Direction Sequences
Objectives
- Understand what an algorithm is
- Give precise and unambiguous instructions
- Create and debug simple programs
Resources
Recap last week's’ work. What was an algorithm? What sort of instructions were we giving last week? Recap the work on sequencing and direction. Look at an example together on the IWB with 2Go. Get the children to discuss with a partner and predict the route needed by writing the algorithm on their whiteboards (for example, from the purple house to the red house).
Introduce the Beebots - Refresh their memories how a Beebot works. Look at the differences between Beebots and 2Go (turning left and right as opposed to moving left and right)
What does each turn mean to a Beebot? How far is that turn? (90 degrees) Get the children to stand up and practise turning left and right in quarter turns: If I do two turns, which way would I be facing? If I’m facing the windows and turn left three times, which way will I face? etc
Practice with a person getting from A to B past the cones/markers on the carpet. They are only allowed to turn left and right, not side step left and right (ensure they are turning 90 degrees each time) and only move forwards or backwards.
Then, children will work with a partner to build simple walls to form a paths/maze with bricks. Work together to guide the Beebot through the maze (remembering to press clear each time).
When they have completed their first maze, change it’s design (keep it quite simple) and get them record their algorithm on paper/whiteboard before trying it. Just draw out the sequence of instructions, for example:
Then test what they have written down by inputting all the instructions at once. Debug any mistakes and refine their algorithm until perfect for that maze.