LEGO Robotics

Abstraction - Removing unnecessary detail to help you solve a problem (a computational thinking concept)

Algorithm – an unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. A set of instructions for achieving a goal or solving a problem.

Block –  a ‘chunk’ of programming or a particular graphic block or piece found in a graphical programming language such as Scratch. Blocks linked together are called a script in Scratch. To find out what a block does, right-click on it, then select help from the pop-up menu.

Blocks Palette  – the library of blocks in most graphical programming languages.

Command – a step or line of programming.

Control – using computers to move or otherwise change ‘physical’ systems. The computer can be hidden inside the system or connected to it.

Debug – to detect and correct the errors in a computer program.

Decomposition - Breaking a problem down into smaller parts (a computational thinking concept)

Execute – to follow a series of instructions. The computer or robot follows the instructions in order to complete the program.

Function - A procedure/function is used in programming to break a complex task down into simple steps or sections. Many different types of programming languages can be used to build a procedure. Depending on the programming language, a procedure may also be called a subroutine, subprogram or function.

Hardware - Any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard, monitor or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts. 

Input – data provided to a computer system, such as via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera or physical sensors. Information which is received by the computer from a keyboard, mouse or sensor e.g. pressing the left mouse button or space bar creates an input.

Logic - Predicting and analysing. Computational logic is used to allow a program to decide what to do and when. For example you may write code that says: “When the user clicks this button, perform this calculation.”

Logical reasoning – a systematic approach to solving problems or deducing information using a set of universally applicable and totally reliable rules.

Output – the information produced by a computer system for its user, typically on a screen, through speakers or on a printer, but possibly though the control of motors in physical systems. Also an action performed by the computer e.g. switching on a light, moving a turtle or sprite across the screen.

Patterns - Spotting and using similarities to solve problems (a computational thinking concept)

Program – (noun)  A sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task on the computer

Program - (verb)  To give a series of instructions to a machine so that it will perform a task automatically

Repetition (also known as  ‘Loop’ or ‘Iteration’) – a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.

Robot - a machine, especially one programmable by a computer, capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. Robots can be guided by an external control device or the control may be embedded within.

Selection – ‘when things happen’ - A programming construct in which the instructions that are executed are determined by whether a particular condition is met.

Sequence – to place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.