Black Boys Code Chicago - Think Like a Coder: Your First Algorithm

Workshop Overview

Kick off the new technology year with an exciting hands-on LEGO Robotics experience! Students will build on their robotics and coding skills through practical challenges using LEGO SPIKE Prime.

Beginners will strengthen their understanding of sequencing, motors, and programming as they build and code moving robotic machines. Advanced learners will take on more challenging engineering concepts, exploring robot subsystems, gears, decomposition, and real Python programming.

Whether returning from last year or joining the program for the first time, students will have the opportunity to build, code, test, debug, and bring their robotic creations to life.

Beginner Track - Robotics & Sequencing

Students will explore how instructions control robotic systems and learn why the order of commands matters. Through hands-on activities, they will connect motors to the SPIKE Prime Hub, create coding sequences, and build and program a moving robotic machine.

Beginner Track Learning Outcomes

• Identify the main components of a LEGO SPIKE Prime kit.
• Understand sequencing and why the order of coding instructions matters.
• Connect and control motors using the SPIKE Prime Hub.
• Build and run simple programs using coding blocks.
• Test, identify, and fix problems in their programs.

Advanced Track - Engineering Thinking & Python Robotics

Advanced learners will take their robotics skills further through engineering thinking and real Python programming. Students will explore decomposition, robotic subsystems, motors and gears, and learn how Python code can directly control robotic hardware.

Advanced Track Learning Outcomes

• Apply decomposition to break robotic systems into manageable parts.
• Identify and understand key robotic subsystems.
• Explore how motors and gears affect speed, movement, and force.
• Write and run Python code to control robotic hardware.
• Test, debug, and improve their robotic programs.

Materials Provided FREE

All materials required for the workshop will be provided free of charge by our organization, including:

• Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
• LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub and motors
• Student coding worksheets

No equipment is required. Students simply need to come ready to build, code, experiment, and create!

If you’re unsure who your Chapter Leader is, please contact eventsupport@blackboyscode.com to get connected and learn how you can support your local team.