Finch Launch Slides
ROBOTICS FLIGHT SCHOOL
Finch Robot 2.0 & FinchBlox
Finch Flight Academy
Master robot hardware, code with FinchBlox Levels 1 & 2, and launch your first Bluetooth autonomous missions.
1. Hardware
Sensors & Motors
2. FinchBlox
Levels 1 & 2 Coding
3. Connect
Pair & Run Code
Part 1: Robot Anatomy
Meet the Finch Robot 2.0
Hardware Guide
micro:bit Brain
The heart of the robot! Contains a 5×5 LED display, A/B buttons, compass, and Bluetooth antenna.
Slot: Top Center
Full-Color Beak
A programmable RGB LED in the front nose that shines in red, green, blue, purple, and custom blends.
Slot: Front Nose LED
Dual Drive Motors
Two independently controlled wheels for precision driving forward, backward, spinning, and curved turns.
Slot: Left & Right Wheels
Extra Hardware: 4 Tail RGB LEDs • Buzzer Speaker • Distance Sensor • Center Pen Hole
Ready to explore!
Part 1: Robot Anatomy
Sensors, Sound & Drawing
Obstacle & Light Sensors
Eyes on the world
The Finch has infrared distance sensors up front to detect walls or obstacles, plus light sensors on both sides to track brightness.
Can prevent crashes & follow light sources!
Center Marker Holder
Robotic Art & Paths
Slot a standard Crayola or dry-erase marker straight through the center hole. As the Finch rolls, it draws exact geometric shapes!
Marker is centered directly between wheel axes!
Pro-Tip: Always place your robot gently on the floor before running movement programs so it doesn't roll off the table!
Part 2: Coding Environment
Meet FinchBlox
Icon-Based Coding
1. Left to Right
FinchBlox executes code horizontally like a musical score. Connect blocks from left to right on the main timeline.
2. The Green Flag
Tap the big Green Play Button to transmit your program wirelessly to the Finch and watch it execute!
3. Level Selector
Switch between Level 1 (simple blocks) and Level 2 (parameters & loops) using the top slider.
RUN
⬆️ Forward
➔
💡 Beak Green
➔
🔄 Turn 90°
Sequential Execution 🚀
Part 2: Coding Environment
FinchBlox Level 1: Basics
Single-Step Commands
Movement
⬆️ Forward: Moves 1 fixed step (~10 cm)
⬇️ Backward: Reverses 1 fixed step
⬅️ ➡️ Turns: Spins exactly 90° Left or Right
Beak Lights
🔴 Primary Colors: Red, Green, Blue
🟣 Secondary Colors: Purple, Yellow, Cyan
⚫ Beak Off: Turns off nose light
Sound / Notes
🎵 Musical Notes: High, Med & Low tones
🐶 Fun SFX: Animal chirps & robot beeps
⏸️ Rest / Pause: Waits 1 count
💡 Level 1 Rule: Every block has preset values — perfect for learning sequence & direction!
Great for Fast Testing!
Part 2: Coding Environment
FinchBlox Level 2: Parameters
Control Sliders & Loops
1. Sliders for Precision
In Level 2, you can adjust distance (1 to 10 steps), turn angles (30°, 45°, 90°, 180°), and speed settings.
[Move Forward ➔ Distance: 5 Steps]
2. Tail Lights & Repeat Loops
Control all 4 individual Tail LEDs with color mixing, plus wrap sequences inside Repeat (Loop) blocks to avoid duplicate code!
[Repeat 4x: Forward 3 + Turn 90° = Square!]
Mission Challenge: To draw a perfect square, write 1 side + 1 turn, then repeat 4 times!
Part 3: Bluetooth Pairing
Connecting to Your Finch
3-Step Pairing
1
Power On Robot
Slide the power switch on Finch. Watch the micro:bit 5×5 screen display its unique 3-letter name pattern (e.g., F-N-C).
Check LED Letters 🔤
2
Open FinchBlox
Launch FinchBlox on your tablet/computer. Tap the Bluetooth Icon in the top menu to open the device scanner list.
Tap Bluetooth Icon 📡
3
Match & Pair
Find your robot's 3-letter name on screen and tap Connect. The icon turns green when your link is active!
Green = Connected ✅
Can't see your bot? Check battery charge or ask your teacher for a reboot!
Fast Wireless Sync
Classroom Flight Safety
Robot Pilot Safety Rules
Floor Test Zones Only
Always place your Finch inside the designated tape flight box on the floor before hitting Run. Never test on desk edges!
Two-Hand Carrying
Carry the Finch with two hands around the main shell. Never pick up the robot by its wheels, beak, or micro:bit!
Assigned Flight Roles
Divide your team into: Pilot (Coder), Navigator (Tracker), and Robot Handler (Spotter). Switch each mission!
Emergency Stop & Power Down
If a robot heads off course, tap the red Stop button in FinchBlox or gently lift the bot by the shell.
Respect the equipment & support your fellow roboticists! 🤝
Ready for Takeoff
Flight Challenge Missions
Challenge Card Time 🏁
MISSION 1
Straight Line & Glow
Drive forward 2 steps, shine beak green, and play a celebratory tone.
Level 1
MISSION 2
The 90° Turnaround
Navigate an L-shape path, turn 90°, and flash the beak red upon arrival.
Level 1
MISSION 3
The Square Patrol
Use a Repeat 4x loop in Level 2 to drive a full geometric square track!
Level 2
MISSION 4
The Disco Rover
Combine custom speeds, all 4 tail lights, and a victory dance sequence!
Level 2 Boss
Grab your Challenge Cards, grab your robot, and let's start coding!
MISSION START!
Finch Challenge Cards
Level 1 Flight Academy Finch Robot 2.0 • FinchBlox
Finch Pilot Challenge Cards
Phase 1: Foundations
Single Steps & Direct Actions
Pilot Name:
Robot Code:
Date:
Mission Protocol: Program in FinchBlox Level 1. Sketch blocks below, test on floor tape, and check off when verified.
4 Missions
MISSION 01 10 Pts
First Flight: Straight & Shine
Code your Finch to roll Forward 2 steps, turn the beak Green, and sound a High Tone.
Code Block Sequence (Sketch or Write):
Test Passed Sign-off: _____
MISSION 02 10 Pts
The Corner Navigator
Drive Forward 1 step, execute a Right 90° Turn, move Forward 1 step, and shine beak Blue.
Code Block Sequence:
Test Passed Sign-off: _____
MISSION 03 15 Pts
The Reversing Shuttle
Shine beak Yellow, move Forward 2 steps, pause, turn beak Red, and reverse Back 2 steps to start line.
Code Block Sequence:
Test Passed Sign-off: _____
MISSION 04 15 Pts
The 360° Spin Salute
How many 90° turns make a full 360° circle? Chain 4 Left Turns, flashing a different color on each turn!
Code Block Sequence:
Test Passed Sign-off: _____
Pilot Quick Check:
What happened when you changed the order of movement and light blocks? Explain in 1 sentence:
Level 2 Flight Academy Parameters, Loops & Tail LEDs
Precision Flight Challenge Cards
Phase 2: Advanced
Sliders, Angles & Repeat Loops
Pilot Name:
Robot Code:
Date:
Advanced Protocol: Switch slider to Level 2 in FinchBlox. Set exact step numbers, angle values, and repeat counts.
4 Missions
MISSION 05 15 Pts
The Square Patrol Loop
Use a Repeat (Loop) block set to 4. Inside, place Forward (3 steps) and Turn Right (90°).