Finch2 Robot Programming Curriculum
Free Python lessons and activities for the BirdBrain Finch2 robot
| Last updated: February 2026 | Read the creation story → |
📚 Core Lessons
Perfect for introducing students to robotics and Python programming. Start with Lesson 1 and progress through the series.
Lesson 1: Moving the Finch
Topics: setMotors(), basic movement, speed control
Level: Beginner
📥 Download (.docx)
Lesson 2: Turning the Finch
Topics: setTurn(), rotation, navigation
Level: Beginner
📥 Download (.docx)
Lesson 3: Color with the Finch
Topics: setBeak(), RGB colors, tail LEDs
Level: Beginner
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Lesson 4: Sound with the Finch
Topics: playNote(), musical notes, sound effects
Level: Beginner
📥 Download (.docx)
Lesson 5: Temperature Sensor
Topics: getTemperature(), sensors, if/else statements
Level: Intermediate
📥 Download (.docx)
🎯 Bonus Activities
Advanced projects that teach real-world robotics concepts. Great for students who have completed the core lessons.
Activity 1: Obstacle Avoider Robot
Build an autonomous robot that navigates around obstacles using distance sensors.
Skills: getDistance(), while loops, autonomous navigation
Level: Intermediate
📥 Download (.docx)
Activity 2: Light-Seeking Robot
Program the Finch to find and move toward bright light sources.
Skills: getLight(), sensor comparison, proportional control
Level: Intermediate
📥 Download (.docx)
Activity 3: Shake-Controlled Game
Create interactive games that respond to shaking, including Magic 8-Ball.
Skills: isShaking(), getAcceleration(), event detection
Level: Intermediate
📥 Download (.docx)
Activity 4: Button-Controlled Remote
Turn the Finch into a remote-controlled robot using micro:bit buttons.
Skills: getButton(), user input, state management
Level: Intermediate
📥 Download (.docx)
Activity 5: Compass Navigator
Advanced navigation using the built-in compass for GPS-like wayfinding.
Skills: getCompass(), navigation algorithms, real-world applications
Level: Advanced
📥 Download (.docx)
📖 Reference Materials
Finch2 Migration Guide
Side-by-side comparison of old vs. new Finch syntax. Essential for updating existing lessons or understanding library changes.
📥 Download (.docx)
💡 How to Use These Materials
- Start with the core lessons if your students are new to programming or the Finch robot
- Try bonus activities for students ready for more challenging projects
- Check the migration guide if you have older Finch materials to update
- Modify freely - adapt these lessons for your classroom needs
Perfect for:
- K-12 computer science classes
- After-school robotics clubs
- Homeschool STEM curriculum
- Summer coding camps
🤖 About This Curriculum
These materials were created by migrating older Finch lessons to the Finch2 library using AI assistance. The entire process—including creating 5 bonus activities—took less than one hour.
What’s included:
- ✅ Updated Finch2 Python syntax
- ✅ Professional code formatting in gray blocks
- ✅ Progressive difficulty levels
- ✅ Challenge problems for differentiation
- ✅ Real-world applications and examples
Read the full story: How I Used AI to Modernize 30+ Lessons →
⚖️ License
These materials are free for educational use. You may:
- ✅ Use in your classroom
- ✅ Modify for your needs
- ✅ Share with other educators
Please maintain attribution and link back to maker404.com when sharing.