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
Download (.docx)

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

1. Start with the core lessons if your students are new to programming or the Finch robot
2. Try bonus activities for students ready for more challenging projects
3. Check the migration guide if you have older Finch materials to update
4. 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.