Needham Community Education

Students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of programming using Python, a versatile and widely-used programming language. This class is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of programming through hands-on experience with Finch robots, programmable devices that offer a tangible way to interact with code. Students will work through a series of challenges and robot competitions as they learn how to code. Course Objectives Include: Introduction to Python: Students will learn the basic syntax and structure of the Python programming language, including variables, data types, loops, and conditional statements. Robotics Fundamentals: Students will gain an understanding of robotics concepts such as sensors, actuators, and control systems, as well as the role of programming in robotics. Programming Logic: Through practical exercises and projects, students will develop problem-solving skills and learn to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. Hands-on Experience: Using Finch robots, students will apply their programming knowledge to real-world scenarios, engaging in activities that involve movement, sensing, and interaction with the environment. Creative Expression: Students will have opportunities to unleash their creativity by designing and implementing their own programs, experimenting with different behaviors and functionalities for the robots. Note: the robots are already built, this course focuses on programming and controlling a robot, not building a robot.

If you enjoy Magic The Gathering and/or Yahtzee, you will LOVE Dice Throne, which combines the best of both games into one. Dice Throne is an action-packed dice and card game combo where you choose a hero, shuffle their deck, upgrade your abilities, roll some dice, play some cards, and maybe even activate your Ultimate Ability. Once you've mastered the basics of Dice Throne, join up with your buddies and take on Dice Throne Adventures, a cooperative campaign-style board game that uses the basic rules of Dice Throne, but requires you and your teammates to work together against the game itself. Adding elements of Dungeons and Dragons into the game, your team will crawl through several dungeons fighting minions and finding loot along the way. Eventually, your team will find the Boss Portal, fight other Fallen Heroes, and even the Mad King himself. Does your team have what it takes? Only by working together and playing as a team will you be able to defeat the Mad King and find out. Click here to view a brief video showcasing the exciting world of Dice Throne Adventures!