Scratch Writers (Writing Letters with Thymio's Pen Holder)

User solution for: Scratch Writers (Writing Letters with Thymio's Pen Holder) (Lesson Plans)

Mind Mission Card 38

Submitted by: Jeremy (Teacher)

Solution video:

Programming Skills: 3 - Scratch (advanced block)

Lesson description:

This lesson combines robotics, programming, and hands-on learning:

Use Thymio to draw letters and words on paper.
Control movement using Scratch and keyboard input.
Learn timing and motion by programming shapes like circles and lines.
Advanced: Program multiple letters to form simple words.
Advanced: Adjust speed and timing to improve writing accuracy.

Solution Notes:

Scratch Writers Lesson Key Concepts

Use Thymio and Scratch to bring coding into the real world by writing letters and words! This lesson focuses on movement, timing, and understanding how code controls physical actions:

Program Thymio to draw letters on paper using Scratch.
Use timers and motor control to create shapes and curves.
Connect keyboard inputs to trigger different letter movements.
Advanced: Combine letters to write simple words.
Advanced: Adjust speed and timing to improve accuracy and neatness.

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will:

Program Thymio to draw a basic letter (like “O”).
Use timers to control how long motors run.
Trigger actions using keyboard inputs.
Expand their program to draw multiple letters and words.

By the end of this lesson, students will understand how coding can control real-world movement and create physical output.

Important Notes:

Small timing changes can greatly affect the shape. Test and adjust carefully.

Tips for this Lesson:

Start with simple shapes before writing full letters.
Test motor speeds to get smoother curves.
Keep your paper and pen stable for better results.
Adjust timing step by step for cleaner writing.

Products/Materials

The following products and resources can be used in this lesson:

Thymio II Robot

Scratch

Paper

Marker or Pen

Keyboard

FUN FACT!

Did you know that robots in factories use similar programming to draw, cut, and write with high precision? Your Thymio is doing a mini version of real industrial robotics!