Bugs in our Sequence

Prerequisites

• Students must have experience creating a variety of patterns AB/ABC/ABC, etc.

Materials

• Provide an assortment of objects that may be patterned

Introduce students to the coding concept of debugging. Tell them that computer programmers often run into problems when they are working on a program. Show students videos explaining debugging:

(BBC Learning) What are Computer Bugs?

(code.org) Debugging

(Kid Tech Nation) Teaching Coding to Kids

For older students (Grades 2-3:
(CSEdWeek) Debugging with ScratchJr

Tell students that they are going to work in partners to debug patterns.

One student creates a developmentally appropriate pattern using manipulatives (pattern blocks, magnetic letters, buttons, etc.) ensuring to include a “bug” that requires fixing. Once the pattern is complete, the other student inspects the pattern looking for the “bug” in the sequence, once found, they must fix the “bug”.

Success Criterial

I can identify the core of a pattern.
I can identify the changing attribute.
I can identify the rule of a pattern.
I can "debug" areas of my pattern that do not follow the rule.

Assessment Tools

1. Use a rubric designed to meet the curricular needs of your students. This is an example from Good Spirit School Division.
2. Student interviews: What was the bug and how did you fix it? Was there another way?
3. Ask your learners to explain their debugging decisions using an ‘If __, then __’ statement. Tell them this type of statement is how computers make decisions about what steps to take next.

Coding

Check out this code.org relay activity to test your debugging skills.

Note: This activity could be modified for younger students.

English

• Journal prompt/draw a picture: How do you feel when you make a mistake?
• Literacy connection: Check out the ‘Content Corner’ in code.org’s Relay Programming lesson and read Stevie and the Big Project. Also review Tips to Deal with Frustrations & Tips to Deal with Persistence.

Math

Students can come up with ‘bug of the day’ patterns for the class to solve.

Technology & Society (History of Technology)

Explore key figures who overcome challenges (for example, Ada Lovelace).

What are Computer Bugs (BBC Learning)
https://youtu.be/CGPjraqX_ac

Debugging Video (Code.Org)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgaACt4owHc

Kid Tech Nation
https://kidtechnation.ytv.com/videos/what-is-debugging/

Debugging with ScratchJr. (CSEdWeek)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyn-aLaJo64

Mathematics Grade 3 Patterns Rubric (Good Spirit School Division)
https://www.gssd.ca/Programs/cai/gradesataglance/math/Documents/Grade%203%20Patterns%20Assessment%20Rubric.pdf

Code.org - Relay Programming Lesson
https://curriculum.code.org/csf-18/coursed/3/

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons