click on the color to open a menu and choose the desired LED color.

• Brightness: For solid LED blocks, set the brightness from 0 (off) to 100 (full brightness).

• Mode: Choose the light pattern: BLINK: LEDs flash on and off. DOUBLE BLINK: LEDs flash twice before turning off. DIMMING: LEDs fade in and out.

• Interval: Set the frequency (per second) for light patterns, ensuring the interval value is positive

Practical Elementary Exercises with CoDrone LED Parameters

Exercise 1: Color Fun

• Objective: Change the color of the drone's LEDs.

• Instructions:

1. Open the Lights menu.

2. Drag the "set arm LEDs to" block to the workspace.

3. Click on the color parameter and choose a color (e.g., red, blue, green).

4. Upload the code and observe the LEDs change color.

Practical Elementary Exercises with CoDrone LED Parameters

Exercise 2: Light Patterns

• Objective: Explore different light modes.

• Instructions: Select the "set arm LEDs to" block. Choose a mode: BLINK, DOUBLE BLINK, or DIMMING. Set the interval (e.g., 1 second). Upload the code and watch the LEDs display different patterns.

Exercise 3: Rainbow Cycle

• Objective: Create a rainbow cycle with the LEDs.

• Instructions: Use multiple "set arm LEDs to" blocks. Set each block to a different color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Arrange the blocks to change colors every 2 seconds. Upload the code and watch the LEDs cycle through colors.

Exercise 4: Connection Status Indicator

• Objective: Program the tail light to indicate connection status.

• Instructions: Select the "set tail LED to" block. Program it to show solid green when connected and flashing green when in pairing mode. Test the drone by connecting and disconnecting it, observing the tail light for status changes.

These exercises provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help understand and experiment with CoDrone LED parameters in a hands-on and engaging way.

Challenge

Morse Code: A communication system using a series of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals) to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. It was historically used in telegraphy and radio communications.

• Dot: Short signal (e.g., short blink)

• Dash: Long signal (e.g., long blink)

Exercise: Using Morse Code with Drone LEDs

Objective

• Program your drone's LEDs to blink in Morse code to spell "SOS" (the universal distress signal).

Instructions

1. Open Blockly Interface: Access the CoDrone Blockly interface.

2. Create Morse Code for SOS: S: ... (dot-dot-dot) O: --- (dash-dash-dash) S: ... (dot-dot-dot)

3. Program Dots and Dashes: Use the "set arm LEDs to" block. For dots: Set a short blink (e.g., 0.2 seconds on, 0.2 seconds off). For dashes: Set a long blink (e.g., 0.6 seconds on, 0.2 seconds off).

4. Can you use loops here?

5. Arrange Blocks: Sequence the blocks to create ... --- ... with appropriate delays between letters (e.g., 0.6 seconds).

Science Lesson: On March 2, 1972, NASA launched the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, which became the first human-made object to travel through the asteroid belt and provide close-up images of Jupiter.

Quote: "Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit." — Frank Borman

Science Lesson: On March 2, 1972, NASA launched the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, which became the first human-made object to travel through the asteroid belt and provide close-up images of Jupiter.

Quote: "Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit." — Frank Borman

Traditional Remote Control Functions

RC controllers for drones typically use two joysticks:

• Left Stick (Throttle + Yaw) Up/Down → Increase/Decrease throttle (altitude) Left/Right → Yaw (rotate clockwise or counterclockwise)

• Right Stick (Pitch + Roll) Up/Down → Pitch forward/backward (move forward/backward) Left/Right → Roll left/right (move side-to-side)

🧠 Real World Connection

Think of your drone remote like a game controller. The left stick is your power and spin control. The right stick is how you move across the sky — forward, back, side to side — just like controlling a spaceship or racing car!

🧠 Real World Connection

• 🎯 Throttle is like hitting the gas in a car game.

• 🌀 Yaw is like turning the wheels left/right — but you’re spinning the whole drone!

• ➡️ Pitch is like moving your character forward/back.

• 🔄 Roll is like sidestepping in Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Roblox.

Blockly Manual Control

Blockly + CoDrone EDU: Manual Control Code (Keyboard)

Here's how to set this up in Blockly (CoDrone EDU firmware assumed):

1. Setup Event Listener for Keys

Use Blockly’s when key is pressed blocks to assign movement commands.

Takeoff / Land

1. Add a repeat while block and snap in a code is running block.

2. Add an if do block and snap when t key pressed and a take off block to the if do.

3. Repeat same process with l key press and land blocks

4. Place the if do blocks inside the repeat while

Throttle controls how much power goes to the drone’s motors, which directly affects how high the drone goes. Think of it like the gas pedal on a car—but for going up instead of forward.

🕹️ What Throttle Does:

• Increase throttle → drone gains altitude (flies higher).

• Decrease throttle → drone loses altitude (flies lower).

• Zero throttle → drone eventually falls (unless it's hovering).

🔧 In Drone Controls:

• On a traditional RC controller: Left joystick up = throttle up.

• In coding: You might see something like set throttle to 70.

🎮 Gaming Analogy:

In a video game, throttle is like boost or jump power—it’s how you rise off the ground.

Ok, now let's code the throttle.

1. Add another if do block and snap when w key pressed and add a go up for 0.5 seconds at 50% power block to the if do.

2. Thenadd a when s key pressed and add a go down for 0.5 seconds at 50% power block to the if do.

Yaw

Yaw is the rotation of a drone left or right, like turning your head side to side or spinning in place. It doesn’t move the drone forward, backward, or sideways—it just changes the direction the drone is facing.

🌀 In Drone Terms:

• Yaw Left = Rotate counterclockwise

• Yaw Right = Rotate clockwise

• Controlled by the left joystick moving left or right (on a traditional RC or Xbox/PS controller setup)

🕹️ In Gaming Language:

Yaw is like turning your character's body or camera view in a first-person game—not moving, just facing a new direction.

Ok, now let's code the Yaw.

1. Add another if do block and snap when a key pressed and add a turn left for 0.5 seconds at 50% power block to the if do.

2. Thenadd a when d key pressed and add a turn right for 0.5 seconds at 50% power block to the if do.

Pitch in drone flight refers to the tilting of the drone forward or backward, which causes it to move in those directions.

🧠 Simple Explanation:

• Pitch Forward = Drone leans forward and moves ahead

• Pitch Backward = Drone leans backward and moves backward

🎮 Game Controller Connection:

Think of it like pushing the right stick up or down in a video game:

• Pushing up = your character runs forward ➡️ Drone moves forward

• Pushing down = your character backs up ⬅️ Drone moves backward

✈️ Real-Life Analogy:

Imagine a seesaw—when the front dips down, you slide forward. That’s pitch in action!

Would you like kid-friendly visuals or a matching activity to reinforce it?

🌀 What Happens to the Propellers During Pitch?

A drone has 4 propellers (in a typical quadcopter), and each one contributes to movement by spinning at different speeds.

➡️ Pitch Forward (Move Forward)

To tilt the front down and move forward:

• The rear propellersspin faster → create more lift in the back.

• The front propellersspin slower → create less lift.

• This causes the back to rise and the front to dip, pushing the drone forward.

⬅️ Pitch Backward (Move Backward)

To tilt the back down and move backward:

• The front propellersspin faster → create more lift in the front.

• The rear propellersspin slower → create less lift.

• This causes the front to rise and the back to dip, moving the drone in reverse.

➡️ Pitch Forward (Move Forward)

1. Right click one of the if do blocks and duplicate.

2. change the when ___ key press block to the "up" arrow.

3. change the go block input to go forward (pitch).

⬅️ Pitch Backward (Move Backward)

1. Right click one of the if do blocks and duplicate.

2. change the when ___ key press block to the "down" arrow.

3. change the go block input to go backward (pitch).

🔄 What is Roll in Drone Flight?

Roll is the drone’s side-to-side tilt — like tipping your head to touch your shoulder. It allows the drone to move left or right along a horizontal line.

🎮 Game Controller Comparison:

• Roll Left = Push right stick left

• Roll Right = Push right stick right

Analogy:

Roll is like when you're balancing on a skateboard. Lean left? You go left. Lean right? You go right. The drone shifts its weight the same way by adjusting how hard its left or right propellers push!

⚙️ How Do the Propellers Create Roll?

The drone tilts by changing the speed of its left and right propellers:

⬅️ Roll Left (Move Left)

• Right-side propellers spin faster = more lift on the right

• Left-side propellers spin slower = less lift on the left

• Result: Left side dips, right side rises → drone rolls left

➡️ Roll Right (Move Right)

• Left-side propellers spin faster = more lift on the left

• Right-side propellers spin slower = less lift on the right

• Result: Right side dips, left side rises → drone rolls right

Coding Roll Left

1. Right click one of the if do blocks and duplicate.

2. change the when ___ key press block to the "left" arrow.

3. change the go block input to go left(roll).

Coding Roll Right

1. Right click one of the if do blocks and duplicate.

2. change the when ___ key press block to the "right" arrow.

3. change the go block input to go right(roll).