Robot Coding ABC 123

Students will:

• Be able to learn about algorithms.
• Be able to learn about coding and programming
• Begin to understand basic coding using robots.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Computer program: A computer program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to complete a task.

2. Persistence: Persistence is trying again, and again, and again.

3. Algorithm: An algorithm is a list of steps that you can follow to finish a task.

4. Program: A program is an algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.

To prepare for this lesson:

• You will need to purchase either the Code and Go Mouse or Beebot Robots to do these activities.

• Code and Go Mouse

  • Purchase from Learning Resource. Do a search on Code and Go for up-to-date prices. 

  • Purchase the Code & Go Robot set from Walmart or Amazon. 

  • Purchase the second mouse Jack from any of the companies above.

  • Purchase triple A batteries for the mice.

• BEEBOT is more pricey but very durable.   

  • Beebots  

• Watch the tutorials:

  • Introduction to Beebot

  • How to use Coding Mouse Learn About Coding and Programming

• You will need to make six mats made out of posterboard. Draw lines that are 5”X 5” blocks with a marker. Put a letter in each box on the Alphabet mat or numbers on the number mat. You may want to laminate these to use again.

• This site has MANY FREE Reproducible cards, you could use these or think of other cards to use. PRINT OUT three sets of each and cut and laminate if available.

  • ABC printables

  • Numbers 1-10 Printables

  • Worksheets to record their code

• Decide if you want students to work on their own, or if you want them to pair up.  Sometimes if they have not coded before, two heads are better than one.

• Watch the Brain Pop video on computer programming and decide which activities are appropriate for your students to work on. 

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

Directions for this activity:

1. Say to students, “Today, you are going to be computer programmers!”

2. Show the BrainPOP video to introduce coding.

3. Review the vocabulary with them. What is Programming? What is an Algorithm

4. Demonstrate the robot on one of the mats.

5. Each student will pick a card.

   • Start at the letter, “A” or Number “1” on the mat.

   • Students will need to code their robot to go from the start point (A or 1) to the letter or number they chose.

   • Have them record the code on the worksheet provided, then tap the arrows on the robot to code the robot to move to the correct box

6. Use the printable worksheets with the students. 

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• Exit ticket or possible rubric