George Boyle
LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 is a robotics kit for kids that includes LEGO bricks, a motor, sensors, and a hub to connect to a computer or tablet. It can be programmed using the dedicated WeDo 2.0 software, but it can also be programmed using Scratch, a popular visual programming language with text elements. Scratch is a fun and easy way to learn robotics and programming, and it offers huge possibilities for creating games and other interactive projects. To get started with programming your LEGO WeDo alligator using Scratch, you'll need to install the Scratch Link app and follow the instructions to connect your WeDo 2.0 smart hub to Scratch. Once connected, you can use Scratch to control the motor and sensors of your alligator, bringing it to life with simple commands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To program robots built from Lego bricks |
| Target Audience | Primary school kids |
| Kit Contents | Lego bricks, one motor, two sensors, and a hub to connect to a computer or tablet |
| Programming Software | Lego Education WeDo 2.0 dedicated software |
| Alternative Software | Scratch programming language |
| Benefits of Scratch | Fun, easy to use, widely loved, and enhances learning |
| Scratch Link | Add-on to connect hardware like Wedo to Scratch |
| Scratch Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux (Ubuntu Linux and Fedora Linux) |
| Lego Wedo Software Price | 89.95 USD (US) or 101.14 EUR (Germany) |
| Lego Wedo Basic Kit | Includes motor, distance sensor, tilt sensor, and Lego pieces |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Installing Scratch Link
To install Scratch Link, you must first ensure your device meets the system requirements. Scratch Link requires macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later, or Windows 10 version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) or later. It is also compatible with ChromeOS and Android via the Scratch App, but not (GNU/)Linux.
Once you have confirmed your device is compatible, you can download Scratch Link directly from the Scratch Website for Mac or Windows. Alternatively, you can install it from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or the App Store (macOS).
After installing Scratch Link, you will need to enable Bluetooth on your device to connect it to Scratch.
If you are using an Android tablet or MacBook, the process is slightly different. You will first need to open the Scratch main page and proceed to the editor. Then, click on the globe icon in the top left corner and select your preferred language. Below the block categories, find and click on the blue "Add an Extension" icon. Finally, select the "LEGO Education WeDo 2.0" extension and install the Scratch Link app on your device.
Japanese Weddings: Western Dances, a New Trend?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Connecting the WeDo smart hub
LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 is a great tool for kids to learn robotics and programming. The kit comes with a variety of LEGO bricks and basic electronic elements, including a motor, sensors, and a smart hub to connect your construction to a computer or tablet.
The WeDo 2.0 smart hub uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect to your device. Here are the steps to connect the WeDo 2.0 smart hub:
- Ensure your computer or tablet is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.
- Open the WeDo 2.0 application and go to the 'Start' menu.
- Select 'Settings' (the gear icon), then 'Devices', and 'Bluetooth'.
- Delete any previously paired WeDo 2.0 smart hubs that are not currently connected by selecting them and clicking 'Remove device'.
- Press the green button on the WeDo 2.0 smart hub.
- Open the Connection window in the WeDo 2.0 application.
- Click on the specific hub to connect.
- Confirm the pairing by clicking the 'Allow' button and then 'Close'.
- If the pairing is successful, the smart hub will be shown as connected in the Connection Center.
If you are using a Windows device, you may need to pair the smart hub in your Windows Settings as well. Go to Bluetooth connections and pair your device with the hub.
It is important to note that due to connection instability, you cannot connect to more than one hub at a time. If you need to connect to another hub, disconnect the currently connected hub and follow the steps again.
Additionally, you can use a smartphone with BLE support to connect to the WeDo 2.0 hub. The hub will likely show up as LPF2 Smart Hub 2 I/O, and you can connect to it using its Bluetooth address.
Mellow Mushroom Wedding Catering: A Fun Food Choice?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using Scratch's code menu extension
Scratch is a visual programming language with text elements, created for educational purposes. It is a widely loved programming language, appreciated by both kids and adult teachers.
To open Scratch, type scratch.mit.edu into your browser. From there, proceed to the editor. Click the globe icon in the top left corner and select your preferred language. Below the block categories, find the blue "Add an Extension" icon and click on it. Next, select the extension named "LEGO Education WeDo 2.0". Install the Scratch Link app on your device.
Note that the default palette of code blocks does not include commands that allow you to control the motor or the sensors from WeDo 2.0. However, when the Lego Wedo USB Hub is connected, the Motion and Sensing areas have extra Lego Wedo Scratch blocks for use with the motors and sensors.
Scratch 3.0 is compatible with LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 and WeDo2.0.
Web Server Functionality: Understanding URL Requests
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing Scratch for programming
To prepare Scratch for programming Lego Wedo 2.0, you first need to ensure you have the right software. Scratch 3.0 is available for free online and can be used on a PC, laptop, or tablet. Scratch 1.4 also has support for Lego Wedo and runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac.
Once you have downloaded Scratch, open the Scratch main page and proceed to the editor. Click the globe icon in the top left corner and select your preferred language. Below the block categories, you will see a blue "Add an Extension" icon. Click on this and select the "LEGO Education WeDo 2.0" extension. You will also need to install the Scratch Link app on your device.
The Scratch Link app is required to connect hardware like Wedo to Scratch. It is recommended to download Scratch Link before importing extensions to avoid errors and warning flags. You can download it directly or via Microsoft.
Now that Scratch is prepared, you can start programming your Lego Wedo creations!
Trending Wedding Flowers: The Most Popular Picks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Building models with LEGO WeDo
The LEGO WeDo models can be programmed using Scratch, a visual programming language with text elements. Scratch is an excellent tool for teaching children the basics of programming, as it allows them to see their creations come to life with simple commands. For example, a program can be created to turn the motor on or off when a sensor detects something.
To get started with Scratch and LEGO WeDo, you need to open Scratch in your browser and go to the editor page. From there, you select your preferred language and prepare the interface by adding the LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 extension. Additionally, you need to install the Scratch Link app on your device.
It's important to note that the LEGO WeDo USB Hub is required to access the extra LEGO WeDo Scratch blocks for the motors and sensors. While the latest version of Scratch is browser-based, older versions are still available and compatible with the LEGO WeDo kit. The basic kit comes with the necessary motor and sensors, as well as LEGO pieces like blocks, cogs, and axles, to build a variety of models.
Overall, building models with LEGO WeDo and programming them using Scratch offers a fun and educational experience for children, helping them develop valuable skills in programming, robotics, and STEM.
Wedding Drapes: How Many Meters to Buy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Scratch is a visual programming language with text elements, created for educational purposes.
You will need a computer or tablet, the Lego WeDo kit, and the Scratch Link app installed on your device.
First, open the Scratch main page and proceed to the editor. Click the globe icon in the top left corner and select your preferred language. Then, find the blue "Add an Extension" icon and click on it. Select the "LEGO Education WeDo 2.0" extension. Finally, install the Scratch Link app on your device.
