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Grades 3–5

Online Farm Robotics PickBot Project

Grades 3–52 hrs 45 minsNGSS aligned

Students program, test, and improve their own farm robot in Qweebi's online Makerspace while learning sequences, algorithms, and loops.

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  • No supplies needed
  • No downloads or installs
  • Ready-to-run lessons
Yellow farm robot navigating a dirt field in Qweebi's online Makerspace

Works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac

Project Snapshot

  • Grade Level

    Grades 3–5

  • Duration

    2 hrs 45 mins

  • Teacher Prep

    Under 30 minutes

  • Career Connection

    Agricultural Robotics Engineer

  • Core Concepts

    Sequences, Algorithms, Loops

  • Standards

    CSTA: 1B-AP-08, 1B-AP-10, 1B-AP-11, 1B-AP-15

How This Project Works in Class

In under 3 hours, students learn how robots help solve real-world farming problems, then use block coding to program, test, improve, and share their own farm robot.

  1. 1

    Meet Farm Robots

    The Hook · 10 min

    Students watch a farm robot clearing rocks, discuss how robots help farmers with difficult and repetitive tasks, and preview the final challenge.

  2. 2

    Learn to Program Robots

    Coding Bootcamp · 75 min

    Students learn what a robot is, use the Sense-Think-Act framework, and practice giving robots clear instructions using sequences, algorithms, and loops.

    Screenshot of a Qweebi coding challenge teaching sequences, algorithms, and loops to program a farm robot
  3. 3

    Program Your Farm Robot

    Final EDP Challenge · 40 min

    Students use the Engineering Design Process to program PickBOT's path across the farm so it can clear rocks from farm patches.

    Screenshot of the farm robot programming interface in Qweebi's online Makerspace
  4. 4

    Improve and Share Your Program

    Reflection · 40 min

    Students refine their robot's code, then create and submit a show-and-tell video where they showcase what they built and reflect on their work.

    Screenshot of a student recording a show-and-tell video of their farm robot code in Qweebi

What Teacher Resources Are Included

Everything you need to prep, launch, and run the Farm Robotics - PickBOT project with confidence.

  • Teacher Slides

    Ready-to-present Google Slides with built-in speaker notes.

  • Student Journals

    Google Docs journals where students record observations, explanations, and reflections.

  • Built-In Qweebi Challenges

    Interactive challenges build science intuition and prepare students for the final design challenge.

  • Step-by-Step Teacher Guide

    A clear guide walks you through how to launch and run your Qweebi project.

What Other Teachers Are Saying

More than 100 teachers have brought the Farm Robotics PickBot project to their classrooms.

  • Real-world coding
    "What I like about this project, more than Code.org, is the real life application. Farm Robotics shows students that robots solve real-world problems and that barriers and dangers need to be taken into account."
    Photo of Allison Hill, STEM Teacher at Bradley School, Connecticut

    Allison Hill

    STEM Teacher

    Bradley School

    Connecticut, USA

  • Good challenge
    "The project has been good and challenging for the kids."

    Johnna Hutchison

    STEM Teacher

    Liberty Creek Middle School

    Tennessee, USA

  • Student persistence
    "My students are loving these lessons — and all the videos that come with the slides! Even though it is challenging, they're still trying to complete the tasks."
    Photo of Kathryn Bedford, teacher at Mount Hope Elementary, Missouri

    Kathryn Bedford

    Teacher

    Mount Hope Elementary

    Missouri, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try the PickBOT project for free?
Yes. When you sign up for Qweebi, you can try 2 projects free, including the PickBOT project, with unlimited classes and students.
What grade levels is this project best for?
PickBOT is designed for grades 3–5. Students learn basic robotics and block coding concepts, then apply them to program a farm robot that solves a real-world challenge.
How long does the project take?
The project takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Most teachers run it across four class periods, depending on their schedule.
Do I need any supplies or kits?
No. Students program, test, and improve their farm robots in Qweebi's online Makerspace, so there are no physical robots, kits, materials, storage, or cleanup.
What devices does it work on?
Qweebi works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers with a web browser and internet connection. Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed.
Do I need a coding or robotics background to teach this project?
No. The project includes ready-to-present teacher slides, student journals, built-in Qweebi challenges, and a step-by-step teacher guide to help you run it with confidence.

Ready to Run the Farm Robotics - PickBOT Project With Your Students?

Try it free with your class — minimal prep, no supplies, and nothing to lose.

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