Ciko’s learning path
Twelve steps from unboxing to Ciko following a line and choosing its own way. Try every step in the simulator first, then on the robot.
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Step 1: Unbox and charge
What is in the box, how to charge, and where Ciko’s switch is.
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Step 2: Meet the robot
A program is a list of commands that run in order. Ciko answers with its face and sound.
Real-Life Robots
SciShow Kids, in English
Watch it first, then guess: what does each robot sense, and what does it do next?
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 3
Step 3: Stop at the finish
Speed and time decide how far Ciko goes.
Unplugged - Graph Paper Programming
Code.org, in English
Try it without a robot first: one person plays the robot while another writes the arrows.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 4
Step 4: Turn at the corner
A spin turn happens when one wheel goes forward and the other goes back. A quarter turn is 90 degrees.
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Step 5: Signal before you turn
Order matters: signal, wait a moment, turn, then switch it off again.
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Step 6: Square and return
A repeat block keeps the program short when the moves repeat.
Unplugged - Getting Loopy
Code.org, in English
Dance a pattern, then write it down with a repeat block.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 7
Step 7: Stop before the obstacle
The ultrasonic sensor measures distance from a sound echo. A program can wait until the distance is close enough.
How do bats see in the dark?
SciShow Kids, in English
Bats measure distance from echoes, just like the sensor in Ciko’s bumper.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 8
Step 8: Turn around in a dead end
If-else lets the robot choose: if the wall is close, turn around; otherwise, keep going.
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Step 9: Follow the line
Two IR sensors see the black line. When one sensor touches the line, Ciko turns that way.
Line Follower: A Zippy Robot That Senses Where to Go
Science Buddies, in English
Compare the robot’s sensors in the video with Ciko’s two line sensors.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 10
Step 10: Stop at the wide line
When both sensors see black at once, that marks a wide line: time to stop.
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Step 11: Final mission: smart robot
Put it all together: follow the line, stop at the obstacle, show a face, and beep.
The Super Mario Effect - Tricking Your Brain into Learning More
TEDx Talks, in English
For before a big test run: why failing while you try is part of learning.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab) - 12
Step 12: Arena challenge
Real tracks are rarely smooth. A crossing, tight bends, and a time limit test how good your line program is. Try it on Ciko’s arena banner too.
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Step 13: From the simulator to the robot
The same block program has a C++ version. Upload it to Ciko, then compare the result with the simulator.
Reached the end of the path?
Add new abilities with an upgrade pack, or meet the next robot.