Workshop in action

Watch as students work with QUT student ambassadors to graduate from learning the basics of programming to navigating a driverless car.

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Programming with Python

Students will learning the basics of programming logic and decision-making using Python.

Line racing cars

Students will program variables for their line racing car including programming an LED to blink.

Let's race!

Having added a range of inputs and outputs on their robot students can now test their coding skills on the race track.

Python: Cars of the Future

This free downloadable workshop uses Micro:Bit Bit:Bot robots to introduce students to the basics of programming logic and processes, then extends students to navigate a driverless car.

Workshop overview

Year level 8-10
Capacity 16-32 students. If you want to bring more students, email highschool.workshops@qut.edu.au
When School days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Duration Full day
Where QUT Gardens Point, Science and Engineering Centre
Cost

Free (late cancellation fees apply. Refer to terms and conditions.)

Workshop details

In this variation of our most popular Arduino workshop, students are introduced to the Python programming language and the considerations and applications of driverless cars in developing autonomous vehicles for QUT.

This beginner to intermediate level coding workshop introduces students to microcontrollers and their applications in the real world. They get hands on with the Micro:Bit™ Bit:Bot robot to learn about the basics of Python programming logic and process, terminology and formalities, syntax, variables and functions.

Students will learn about the five levels of autonomy, technological advances in autonomous vehicles and how they are used today, and discuss the ethical considerations of putting driverless cars on our roads.

Students are then guided through the decision-making and programming of their own line following robots to navigate a driverless car round a track. Their final challenge is to make improvements to their car and use their entrepreneurial skills to create a pitch to sell their design to QUT.

This workshop is available in Python programming language.

Book this workshop

We are taking bookings for term 1 and 2, 2025.

Book now

Curriculum links

Year 8

Digital Technologies

  • Implement and modify programs with user interfaces involving branching, iteration and functions in a general-purpose programming language (ACTDIP030)
  • Investigate how digital systems represent text, image and audio data in binary (ACTDIK024)

Mathematics

  • Describe events using language of 'at least', exclusive 'or' (A or B but not both), inclusive 'or' (A or B or both) and 'and' (ACMSP205)

Science

  • Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)

Year 9

Digital Technologies

  • Design algorithms represented diagrammatically and in structured English and validate algorithms and programs through tracing and test cases (ACTDIP040)
  • Implement modular programs, applying selected algorithms and data structures including using an object-oriented programming language (ACTDIP041)

Year 10

Digital Technologies

  • Design algorithms represented diagrammatically and in structured English and validate algorithms and programs through tracing and test cases (ACTDIP040)
  • Implement modular programs, applying selected algorithms and data structures including using an object-oriented programming language (ACTDIP041)
  • Evaluate critically how student solutions and existing information systems and policies, take account of future risks and sustainability and provide opportunities for innovation and enterprise (ACTDIP042)

Science

  • Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE192)

Contact us

If you have any questions, comments or feedback about the QUT High School Student Connections program, we'd love to hear from you.

3138 1801