Roamer the Robot! (by Abi Patrick)

Roamer the robot - Valiant Techology

First launched in 1989, Roamer is a development of the Turtle-type-robots originally invented in the late 1960s. The main difference between the two being that Roamer is a computer-free robot, allowing it to be a practical and inexpensive addition to any classroom. Shortly after launch, Roamer become the standard in British schools, as well as being sold in 27 different countries, including America.

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Today, Roamer is used throughout schools worldwide, offering children an enhanced education. Just like the traditional Turtle robot, Roamers’ prime educational model is programming. Assuming that there is a mathematical pattern behind a number of “non-mathematical” subjects, Roamer is able to provide teachers with a concrete problem solving tool capable of providing students with practical ways of understanding key ideas and concepts. This method of teaching is being used throughout the whole curriculum; from reading and spelling to even learning of a foreign language. Roamer provides a platform for teachers to create fun and engaging activities which involve children working together to solve problems, exploring the world around them and thinking creatively, this in turn helps to develop social skills, team building, problem-solving and even how to be a good friend.

If you’d like to meet a Roamer Robot then come along to our Waves of Change event on 2nd July. Our “Getting to the sea” workshop will be dedicated to Roamer! For this session students will make the robot into a “robot fish”, they will then have to program the fish to travel along the river and eventually into the sea. At various points along the way there will be pollution. At each pollution point, students will have to make the fish either speed up or slow down - a decision which they must make themselves depending on the information provided for that point. Along route, there will also be opportunities for the children to help clean up the river. The aim of this exercise is to help bring children together and discuss the effects of pollution and how they can help prevent these causes - Book your tickets here!

We hope to see you there!

Find out more about Roamer here. http://www.valiant-technology.com/uk/pages/roamer_home.php

Valiant Technology

Roamer: Discovery at every turn: Roamer is a remarkable educational robot. It is a tool through which students can explore and understand the world around them.