Programming with Logo

About this unit:

Introduce the written programming language of Logo. Students program their on-screen robot to move and create drawings using repeat commands and their own procedures.

National Curriculum Links - Computing KS1

The content of this plan cover the following National Curriculum strands:

understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
create and debug simple programs
use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

Curriculum Mapping

Why this? What does it build on?

This unit focuses on algorithms, planning and debugging precise sequences of instructions to control the movement of a screen 'turtle'. It builds on sequencing and sorting activities in Early Years as well as computer science concepts from Year 1 units Action algorithms and Programming direction and the Year 2 unit Programming with Scratch Jr.

What comes next?

This unit supports all of the future computer science learning that the students will experience and should begin to give them an understanding of how computers and other devices can be programmed to produce specific outcomes.

The unit is built upon in Key Stage 2 as they learn about concepts such as sequence, selection, repetition in programs, working with variables and various forms of input and output. Our units Animation with Scratch, Getting started with Kodu, Programming Scratch maze games, Kodu sports, Building retro games - pick a project all support this learning, as do LEGO robotics and Getting started with the BBC micro:bit, while also adding in the ability to control physical devices with code.

View our full curriculum map

Take a look at our full curriculum map to see how units across all year groups, from Year 1 to Year 6 link.

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Unit Resources

Lesson Slides

Detailed lesson slides for you to use when delivering this unit of work with your class

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Unit Assessment Sheet

Use our simple assessment system to measure your students' success in this unit of work.

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Lessons

Lesson 1

To understand that Logo is a programming language
To understand that computers need precise, unambiguous commands
To give simple commands using Logo

Introducing Logo

Lesson 2

To give simple commands using Logo
To decompose a bigger problem into smaller parts

Drawing words

Lesson 3

To give simple commands using Logo
To decompose a bigger problem into smaller parts
To know and use Logo pen up/down and colour commands

Adding colour

Lesson 4

To use repeat commands in Logo to draw regular shapes
Use logical reasoning to predict what a simple program will do

Repeat commands

Lesson 5

To create and understand a Logo procedure
To combine procedures together
To use repeat commands in Logo to draw regular shapes

Procedures

Lesson 6

To look for similarities and differences between two programming languages
To use repeat commands in Scratch to draw shapes and patterns

Progressing to Scratch

Suggested Software

Our planning uses a Logo program found in Purple Mash, from 2Simple. However, Logo is a universal programming language and there are many other programs available that you can use instead.

MSW Logo is a free download and there are also many free online Logo environments like Turtle academy. Some commands may vary slightly but most things work in the same way as described here.

Full Computing Glossary

Take a look at our full computing glossary, plus key vocabulary for each age group.

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Key computing vocabulary for this unit

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.

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)

Edit - To change, add or remove elements in a piece of work (usually to improve it).

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

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.

Procedure - 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.

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

Repetition (Also referred to as a ‘Loop’) – 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.

Save - To store a piece of work in a computer’s memory so that it can be recalled at a later time.

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