Coding Punch Cards

Students will:

• Be able to use coding cards as a means to move through various coding lessons of the teacher’s choice.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Algorithm: An algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task.
2. Program: A program is an algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.
3. Debugging: Debugging is finding the problem with the program or code and fixing it.
4. Sequencing: Sequencing is putting steps in the correct order so computers can read the commands or Algorithm.

To prepare for this lesson:

• This is a great tool to use for HOUR OF CODE IN DECEMBER. Students may have some familiarity with coding programs and robots. They may have used similar block coding in other activities. For these activities you can go as basic or as complex as you want to. 
   
• Decide what activities you may want to use for your students based on availability. (Keep in mind you have access to various robots through your REMC or ISD.)
   
• You will create a punch card of activities for the students to rotate through. 

• The idea is to have numerous stations and rotate students through every 15 minutes. Decide the length of time you want to run these activities. Ideally, you could run it one hour a day for a week, or it may be a “Day of Code”. Be as flexible as you like.
   
• There are many OZOBOT, CODE AND GO MOUSE, and DASH lessons in MiTechKids you could incorporate into this. Use the MiTechKids INDEX to search for lessons to incorporate.
   
• Review these two lessons:
  • Binary Bracelet lesson can be found on code.org
  • Unplugged Mazes can also be found on code.org
• This video gives an explanation of how to tape paths on the floor for Dash robots. These paths are a bit sophisticated.  You may want to be a bit more simplistic for time constraints. 
   
• Once you decide your lessons, MAKE  A COPY of the code card and personalize it to your class.
   
• Print the cards on CARDSTOCK.  Some teachers have downloaded the card into an LMS such as SEESAW.
   
• Have a stamp or a hole puncher ready to stamp or punch each station.
   
• You may want a timer to guide students through stations. Here is a timer you can project. 

NOTE: If you have multiple Ozobot/Dash robots and want to have numerous stations, you will need one Dash for each station You will need one iPad or tablet for each station with Blockly for Dash downloaded to your iPad or tablet.

See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students.net site in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher will have the punch card ready for the students with various activities. 
    
2. Stations will be ready for the students with the different robots. 
    
3. The teacher says to students, ”Today you will become programmers. You will have a choice of activities today.  You are the learner and you get to pick where you want to go."
    
4. Instruct them as to how many activities you would like them to complete in the time allotted. 

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• This is the link to the code choice card. Please make a copy to edit. This is also a great way to assess and keep track of work.
• You may also have students complete a reflection based on their activities.