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Do The Robot

By Melissa Sariffodeen 15 minutes
Level
For Everyone
Subjects
English Language Arts,
Mathematics,
Physical Education
components
  • Programming
  • Technology and Society
Tools & Languages
Unplugged

Key Coding Concepts

  • Algorithms
  • Sequences

Terminology

Algorithms

A step-by-step set of operations to be performed to help solve a problem

 

Sequences

Identifying a series of steps for a task. Computers and Scratch read and perform commands in order from top to bottom

A basic "unplugged" challenge to get learners thinking about simple instructions and sequences, or in coding terms, creating algorithms.

Sample activities for the pairs to complete (i.e. tying a shoe, opening a door, doing the macarena)

  1. In groups of two, assign one learner to be the programmer and one to be the robot.
  2. Assign each pair an activity like tying a shoe or opening a door. These activities could be pulled from a hat, assigned, or chosen by the learners
  3. Ask the programmer to explain to their partner (the robot) how to perform the steps needed to complete their activity using words only!
  4. Switch pairs
  5. Writing/Journal: After the activity, discuss the importance of simple, clear instructions and sequences. Have learners write a reflection about their findings in this activity and the importance of communicating clearly when programming a computer or robot. Consider the following questions:
    • Which was harder being the programmer or the robot?
    • Were there any ways they simplified their algorithms?

Learning Outcomes

We used simple, clear instructions to perform a task.
We created an algorithm (a step-by-step set of operations to be performed to help solve a problem).
We learned the importance of sequence in coding - computers read and perform commands in order from top to bottom (order matters!).

Have learners perform their coding sequence in front of the class. Have the class guess what the pair may have missed as they were explaining the steps.

Tech/Society: Discuss how computers and robots help us in society. Make a list of learner-generated ideas on chart paper of how computers and robots are used in society. Show learners the Boston Dynamics video about the Spot Robot.

Note: Younger learners can watch the SciShow Kids show on Real-Life Robots instead of the Spot video.

After the video, have learners discuss the usefulness of Spot and the future of robotics.

Boston Dynamics - With You, Spot Can
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRm7oRCTkjE&feature=youtu.be

SciShow Kids - Real-Life Robots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wHJjLMnikU&feature=youtu.be

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

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