Bot Code

Computer class scenario using the "Bot Code" application

Age group: primary school, grades 1-3

Duration of classes: 45 minutes

Achievements in line with the core curriculum for primary school, grades 1-3:

  • IT education: the student solves tasks, puzzles, and riddles leading to the discovery of algorithms; uses a computer or another digital device and external devices when performing a task; associates the operation of a computer or another digital device with the effects of working with software; cooperates with students, exchanges ideas and experiences with them, using technology.

General objectives:

  • developing analytical skills,
  • shaping spatial orientation,
  • stimulating planning and forecasting skills,
  • developing understanding of code structure and syntax.

Operational objectives, the student:

  • knows what directional arrows mean,
  • plans their actions, checks their effect,
  • can read code created using graphic symbols,
  • knows what repetitions mean,
  • understands the meaning of fields with a function.

Course of classes

  1. Invite students to play "Fly Out". Display on the interactive board or print work cards, on which a fly will be visible on a board with a grid of fields. Create instructions for moving the fly, e.g. the fly goes: left, right, down, up... so that at some point (if the fly was actually moving on the board) it would leave the board. Students, tracking her movements in memory, will notice at what point the fly will leave the board and shout "fly out!". To increase the level of difficulty, you can add additional fields to the board that will move the fly by a selected number of fields.

  2. Launch the "Where to?" application on the selected device.

  3. Ask students on which field the robot will stand if it moves according to the instruction written using arrows at the top of the board. Some fields, on which the robot stands, have specific functions. Explain what will happen to Dot Bot's path when it hits a field with a function:

  4. Each student can solve the task by tracking Dot Bot's route in memory. Print work cards for each student with a grid of fields. Before checking the actual route, all students can indicate the finish, which in their opinion is the correct solution to the task on their work card. The work card can be used multiple times if you use pencils for marking.