Today we started Coding. We started off by talking about coding and what it is. They told me that software is writing down words in order that tells a computer what to do. Then I taught them a new vocabulary word:
Algorithm: A precise sequence of instructions for processes that can be executed by a computer.
Then I described to them the "Move It Move It" game that we would be playing. The programmer writes a program that tells the computer how to get from the start point (Compass Rose) to the goal (YAY!). They can only use the directions North, South, East and West. Here are a couple of examples:
Before starting the game, we learned a couple of new vocabulary words:
Bug: Part of a program that does not work correctly.
Debugging: Finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program.
We talked about how frustrating it is when something doesn't work the way you planned it. But that it's so common in Coding that they gave it a name and it is considered part of the process. We practiced our Debugging Skills as a group. Here are a couple of examples:
Then we were finally ready to play the "Move It Move It" game. We split up into teams of 3.
The Directions
- Player 1: Choose/Set-up the map to play
- Player 2: Programmer
- Player 3: Computer (or Walking Machine)
The Directions
- Decide who will take each job.
- Player 3 will shut their eyes (or turn away).
- Player 1 will set a grid on the floor made up of the pieces of paper. Initially the start and goal will be flipped up and visible.
- Player 2 will write down the instructions.
- Player 1 will flip the Goal over, so it is not vistble.
- Player 3 will stand on the Start (compass rose) and follow the instructions sequentially. Make sure they are facing in the right direction. When they finish, they will flip over the sheet they are standing on to see if they reached the goal. If it is not the goal, then the team can debug the code.
- If there's time, let everyone rotate positions and go again.